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Perfect Bourbon Peach Cobbler Recipe for a Crowd

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This bourbon peach cobbler is the dessert that quiets a room for a second before the ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ start. It’s the recipe that turned my kitchen into a neighborhood gathering spot, perfect for every potluck, barbecue, and holiday dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 cups fresh or frozen sliced peaches (about 810 medium peaches; if using frozen, do not thaw first)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup good-quality bourbon (I prefer Maker’s Mark or Bulleit for their smooth, oaky flavor)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes
  • 3/4 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for a tangier flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (for sprinkling on top)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your 9×13-inch baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any bubbling juices.
  2. Prepare the peach filling. In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla extract, bourbon, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the peaches are evenly coated. Let this mixture sit for 15 minutes at room temperature. This allows the peaches to release their juices, which will create that luscious, syrupy sauce. Give it a stir halfway through.
  3. Make the cobbler topping. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the cold butter cubes. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse meal with some pea-sized butter pieces remaining. Don’t overwork it. Make a well in the center, then pour in the milk and vanilla extract. Stir just until combined. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy.
  4. Assemble the cobbler. Pour the peach filling (including all the juices) into the prepared baking dish. Spread it into an even layer. Using a spoon or a cookie scoop, drop dollops of the topping batter over the peaches. Don’t worry about making it perfect. Sprinkle the turbinado sugar evenly over the top for a beautiful, crunchy finish.
  5. Bake the cobbler. Place the dish (on the baking sheet) in the preheated oven. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the topping comes out clean. The peach filling should be bubbling around the edges. If the topping is browning too quickly after 30 minutes, loosely tent the dish with aluminum foil.
  6. Cool and serve. Remove the cobbler from the oven and place it on a cooling rack. Let it cool for at least 20 to 30 minutes before serving. This is the hardest part, I know, but it’s crucial. The filling needs time to set, or it will be runny. Serve warm, preferably with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of heavy cream.

Notes

Don’t skip the maceration step. Letting the peaches sit with the sugar and bourbon for 15 minutes is non-negotiable. Keep your butter cold for a flaky, tender topping. Watch your baking time and start checking at the 35-minute mark. Use a rimmed baking sheet to catch bubbling juices. Let the cobbler rest for 20 to 30 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set.

Nutrition

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