Few desserts capture the pure joy of summer quite like Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream. This classic American treat combines juicy, sweet peaches nestled under a tender, golden cobbler crust, all crowned with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. The result is a blissful harmony of warm and cold, soft and crisp, sweet and just a little tart. Whether you’re reviving childhood memories or making new ones, every bite invites you to slow down and savor the best flavors of the season.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a starring role, contributing to the irresistible texture, vibrant color, and comforting flavor that make this dessert unforgettable. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Fresh or Frozen Peaches (6 cups): The heart of this dessert—use ripe, juicy peaches for the brightest flavor, but frozen work wonderfully outside of peach season.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping): Adds sweetness and helps draw out the natural juices from the peaches for a luscious filling.
- Brown Sugar (1/4 cup for filling, 1/4 cup for topping): Infuses the cobbler with a rich, caramel-like depth that pairs perfectly with the peaches.
- Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon): A splash of lemon brightens the flavors and keeps the peaches tasting fresh and lively.
- Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon): Enhances both the fruit and the topping with warm, fragrant notes.
- Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds a hint of spice that brings out the natural sweetness of the peaches.
- Cornstarch (1 tablespoon): Thickens the peach filling, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly saucy but not runny.
- All-Purpose Flour (1 cup): Forms the base of the cobbler topping, creating a tender, biscuit-like crust.
- Baking Powder (1 teaspoon): Gives the topping its beautiful rise and fluffy texture.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances out the sweetness and brings all the flavors together.
- Unsalted Butter (1/2 cup, chilled and cubed): Essential for a rich, flaky topping—cold butter is key for the best texture.
- Boiling Water (1/4 cup): Binds the topping dough and helps it bake up with a lovely crumb.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (for serving): The finishing touch—its creamy coolness is the perfect contrast to the warm cobbler.
How to Make Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Step 1: Prepare the Peach Filling
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, gently toss together the sliced peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cornstarch. You want every piece of fruit to be evenly coated; this ensures a perfectly balanced filling that thickens beautifully as it bakes. Once mixed, pour the peach mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for a gorgeous, bubbling base.
Step 2: Make the Cobbler Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt—this dry mix lays the foundation for a topping with just the right amount of sweetness and lift. Add the cold, cubed butter and use a pastry cutter or your fingertips to work it into the flour until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This step is key for a tender, flaky texture. Gently stir in the boiling water just until a soft dough forms; don’t overmix.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the cobbler dough over the peaches. There’s no need to cover the filling completely—those gorgeous golden gaps allow steam to escape and give you that signature cobbler look. Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. The topping should be golden brown and the peach filling will bubble up around the edges, filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Allow your Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. This short rest helps the filling set just enough, so every serving is saucy but not soupy. Scoop generous portions into bowls and, while the cobbler is still warm, top each one with a scoop (or two!) of vanilla ice cream. The combination of hot fruit, crispy topping, and melting ice cream is pure dessert magic.
How to Serve Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream
Garnishes
Dress up each serving with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color. If you want to get extra fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a few toasted pecans can add a delightful crunch and even more flavor to your Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream.
Side Dishes
While this cobbler shines as a solo act, it also pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or a lightly sweetened iced tea. For a festive dessert table, serve it alongside other classic summer treats like berry shortcake or lemon bars, creating a colorful spread that celebrates the season.
Creative Ways to Present
For special gatherings, try baking individual servings in ramekins or small mason jars—everyone loves a personal-sized Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream. You can also layer the warm cobbler and ice cream parfait-style in clear glasses for an elegant twist that shows off those sunny peaches and golden topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra cobbler, simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The topping will soften a little, but the flavors meld even more beautifully after a day or two.
Freezing
Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream can be frozen for longer storage. Let the cobbler cool completely, then wrap well and freeze (without the ice cream) for up to 2 months. To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before adding fresh vanilla ice cream.
Reheating
To enjoy leftovers, reheat the cobbler in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 15 minutes, or until warmed through. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too, though the topping will be softer. Always add the vanilla ice cream just before serving for that perfect temperature contrast.
FAQs
Can I use canned peaches instead of fresh or frozen?
Absolutely! If you’re in a pinch, canned peaches work well—just be sure to drain them thoroughly and slightly reduce the sugar in the filling to account for their sweetness. This way, your Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream will still taste fresh and vibrant.
What if I don’t have a pastry cutter for the topping?
No problem! You can use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour mixture, or even two forks. The goal is to work quickly so the butter stays cold, which gives your topping a wonderfully tender texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend. Just make sure it’s a 1:1 substitute with xanthan gum included for best results. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it easy to adapt.
Can I prepare the cobbler ahead of time?
You can assemble the peach filling and topping separately up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, simply assemble and pop it in the oven. This makes Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream a fantastic make-ahead dessert for entertaining.
What’s the best way to serve leftovers?
Leftover cobbler is delicious warmed up and topped with a fresh scoop of vanilla ice cream. For a fun breakfast treat, try serving it cold with a dollop of Greek yogurt—the flavors are just as bright and satisfying.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug, Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream is it. Every bite bursts with juicy peaches and buttery topping, perfectly balanced by the cool creaminess of ice cream. I hope you’ll gather your favorite people and share this timeless treat soon—it’s truly summer in a bowl!
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Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Peach Cobbler with Vanilla Ice Cream is a classic American dessert that perfectly balances sweet, juicy peaches with a tender, buttery biscuit topping. Ideal for summer gatherings or any cozy occasion, this warm cobbler topped with creamy vanilla ice cream offers a comforting and delicious treat.
Ingredients
For the Peach Filling:
- 6 cups fresh or frozen sliced peaches (peeled if fresh)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
- 1/4 cup boiling water
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven and Peach Filling: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, combine the peaches, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss the mixture well until the peaches are evenly coated. Transfer this filling into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Cobbler Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, cut in the chilled cubed butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Stir in the boiling water just until the dough forms.
- Assemble and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the peach filling, covering parts of the peaches but not completely. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the peach mixture is bubbling.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the cobbler from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 to 15 minutes. Serve warm, topped with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of warm and cold flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute canned peaches if fresh or frozen are unavailable; make sure to drain them well and reduce the sugar slightly to avoid excess sweetness.
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the peach filling.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving with 1/2 cup vanilla ice cream
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 210 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
