There’s nothing quite like the soothing scent of bourbon peach cobbler wafting through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table. I discovered this delightful recipe on a sunny afternoon while my fruit basket overflowed with ripe, juicy peaches, just begging to be transformed into something extraordinary. With a hint of bourbon bringing warmth and depth to the sweet fruit, each scoop of this cobbler is like a cozy hug on a plate.
Whether you’re looking to impress guests at a gathering or simply savor a comforting dessert after dinner, this bourbon peach cobbler checks all the boxes: it’s surprisingly easy to whip up, delivers an explosion of flavors, and has that impressive homemade touch. Best of all, it makes the perfect centerpiece for warm summer evenings or rainy afternoons. So, roll up your sleeves and let’s dive into creating this irresistible treat that will make your taste buds dance!
Why will you love this Bourbon Peach Cobbler?
Deliciously Unique: Infusing bourbon elevates traditional cobbler to a flavor explosion that will leave your guests talking!
Simplicity: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is quick to master, making it perfect for any skill level.
Summer Delight: Ripe peaches combine with buttery dough for a dessert that screams warm weather enjoyment.
Crowd-Pleasing: It’s a surefire hit for gatherings, ensuring smiles all around with every comforting bite.
Versatile Choice: Enjoy warm with ice cream or bring to potlucks—the perfect dessert for every occasion!
Bourbon Peach Cobbler Ingredients
For the Filling
• Peaches – About 6 to 8 cups peeled and sliced bring a fresh, juicy flavor to your cobbler.
• Bourbon – 1/4 cup adds a rich depth that enhances the sweetness of the peaches.
• Sugar – 3/4 cup, divided, is used for sweetening the filling and for a delightful dusting on top.
• Cornstarch – 2 tablespoons thicken the filling, making sure it’s not too runny.
• Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon adds a warm, spicy note that beautifully complements the sweetness of the peaches.
For the Dough
• All-purpose flour – 1 1/2 cups, sifted, forms the base of your cobbler’s buttery topping.
• Baking powder – 2 teaspoons helps the dough rise, resulting in a fluffy texture.
• Kosher salt – 1/2 teaspoon balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Unsalted butter – 2 sticks, cold; the colder the butter, the flakier the topping!
• Heavy cream – 3/4 cup, plus more for brushing, creates a rich and golden crust as it bakes.
This Bourbon Peach Cobbler is a delightful treat that’s straightforward to make while promising a deliciously memorable outcome!
How to Make Bourbon Peach Cobbler
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures your cobbler bakes evenly and becomes golden brown. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, add the peeled and sliced peaches, bourbon, 1/4 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix well to coat the peaches evenly and set aside for a moment to let those flavors meld.
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Combine the dry ingredients! In a food processor, add the sifted flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut 1 1/2 sticks of cold butter into small pieces and add them to the mixture. Pulse until it resembles wet sand, achieving that perfect crumbly texture.
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Mix in the cream. Pour in the heavy cream and mix just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overwork it; the dough should remain slightly sticky but manageable. This will ensure a tender topping when baked.
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Melt the remaining butter in a 10-inch (25cm) cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat. Once melted, add the peach mixture and cook gently for about 5 minutes until heated through. You can either transfer this mixture to a baking dish or keep it in the skillet for a rustic presentation.
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Drop the dough! Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the dough over the warm peaches. It’s totally fine if there are gaps; the dough will puff up and spread out beautifully while it bakes.
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Brush the top with heavy cream and sprinkle with sugar for that sweet, caramelized crust. Place your skillet (or baking dish) on a baking sheet to catch any drips, then bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the fruit is bubbling invitingly.
Optional: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra indulgence!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Bourbon Peach Cobbler
- Choose Ripe Peaches: Selecting juicy, ripe peaches ensures the best flavor. Avoid overly soft or unripe peaches for your filling to make your cobbler a hit!
- Don’t Overwork Dough: Mix just until combined to keep the topping tender. Overworking the dough can lead to a tough cobbler topping, so be gentle!
- Check Oven Temperature: Ovens can vary, so confirm your oven is accurately preheated to 375°F to guarantee your cobbler bakes evenly and turns golden brown.
- Use Cold Butter: Keeping your butter cold until mixing helps create a flaky texture. This is essential for a delightful topping on your bourbon peach cobbler!
- Serve Warm: For the ultimate experience, serve the cobbler warm. A scoop of vanilla ice cream adds a creamy, delicious contrast that makes each bite unforgettable!
Bourbon Peach Cobbler Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your cobbler; the possibilities are endless!
- Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for a delightful alternative.
- Vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of heavy cream for a dairy-free twist.
