Nothing evokes nostalgia quite like Grandma’s Peach Cobbler Pie—a golden, flaky crust cradling juicy, cinnamon-spiced peaches that melt in your mouth. This quintessential Southern dessert is a heartwarming treat perfect for family gatherings, special occasions, or simply savoring the joys of home cooking. With its sweet, buttery aroma wafting through your kitchen, this cobbler pie promises to delight with every bite. Here’s how to make this timeless favorite.
Ingredients and Their Roles
For the Peach Filling:
- 2 lbs sliced frozen peaches: The star of the dish; provides natural sweetness and juicy texture.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the peaches and enhances their natural flavor.
- 8 tbsp butter: Adds richness and depth to the peach mixture.
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, earthy spice that pairs perfectly with peaches.
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg: Lends a subtle, nutty undertone for complexity.
- 1 1/2 cups water: Helps create a luscious syrupy base for the filling.
- 2 tsp vanilla extract: Balances the spices and enhances the peaches’ flavor.
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour: Thickens the filling for the perfect consistency.
For the Crust:
- 1 cup butter-flavored shortening: Ensures a tender, flaky crust with a buttery taste.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the crust.
- 2 tbsp sugar: Adds a hint of sweetness to the crust.
- 1 tsp salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the crust’s flavor.
- 1/3 cup ice water: Keeps the dough cold for optimal flakiness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Crust
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 1/2 cups of flour and 1 cup of butter-flavored shortening. Use a pastry cutter or dough hooks to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Gradually add 1/3 cup of ice water, mixing until the dough comes together.
- Form the dough into a ball, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for 45 minutes to chill.
2. Cook the Peach Filling
- Place the frozen peach slices in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add 1 1/2 cups water, 1 cup sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp nutmeg. Stir to combine.
- When the mixture begins to bubble, stir in 8 tbsp butter and 2 tsp vanilla extract.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup water and 3 tbsp flour, then pour into the peach mixture. Reduce heat to low and simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally.
3. Roll and Bake the Crust
- Roll out the chilled dough on a floured surface, dividing it in half.
- Cut one half into inch-wide squares and place them on a baking sheet.
- Pre-bake the squares at 375°F (190°C) for 7 minutes.
4. Assemble the Cobbler
- Pour the prepared peach filling into a 13x9-inch baking dish.
- Gently fold the pre-baked squares into the filling.
- Roll out the remaining dough and cut into strips. Arrange the strips in a lattice pattern over the filling.
5. Bake to Perfection
- Bake the cobbler pie at 375°F (190°C) for 40 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown.
- Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Peach Cobbler Pie
- Keep the dough cold: Chilling the dough ensures a flaky crust, so don’t skip this step.
- Use fresh or frozen peaches: Frozen peaches work year-round, but fresh peaches are a great choice during peak season.
- Don’t skip pre-baking the squares: This adds texture and prevents the crust from becoming soggy.
- Serve with vanilla ice cream: The creamy, cool contrast to the warm cobbler is irresistible.
Serving Suggestions
Grandma’s Peach Cobbler Pie pairs beautifully with:
- A generous scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- A dollop of whipped cream.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent touch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe captures the essence of traditional home baking—simple ingredients transformed into an extraordinary dessert. The buttery crust, juicy peaches, and aromatic spices create a harmony of flavors and textures that’s both comforting and impressive.
Make Grandma’s Peach Cobbler Pie your new go-to dessert. With this easy-to-follow recipe, you’ll create a dish that not only tastes divine but also brings people together around the table. Don’t just bake a dessert; bake a memory.