I had only planned to drop off a casserole at my friend Tanya’s place—she had just returned from a week-long work trip and hadn’t cooked in days. But then she waved me in with that familiar “I made something weird, you have to try it” grin that always meant something good was about to happen in her kitchen.
There was no smell of cinnamon or sugar in the air. No bubbling fruit in a cast iron skillet. Just a plastic-wrapped glass dish sitting in the fridge. “Lazy Man’s Pie Peach Cobbler,” she said with a shrug, pouring sweet tea into mismatched glasses. “It’s cold. It’s pudding. And it took me less than 15 minutes.”
Skeptical? Absolutely. But the moment she slid that first slice onto my plate—velvety pudding, juicy peaches glistening like stained glass, and a soft cobbler base that hugged the fruit—I knew this was going to be a repeat recipe. We ate it sitting on her porch swing, chasing every spoonful with laughter and peach-syrup stories. By the time I got home, I had texted her for the recipe and already set out my butter to soften.
This dessert isn’t flashy. It’s not trying to win best in show. But it’s cool, creamy, rich in flavor, and so effortless it practically makes itself.
Short Description
A no-fuss peach cobbler made with buttery batter, creamy pudding, and sweetened fruit—this chilled Lazy Man’s Pie is perfect for potlucks, porch hangs, or anytime you need a comforting dessert without turning on the oven.
Key Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter or margarine (½ cup), melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Dash of salt
- 1 quart sweetened fruit (e.g., canned peaches, drained with 2 tbsp syrup reserved)
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 tbsp reserved peach syrup
Tools Needed
- 9×13 baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula or spoon
- Can opener
- Knife (if peaches need to be halved)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Plastic wrap or lid for chilling
Cooking Instructions
Step 1: Drain the Peaches
Open the can of sweetened peaches and pour the syrup into a bowl—set aside 2 tablespoons of this syrup for later. If the peach slices are large, cut them in half. No need to cook them, just drain well.
Step 2: Make the Pudding Layer
In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the reserved 2 tablespoons of peach syrup to infuse the pudding with extra fruity flavor.
Step 3: Prepare the Cobbler Batter
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Then stir in the melted butter until smooth. The mixture will be pourable but not runny.
Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler
Pour the cobbler batter evenly into a greased 9×13 dish. Carefully spoon the vanilla pudding on top of the batter and spread it evenly with a spatula. Arrange the sliced peaches over the pudding layer, distributing them evenly for a colorful, fruity top.
Step 5: Chill and Set
Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight chilling will yield the best texture. The layers will settle and firm up beautifully.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, add a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or cinnamon. The contrast in texture elevates every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
– Quick and simple—no oven or stove required
– Great make-ahead dessert for busy days
– Cool and creamy for warm-weather gatherings
– Light enough to pair with any meal
– Customizable with different fruits
– Comforting, familiar flavors with a pudding twist
Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions
1. Using too much syrup
Excess syrup can make the layers runny and soggy. Always drain the fruit well and only use the recommended 2 tablespoons of syrup.
2. Skipping the chilling time
This dessert must set in the fridge. Cutting it too early will result in a runny, unstable mess. Patience pays off.
3. Overmixing the pudding
Whisk just until thickened (about 2 minutes). Over-whisking can make the pudding break down or become too stiff.
4. Not greasing the dish
Even though it’s not baked, the butter-based batter can stick to the sides of the dish. Lightly grease the pan for easy serving.
5. Uneven layering
Spread each layer gently and evenly. If the pudding layer is too thick in spots, it can overpower the cobbler base.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
– Serve cold with a swirl of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon or crushed graham crackers.
– Try a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for extra indulgence.
– Serve family-style straight from the dish, or plate individual servings for a cleaner presentation.
– Perfect for summer BBQs, brunch spreads, or a chilled treat after spicy meals.
– Pair with iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a chilled dessert wine.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Refrigeration: Cover tightly and store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Not recommended, as the pudding may separate when thawed.
