This Southern Skillet Peach Cobbler is everything I love about summertime in the South. Sweet, juicy peaches are simmered with warm spices, then baked beneath a buttery golden cornmeal cobbler topping in a cast-iron skillet. It's rustic, simple, and downright irresistible served warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into every nook and cranny.
Growing up in Mississippi, peach cobbler was a summertime staple at family cookouts and Sunday suppers. There was always a big ol' pan sitting on the dessert table, and somehow it disappeared before anything else. This version combines the classic flavors of old-fashioned Southern peach cobbler with a crisp, buttery crust that bakes up beautifully in a cast iron skillet.
For more classic Southern desserts, check out our Old Fashioned Banana Pudding and Old Fashioned Southern Tea Cake recipes next!
Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Made with fresh peaches and simple pantry ingredients.
- No need to peel the peaches, making prep quick and easy.
- The cast iron skillet creates perfectly crisp edges.
- Cornmeal in the crust adds Southern flavor and texture.
- Perfect for summer, cookouts, family gatherings, and Sunday suppers!
Ingredients and Substitutions
Peach Filling
- Fresh peaches. About 5 to 6 small peaches, sliced. No need to peel them. Fresh peaches provide the best flavor, but frozen peaches may be substituted.
- Brown sugar. Light or dark brown sugar adds rich sweetness and caramel notes. Granulated sugar also works
- Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. These warm spices complement the peaches beautifully without overpowering them.
- Unsalted butter. Melted in the skillet to create a signature buttery cobbler crust.
Cobbler Crust
- Granulated sugar. Sweetens the batter.
- All-purpose flour. Provides structure for the crust.
- Cornmeal. Adds a subtle Southern touch and creates a delicious texture. Use finely ground yellow cornmeal for the best results.
- Baking powder. Helps the crust rise and become light and tender.
- Salt. Balances the sweetness.
- Buttermilk. Adds richness and a subtle tang. ¾ cup whole milk may be substituted.
- Vanilla extract. Enhances the flavor of the crust.
- Cinnamon sugar. Sprinkled on top for extra sweetness and a beautiful golden finish.
How To Make Southern Skillet Peach Cobbler
Step 1. Add the peaches, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat for about five minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften slightly and release their juices.
Step 2. Place the sliced butter in a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and transfer it to a 350°F oven while it preheats. Allow the butter to melt completely.
Step 1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the buttermilk and vanilla extract and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 2. Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and pour the batter directly over the melted butter. Spoon the peaches and their juices evenly over the batter. Sprinkle generously with cinnamon sugar. Bake the cobbler for 40 to 50 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbling.
Variations
- Add berries. Mix in fresh blueberries or blackberries with the peaches for a delicious summer twist.
- Use different fruit. This cobbler works beautifully with nectarines, plums, or a combination of stone fruits.
- Add extra crunch. Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top before baking.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
- Make-ahead: The peach filling can be prepared up to one day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until ready to assemble.
- Storage: Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual servings in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat larger portions in a 300°F oven until warmed through.
Ashley's Tips for Success
- Use ripe but slightly firm peaches for the best texture.
- Don't skip preheating the butter in the skillet. This helps create those delicious crispy edges.
- Resist the urge to stir the batter and fruit together in the skillet.
- Place a baking sheet lined with foil on the rack beneath the cobbler to catch any bubble-over while baking.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate Southern dessert experience!
Frequently Asked Questions
No! The peach skins soften during baking and add beautiful color and texture.
Yes. Thaw and drain them first to prevent excess liquid in the cobbler.
Cornmeal adds a subtle Southern flavor and creates a slightly crisp texture that pairs perfectly with sweet peaches.
Absolutely. A 9x13-inch baking dish works well, although you won't quite get the same crispy edges.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this peach cobbler with:
- Vanilla ice cream (a must!)
- Fresh whipped cream
- Grilled barbecue chicken
- Southern baked beans
- Southern fried catfish
- Peach sweet tea
Table Talk
One of my favorite things about peach cobbler is how it brings people together. Everyone gathers in the kitchen for a warm scoop of Southern nostalgia, eager for a little extra time around the table. I love watching the kids laugh and run around with little ice cream mustaches, making memories they probably don't even realize they will cherish one day.
Sweet summer moments like these remind me of how God calls us to find joy in the beautiful lives we've built through surrender to Him. It's easy to miss the goodness of the present when we're constantly focused on what's next, but some of life's greatest blessings are found in the ordinary moments right in front of us.
So let the dishes pile up. Worry about cleaning the floors later. Sit down for a few extra minutes, savor that second scoop of cobbler, and soak in the beauty of being together. These are the moments that fill our hearts and become the memories we carry for years to come.
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.
Matthew 18:20
More Southern Desserts You Will Love!
If you tried this Southern Skillet Peach Cobbler recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
📖 Recipe
Southern Skillet Peach Cobbler
Ingredients
Peach Filling
- 5 cups sliced peaches - about 5-6 small peaches, no need to remove peels
- ¾ cup light brown sugar - or dark brown or granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter - 1 stick, sliced
Cobbler Crust
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ⅔ cup all-purpose flour
- ⅓ cup cornmeal - see notes
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk - or ¾ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Cinnamon sugar - for dusting
Instructions
- Add the peaches, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to a medium saucepan. Heat the ingredients over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the peaches soften slightly and release their juices.
- Place the butter in a 12-inch cast iron skillet and melt it in the skillet to the oven while it preheats to 350°F.
- Meanwhile, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until combined. Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla extract and mix until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
- Carefully remove the hot skillet from the oven and pour the batter into the skillet. Spoon the peaches and their juices evenly over the batter. Sprinkle the cobbler with cinnamon and sugar and bake for 40 to 50 minutes until golden brown on top and bubbling around the edges.
- Serve skillet peach cobbler warm with scoops of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!
Notes
- Choose ripe peaches that are a bit firm but give a little when gently squeezed. Very hard peaches are not quite ripe and need to sit out on the counter for a couple of days, while very soft and mushy peaches are past their prime.
- I recommend either yellow or white fine stone-ground cornmeal. You may also omit the cornmeal and make the crust using only flour.
- If you do not have a cast iron skillet, this cobbler can be baked in a 9 x 13" baking dish.
- If substituting frozen peaches, be sure to thaw them completely and drain any extra liquid.
- Leftover skillet peach cobbler can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Ang Loeppky
Can I used canned peaches for this? Thanks.
Ashley Boyd
You may use two 15-ounce cans of peaches instead of the fresh peaches. Eliminate the brown sugar and skip cooking the peaches in the saucepan. Stir them with the cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, and proceed with the recipe. Happy baking!
Heather
This is so delicious! It was easy to make and my family loved it. It is definitely my favourite summer dessert!
Ashley Boyd
I'm so happy your family loved the peach cobbler recipe, Heather! Thank you for giving it a try and for the kind comment.