- Nutty Crust: Add 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the dough for an irresistible crunchy texture.
- Spiced Up: Enhance flavor by adding nutmeg or ginger to the filling for a warm, aromatic kick.
- Juicy Berries: Mix in 1-2 cups of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries with the peaches for a burst of color and flavor.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Swirl in a mixture of cinnamon and sugar into the dough for a sweet surprise in every bite.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle caramel sauce over the hot cobbler while it bakes for an extra layer of indulgence.
- Heat it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the peach filling for a surprising spicy finish.
How to Store and Freeze Bourbon Peach Cobbler
Room Temperature: Allow the bourbon peach cobbler to cool completely before storing it at room temperature. It can safely sit out for up to 2 days, covered with a clean kitchen towel or foil.
Fridge: To keep your cobbler fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy your bourbon peach cobbler later, freeze it! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to 3 months.
Reheating: For best results, thaw the cobbler in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes, or until heated thoroughly and the topping is crispy.
What to Serve with Bourbon Peach Cobbler?
There’s nothing quite like the warmth of homemade desserts inviting you to a delightful gathering around your dining table.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream provides a refreshing contrast to the warm cobbler, making each bite heavenly.
- Sweetened Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it adds a touch of elegance and balances the sweetness of the peaches beautifully.
- Savory Roasted Chicken: The savory flavors of roasted chicken interact well with the sweetness of the cobbler, creating a well-rounded meal.
- Chilled White Wine: A crisp Chardonnay or Riesling complements the peach flavors and bourbon notes, offering a delightful pairing for adults.
- Bourbon Maple Glazed Carrots: These caramelized veggies mirror the bourbon in the cobbler, enhancing the overall dining experience with their rich flavors.
- Garden Salad: A refreshing mix of greens with a light vinaigrette cleanses the palate and adds a fresh crunch to your dessert spread.
- Ginger Snap Cookies: These spiced cookies offer a crunchy contrast to the softness of the cobbler, bringing exciting flavors to the table.
- Mint Tea: Serve a steaming cup of mint tea alongside the cobbler for a soothing finish that enhances the fruitiness of the dessert.
Make Ahead Options
These Bourbon Peach Cobbler ingredients are perfect for meal prep, making life easier for busy home cooks! You can prepare the peach filling (peaches, bourbon, sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon) and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance. The dough can also be made ahead of time; simply prepare it, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours to ensure the butter stays cold for a flaky texture. When you’re ready to bake, warm the peach mixture in a skillet, dollop the dough on top, brush with cream, and bake as directed for a delightful dessert that’s just as delicious as when made fresh!
Bourbon Peach Cobbler Recipe FAQs
What type of peaches should I use for the filling?
Absolutely! Choose ripe peaches that are firm yet slightly soft to the touch, which ensures they’ll be juicy and flavorful. Avoid peaches with dark spots all over, as they may be overripe and lead to a mushy filling. Freestone peaches are ideal because they are easier to slice and pit cleanly.
How should I store leftover bourbon peach cobbler?
To keep your bourbon peach cobbler fresh, allow it to cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. If storing at room temperature, it can sit out for up to 2 days covered with a clean kitchen towel or foil. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Can I freeze bourbon peach cobbler? What’s the best way?
Yes, you can! To freeze your bourbon peach cobbler, make sure it has cooled completely. Wrap the cobbler tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the fridge overnight, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 25 minutes until heated thoroughly and the topping is crispy.
Why is my cobbler topping dense and not fluffy?
Very good question! A dense topping is often due to overworking the dough, which can make it tough. Be sure to mix just until the ingredients are combined and avoid handling it too much. Additionally, ensure your baking powder is fresh, as this helps the dough rise and creates that airy, fluffy texture.
Can I substitute any ingredients based on dietary restrictions?
Definitely! If you need to make the recipe gluten-free, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend instead of regular flour. For a dairy-free option, try substituting the unsalted butter with coconut oil and using a plant-based heavy cream. Always remember to consider any personal allergies when selecting your ingredients!
Bourbon Peach Cobbler That Will Steal Your Heart
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, add the peeled and sliced peaches, bourbon, 1/4 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Mix well and set aside.
- In a food processor, add the sifted flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut 1 1/2 sticks of cold butter into small pieces and pulse until it resembles wet sand.
- Pour in the heavy cream and mix just until the dough comes together; avoid overworking it.
- Melt the remaining butter in a cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, add the peach mixture and cook for about 5 minutes until heated through.
- Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the warm peaches and brush the top with heavy cream, sprinkling with sugar.
- Place your skillet on a baking sheet and bake for 40 to 45 minutes until golden brown.