Reheating: Best enjoyed cold, but if you prefer a warm dessert, microwave a portion for 10–15 seconds (note: texture will soften).
Transporting: Chill in a lidded dish and keep in a cooler bag if taking to a potluck or picnic.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh or frozen peaches instead of canned?
Yes! Just be sure to sweeten them with a bit of sugar and let them sit for 10–15 minutes to create syrup. Drain before using.
2. Do I have to use vanilla pudding?
Not at all. Butterscotch or white chocolate pudding work beautifully, especially with cherries or blackberries.
3. What if I only have cooked pudding mix?
You’ll need to cook it first according to the package, then let it cool fully before layering it into the cobbler.
4. Can this be made dairy-free?
Yes—use plant-based butter, almond or oat milk, and dairy-free instant pudding. Be sure the pudding brand specifies it’s vegan.
5. How far in advance can I make this?
Make it the night before for best flavor and texture. It holds well for up to 2 days when stored properly in the fridge.
Tips & Tricks
– Use a glass dish for easy presentation—the layers look great through the sides.
– Chill your mixing bowl and whisk for 10 minutes before making pudding—it sets quicker.
– Want a brighter flavor? Add a few drops of lemon juice to the pudding mix.
– For a crunchier topping, sprinkle toasted chopped pecans or slivered almonds before serving.
– A few mint leaves add freshness and color when serving guests.
Recipe Variations
1. Berry Cobbler Delight
– Use 1 quart of sweetened blackberries or blueberries instead of peaches.
– Add 1/2 tsp lemon zest to the pudding mix.
– Top with a sprinkle of crushed vanilla wafers for a different texture.
2. Tropical Cream Cobbler
– Replace peaches with canned pineapple chunks and mandarin oranges.
– Use coconut pudding mix instead of vanilla.
– Garnish with toasted coconut flakes before serving.
3. Chocolate Cherry Cobbler
– Swap peaches for sweetened canned cherries.
– Use chocolate pudding mix in place of vanilla.
– Add a drizzle of chocolate syrup just before serving for a rich twist.
Final Thoughts
Every now and then, a recipe sneaks into your life in the most unexpected way. Lazy Man’s Pie Peach Cobbler didn’t ask for attention—it simply showed up, chilled and unbothered, and became a quiet favorite. It’s a dessert that surprises people—not because of complexity, but because of how satisfying it is for something so simple. I’ve now made it for brunches, book clubs, and late-night fridge raids, and it always delivers that sweet, creamy comfort. If you’re new to baking or simply pressed for time, this cobbler lets you feel like a dessert hero with zero stress.
It’s become one of those recipes I keep in my back pocket—reliable, versatile, and a guaranteed hit with any crowd. And who knows? Maybe you’ll be the one pulling it out of the fridge next time a friend drops by unannounced.
Lazy Man's Pie Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
- 1 stick unsalted butter or margarine ½ cup, melted
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Dash of salt
- 1 quart sweetened fruit e.g., canned peaches, drained with 2 tbsp syrup reserved
- 1 3.4 oz box instant vanilla pudding mix
- 2 tbsp reserved peach syrup
Instructions
- Open the can of sweetened peaches and pour the syrup into a bowl—set aside 2 tablespoons of this syrup for later. If the peach slices are large, cut them in half. No need to cook them, just drain well.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the instant vanilla pudding mix and milk. Whisk for about 2 minutes until it thickens. Stir in the reserved 2 tablespoons of peach syrup to infuse the pudding with extra fruity flavor.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Then stir in the melted butter until smooth. The mixture will be pourable but not runny.
- Pour the cobbler batter evenly into a greased 9x13 dish. Carefully spoon the vanilla pudding on top of the batter and spread it evenly with a spatula. Arrange the sliced peaches over the pudding layer, distributing them evenly for a colorful, fruity top.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. Overnight chilling will yield the best texture. The layers will settle and firm up beautifully.
- Just before serving, add a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers or cinnamon. The contrast in texture elevates every bite.
