Bourbon Peach Cobbler Recipe

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Bourbon Peach Cobbler—a soul-warming southern classic that upgrades juicy peaches with a hint of bourbon and a drop biscuit topping so golden and tender it almost melts in your mouth. This cobbler strikes the perfect balance between bright fruit, warm spice, and a buttery, crunchy crust, all rounded out by a boozy depth that turns summer peaches into something memorable. If you’re craving comfort, celebration, or just an irresistible dessert to finish off a gathering, Bourbon Peach Cobbler always delivers a big, blissful scoop of happiness!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Bourbon Peach Cobbler lies in its handful of straightforward yet indispensable ingredients. Each one brings something special to the table, working together to build vibrant flavor, decadent texture, and that homey vibe that makes this classic dish so beloved.

• Peaches: Ripe, juicy peaches are the heart of this cobbler, bursting with summer sweetness in every bite.
• Bourbon: Just a quarter cup infuses the fruit with a mellow, oaky warmth that elevates the peach flavor.
• Sugar: Divided between the filling and the topping, sugar adds sweetness and creates that caramelized, crackly finish.
• Cornstarch: A couple of tablespoons help thicken all those luscious peach juices, so every spoonful is perfectly saucy, not soupy.
• Ground Cinnamon: A teaspoon brings gentle spice that makes the peaches sing and adds cozy depth.
• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base of those delightfully fluffy and rustic dumplings.
• Baking Powder: This helps the biscuit topping puff up and turn beautifully golden.
• Kosher Salt: A pinch sharpens all the flavors and keeps the sweetness balanced.
• Unsalted Butter: Cold and cubed for flaky dumplings, plus a bit more for that rich, buttery undertone throughout.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the biscuit topping incredibly tender and adds a gorgeous golden sheen when brushed on top.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Cobbler

Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s perfectly warm when your cobbler is ready to bake. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, bourbon, 1/4 cup of sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Gently toss everything together until all the peaches are evenly coated—the bourbon adds its distinctive aroma here, and the cornstarch ensures that the fruit filling will thicken beautifully as it bakes. Set this aside to let the flavors mingle.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Topping

Grab your food processor (or use a pastry cutter in a pinch) and add the sifted flour, remaining 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and kosher salt. Chop 1 1/2 sticks of butter into pieces and pulse it with the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like wet sand—those little flecks of butter guarantee flakiness! Now drizzle in the heavy cream and pulse or stir just until the dough clings together. Try not to overmix; you want a slightly sticky dough so the biscuits bake up puffed and tender.

Step 3: Warm the Peach Mixture

In a 10-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat, melt the remaining 1/2 stick of butter. Add the prepared peach mixture, stirring gently for about five minutes, just until the fruit is warmed through and starts to release those wonderful, boozy juices. This step wakes up all the flavors and gives the cobbler a homestyle richness that sets it apart.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

If you’re using a cast iron skillet, you can go straight from stovetop to oven. Prefer a baking dish? Pour the heated peaches right in. Drop generous tablespoonfuls of biscuit dough across the warm fruit—it’s perfectly fine if there are gaps; those will fill in as the biscuits rise and spread in the oven.

Step 5: Top and Bake

For an irresistible crust, brush the tops of the dumplings with a little more heavy cream and sprinkle them lightly with sugar. Set your skillet or baking dish on a sheet tray (it catches any sweet, bubbling drips!) and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the biscuit topping turns a deep golden brown and the peach filling is bubbling madly around the edges. Let it cool just enough to avoid burning your tongue, then dig in!

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Cobbler

Garnishes

A warm Bourbon Peach Cobbler is a treat all by itself, but a few thoughtful garnishes can take it to pure dessert bliss. Dollop softly whipped cream on top, or add a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for that dreamy hot-and-cold effect. A sprinkle of toasted pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce gives each portion an extra flourish and a wonderful textural contrast.

Side Dishes

This cobbler absolutely shines as the main event at a summer cookout or holiday table, but it also plays well with other southern sweets. Serve alongside a platter of butter cookies or a tart berry sorbet to complement the rich, fruity flavors. For a truly special ending, partner it with coffee or a cool glass of bourbon for sipping.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the classic baking dish—Bourbon Peach Cobbler can be presented in so many fun ways! Try baking individual servings in mini cast-iron skillets or ramekins for a charming, personal touch. Layer cubed cobbler with whipped cream in glass jars to make an easy, transportable trifle. At brunch, spoon warm cobbler over Greek yogurt for a decadent twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftover Bourbon Peach Cobbler, store it right in the baking dish or transfer to an airtight container. Cover and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors actually deepen as they rest, but the biscuit topping will soften slightly over time.

Freezing

To freeze, let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil, or portion into freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep its quality for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating so the texture stays as close to fresh-baked as possible.

Reheating

To recapture that fresh-from-the-oven magic, reheat portions of Bourbon Peach Cobbler in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave individual servings for a quick treat, though the oven will help crisp up the topping once again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen or canned peaches instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen peaches (thawed and drained) work well outside of peach season. Canned peaches can be used too—just be sure to drain them and reduce the sugar slightly, since canned varieties are often packed in syrup.

What’s the best bourbon for Bourbon Peach Cobbler?

Any decent sipping bourbon will lend beautiful flavor, but you don’t need to splurge on top-shelf bottles. Choose one you enjoy sipping, as the taste will shine through in the finished dish.

How do I make the cobbler topping extra crunchy?

For added crunch, sprinkle a little turbinado sugar or raw sugar over the biscuit topping before baking. It creates an irresistible, sparkly crust and extra texture.

Can I make Bourbon Peach Cobbler gluten-free?

Absolutely! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour in the biscuit topping. Check that your baking powder is gluten-free too, and proceed as usual.

Is there a non-alcoholic version?

Yes—simply leave out the bourbon and add a tablespoon of vanilla extract, a splash of orange juice, or a bit of peach nectar to mimic the depth and aroma that bourbon brings.

Final Thoughts

Few desserts deliver comfort and elegance quite like Bourbon Peach Cobbler, and making it at home is pure joy. Whether you share it at a barbecue, bring it to a gathering, or just whip it up for a cozy night in, this recipe is guaranteed to win hearts and make memories. Give it a try—you might just discover your new favorite tradition!

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