Bourbon Peach Cobbler Recipe

If there’s one dessert that turns the last of summer’s sweet peaches into pure gold, it’s Bourbon Peach Cobbler. Juicy fresh peaches, kissed with a shot of bourbon and warm cinnamon, bubble away beneath plush, buttery dumplings that brown up beautifully in the oven. Every bite is a celebration of sunny days, comfort food, and a little Southern charm, all bundled together. Whether you’re making it for family, friends, or just yourself on a quiet evening, this cobbler is the kind of treat that wins hearts from the very first spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Bourbon Peach Cobbler doesn’t need a long list of fancy ingredients—just a few essentials that work together to create something truly memorable. Each element in this recipe has a special job, whether it’s adding vibrant color, building irresistible texture, or deepening the fruit’s natural sweetness.

• Peaches: Fresh, ripe peaches are the star—use about 6 to 8 cups (8 peaches) for that sun-drenched flavor and juicy texture.
• Bourbon: Just a quarter cup brings subtle caramel notes without overpowering the fruit—don’t skip it!
• Sugar: Three-quarters of a cup, divided, lets the peaches shine while also giving the dumpling topping a crisp golden crust.
• Cornstarch: Keeps the filling thick and luscious, preventing any watery mess at the bottom.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth that plays perfectly with the peaches and bourbon.
• All-purpose Flour: Sifted, so the topping is fluffy rather than dense—always worth the extra minute.
• Baking Powder: Gives the cobbler dumplings lightness and lift for that classic, dreamy texture.
• Kosher Salt: Just a little, but it makes every flavor pop a little more.
• Unsalted Butter: Ice-cold, so your dumpling topping is rich and tender, not greasy.
• Heavy Cream: Adds richness to the topping and helps achieve that golden, melt-in-your-mouth finish.

How to Make Bourbon Peach Cobbler

Step 1: Prep and Marinate the Peaches

Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a big bowl, combine the sliced peaches, bourbon, 1/4 cup of the sugar, cornstarch, and cinnamon. Give everything a gentle stir to make sure the fruit is evenly coated—this is where the bourbon magic begins, soaking right into those sweet juices! Letting the mixture sit for a minute or two draws out the peaches’ syrupiness and amps up the flavor.

Step 2: Make the Cobbler Dumpling Topping

In a food processor, add the flour, 1/2 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut 1 1/2 sticks of the cold butter into small cubes and toss them in, then pulse the mixture a few times. You want it to look like coarse, damp sand—don’t overmix! Next, drizzle in the heavy cream and pulse just until the dough clumps together. The topping should be slightly sticky but workable, never dry.

Step 3: Warm the Peaches

Place a 10-inch (25cm) cast-iron skillet over medium-low heat and melt the last 1/2 stick of butter. Add your marinated peaches and let them warm gently for about 5 minutes, stirring once or twice. The goal here is to get those juices bubbling and glossy, setting the stage for a beautifully baked filling later on.

Step 4: Assemble the Cobbler

Now, either leave the peaches in the skillet or pour them into a baking dish (if you prefer a different shape). Using a spoon, drop the dumpling dough in generous tablespoonfuls all over the surface. Gaps are not only fine, they’re encouraged—the topping will puff up and stretch as it bakes, creating those irresistible golden-brown islands.

Step 5: Add the Finishing Touches

Brush the tops of the dumplings with a little extra heavy cream and sprinkle with an extra dusting of sugar. This step is the secret to that shimmering, crisp finish everyone loves on a Bourbon Peach Cobbler. Set your dish on a baking sheet to catch any bubbly overflow.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your cobbler into the oven and bake for about 40 to 45 minutes. When the topping is deeply golden and the fruit is bubbling up around the edges, you’ll know it’s ready. If your kitchen smells like a summer orchard, you’re on the right track!

How to Serve Bourbon Peach Cobbler

Garnishes

A warm spoonful of Bourbon Peach Cobbler is delicious on its own, but adding the right garnish can make each serving feel extra special. Try a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of softly whipped cream, or even a sprig of fresh mint. These final touches melt beautifully into the cobbler and heighten the sweet, boozy notes of the peaches.

Side Dishes

If you’re serving this dessert as part of a larger spread, try pairing it with simple sides that don’t overshadow its star quality. A tangy fruit salad, toasted pecans, or even a crisp glass of cold milk or iced coffee makes the rich flavors of Bourbon Peach Cobbler sing. For brunch, a side of salty bacon or sausage is surprisingly delicious alongside the sweet and spicy cobbler.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try baking individual mini cobblers in ramekins or oven-proof mugs—perfect for parties or picnics. You can also serve the cobbler family-style, scooping big servings right from the skillet for a rustic, homey vibe. Get creative with pretty bowls or mason jars to make every bite of Bourbon Peach Cobbler feel extra inviting.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Bourbon Peach Cobbler (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature first. Then, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate. It’ll keep its luscious, juicy texture for up to three days without getting soggy or losing flavor.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cobbler for those days when you need a quick, soul-warming treat! Once cooled, wrap the baking dish well in plastic and foil. To make serving even easier, try freezing single portions in small containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

To reheat Bourbon Peach Cobbler, pop it back in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes (or until warmed through). Cover loosely with foil to prevent the topping from browning too much. Individual servings can also be microwaved for a minute or two, but the oven always brings back the best texture.

FAQs

Can I use canned or frozen peaches instead of fresh?

Definitely! When fresh peaches are out of season, canned (drained well) or frozen (thawed and patted dry) peaches work great. The texture might be slightly softer, but all the luscious flavors of Bourbon Peach Cobbler will still shine through.

Is the bourbon flavor strong?

No, the bourbon isn’t overpowering—it gently enhances the sweetness of the peaches and adds a warm, rounded finish. If you’d prefer to leave it out, you can substitute a little vanilla extract or peach juice for a family-friendly version.

Can I make the cobbler dough by hand instead of a food processor?

Absolutely! Use a pastry blender or two forks to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs, then stir in the cream until just combined. The key is to keep the butter cold and not overwork the dough.

How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?

Look for a deeply golden topping and bubbly, syrupy peaches poking up around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the dumplings should come out clean, and your kitchen will smell like pure joy.

Can I make Bourbon Peach Cobbler gluten-free?

You can! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend (one with xanthan gum for best results), and follow the recipe as written. The dumplings may be a bit more delicate, but the cobbler will still be absolutely delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never experienced the magic of Bourbon Peach Cobbler, now is absolutely the time. Each bite is sunshine and comfort, the perfect blend of sweet peaches, a whisper of bourbon, and those golden dumplings. Don’t wait for a special occasion—bake a pan, share it with loved ones, and watch how quickly it disappears!

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