If summer had a flavor, it would most definitely taste like Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream. Imagine juicy, sun-kissed peaches bubbling beneath a soft, golden crust, served hot from the oven and topped with a cold, creamy scoop of vanilla. This dessert brings together the perfect harmony of warm fruit, buttery topping, and cooling ice cream, creating a combination that captures the sweet nostalgia of childhood and family gatherings. The best part? You don’t need to be a professional baker to bring this dreamy dish to life—just a handful of staple ingredients and a craving for something truly special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream relies on simple, everyday ingredients that each play a vital role in building flavor and texture. From fresh peaches that lend natural juiciness, to a touch of warm spice and that essential scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, every element truly counts here.
- Fresh peaches (6, peeled, pitted, and sliced): The heart of this cobbler, ripe peaches provide luscious fruit flavor and gorgeous color.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup plus 2 tablespoons, divided): Lends sweetness and encourages juicy syrup from the peaches, with a sprinkle for a crackly topping.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Adds a caramel-like depth that enhances the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Lemon juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens up the peaches and balances their sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Offers cozy spice that makes the cobbler irresistible.
- Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Brings subtle warmth and complexity to the mix.
- All-purpose flour (1 cup): Forms the sturdy-yet-tender base for the golden crust.
- Baking powder (1½ teaspoons): Ensures the crust puffs up soft and airy as it bakes.
- Salt (¼ teaspoon): Balances flavors and intensifies the sweetness of the peaches.
- Milk (1 cup): Combines with the dry ingredients for a pourable, fluffy batter.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted): Adds rich flavor and forms that prized, crispy-edged crust.
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving): The cool creaminess that completes and elevates every warm bite.
How to Make Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is crucial for guaranteeing that the cobbler bakes evenly and the crust develops a beautiful golden color. While the oven heats, grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and have it ready for the melted butter and batter to come.
Step 2: Macerate the Peaches
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced peaches, ½ cup of the granulated sugar, all of the brown sugar, the lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well so the sugar and spices fully coat the fruit. Set aside and let the mixture sit for 10–15 minutes—this will coax out the peaches’ sweet juices and create a syrupy base that will bubble up deliciously while baking.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the milk and stir until just combined; over-mixing can lead to a tough topping, so keep it gentle. You should have a smooth, pourable batter ready for the next layer.
Step 4: Build the Cobbler
Pour the melted butter into your prepared baking dish, tilting the dish if needed so the butter coats the entire bottom. Next, pour the batter evenly over the melted butter without stirring—they’ll swap places as it bakes, creating the signature layered effect. Then, spoon the peach mixture (and all its precious juice) evenly over the batter. Again, don’t mix! The magic happens in the oven, where the batter will rise around the peaches.
Step 5: Add the Finishing Touch
Sprinkle the entirety of the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar across the top of your assembled cobbler. You can use coarse sugar if you like extra crunch and sparkle, but even regular sugar will give your crust an irresistible sweet finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake the cobbler for 40–45 minutes, or until the crust is golden and sets up nicely. Look for a toothpick to come out clean from the topping—just avoid plunging into a peach! The bubbling fruit and golden peaks are sure signs it’s ready. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes to thicken up and make serving easier.
Step 7: Serve with Vanilla Ice Cream
Here comes the best part: spoon generous portions of the warm cobbler into shallow bowls and top each one with a big, creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream. The heat from the cobbler melts the ice cream ever so slightly, creating the most incredible blend of temperatures and textures.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Garnishes
For an eye-catching and delicious presentation, sprinkle the finished cobbler with a dusting of powdered sugar, or garnish with a sprig of fresh mint. If you want to bring out even more summer flavor, add a handful of toasted chopped pecans or almonds for a pleasant crunch that plays beautifully with the soft, warm filling.
Side Dishes
While Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream is the showstopper on its own, you can make dessert extra-special by serving it alongside fresh berries, a crisp glass of sweet wine, or a piping hot mug of coffee. These simple sides help round out your dessert spread and bring a complete sense of celebration to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your cobbler game up a notch by baking and serving it in individual ramekins or mason jars for a charming, personal touch. You can even make a fun sundae bar, letting friends and family customize with different flavors of ice cream, whipped cream, and extra fruit—transforming your Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream into an interactive dessert experience no one will forget.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream, transfer the cooled cobbler (without ice cream) to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to enjoy again, just reheat and top with fresh scoops of vanilla ice cream for that just-baked sensation.
Freezing
Peach Cobbler freezes surprisingly well! Once fully baked and cooled, wrap the dish tightly in aluminum foil or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. You can freeze for up to two months—just remember to add vanilla ice cream only once you’re ready to serve, as ice cream doesn’t freeze and thaw gracefully.
Reheating
To recapture the fresh-baked magic, reheat individual servings in the microwave or pop the entire cobbler back in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes. Once it’s warmed through, don’t forget to scoop on that signature vanilla ice cream to reignite the Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream love.
FAQs
Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to drain canned peaches well and choose ones packed in juice instead of syrup. For frozen peaches, thaw and drain them before using. The final dessert will still be luscious and sweet, making Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream accessible year-round.
What if I don’t have a 9×13-inch baking dish?
No need to worry! You can split the recipe between two smaller dishes or use any oven-safe pan with similar capacity. Just be aware that the thickness of the cobbler may change, so keep an eye on baking times and look for that golden, set top as your cue.
Is it possible to make this vegan or dairy-free?
Definitely! Swap in plant-based butter and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat, and serve with your favorite vegan vanilla ice cream. You’ll still get all the dreamy flavors and satisfaction of classic Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Can I make the cobbler ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the cobbler in advance, cover, and refrigerate before baking. When you’re ready, bake it as directed (it might need a few extra minutes in the oven if cold). For the freshest results, wait to add vanilla ice cream until just before serving.
Why shouldn’t I mix the batter and peach filling?
Allowing the batter, butter, and peach mixture to stay separated creates those signature layers—a crispy, golden top and juicy, bubbly fruit underneath. Mixing everything together would give you a completely different texture, so resist the temptation and let the oven work its magic.
Final Thoughts
Nothing sums up comfort, nostalgia, and absolute deliciousness quite like Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream. It’s a beloved classic that feels special yet is wildly easy to make, perfect for gatherings, celebrations, or whenever you need a taste of summer. Sweet friends, you owe it to yourself to try this beautiful dessert—it just may become your new favorite tradition!
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Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delightful combination of sweet, juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust with this classic Peach Cobbler recipe. Served warm with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, it’s the perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 6 fresh peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced)
- ¾ cup granulated sugar (plus 2 tablespoons, divided)
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, combine peaches, ½ cup granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Mix the batter: In a separate bowl, mix flour, ¼ cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk.
- Assemble: Pour melted butter into a baking dish. Pour batter over butter. Spoon peach mixture on top.
- Bake: Sprinkle with sugar and bake for 40–45 minutes until golden.
- Serve: Let cool slightly and serve with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- You can use frozen or canned peaches if fresh peaches aren’t available—just be sure to drain well if using canned.
- For extra crispness, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cobbler portion with 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
