Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Cobbler with Almond and Vanilla Recipe

If you have ever dreamed of biting into a comforting, fragrant dessert that tastes like summer memories baked into every forkful, then this Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Cobbler with Almond and Vanilla Recipe is exactly what you need. Loaded with luscious, ripe peaches and scented with delicate almond and warm vanilla, it is everything you love about classic cobbler but with a refined twist that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The golden, flaky biscuits on top add texture and richness, making every bite an irresistible harmony of sweet fruit and buttery crust. Whether it’s a cherished family gathering or a cozy night in, this peach cobbler will feel like a warm hug from a dear friend.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the great joys of the Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Cobbler with Almond and Vanilla Recipe is how straightforward and essential its ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role: the peaches bring juicy sweetness and color, the almond and vanilla extracts add aromatic depth, and the biscuits provide that tender, crumbly finish that makes this cobbler truly unforgettable.

• 5 large ripe peaches, pitted, ½-inch sliced: Choose peaches that are fragrant and juicy to ensure maximum flavor in your cobbler.
• 1¼ cups sugar: Divided to sweeten both the peaches and biscuit topping perfectly.
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch: Helps thicken the luscious peach juices into a syrupy goodness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Adds a warm, sweet fragrance that complements the fruit beautifully.
• 1 teaspoon almond extract: A little goes a long way in deeply enhancing the cobbler’s flavor profile.
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour: The foundation for the biscuits, providing structure and tenderness.
• 1 tablespoon baking powder: Gives the biscuit topping a light, fluffy rise.
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and brightens the overall taste.
• 6 tablespoons cold, unsalted butter: The secret to flaky, melt-in-your-mouth biscuit biscuits.
• ¾ cup heavy cream: Enriches the biscuit dough, making it tender and rich.
• 1 large egg: Binds the biscuit dough and creates a beautiful golden crust with the egg wash.
• 1 tablespoon heavy cream: Mixed with the egg for brushing the biscuits before baking.
• 2 tablespoons turbinado sugar, for sprinkling: Adds a crunchy, caramelized finish on top.
• For Serving (optional): Vanilla ice cream, sweetened crème fraîche, or fresh whipped cream make perfect finishing touches.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Cobbler with Almond and Vanilla Recipe

Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Peaches

Preheat your oven to 400°F and snag the center rack position for even baking. Toss your sliced peaches with ¾ cup sugar, cornstarch, vanilla extract, and almond extract in a large bowl until every piece is well coated with that fragrant mixture. Spread the peaches evenly in a 9×13-inch baking dish and slide them into the oven for 10 minutes. This brief baking softens the peaches just enough to release their juices but still keeps them beautifully textured.

Step 2: Make the Biscuit Dough

While the peaches work their magic in the oven, turn your attention to the biscuit topping. In a food processor, pulse together the flour, baking powder, salt, and remaining ½ cup sugar about five times, just until combined. Add the cold butter and pulse about 10 more times until the butter pieces are rice-sized—this little step is the magic behind your biscuits’ flakiness. Pour in the heavy cream and pulse just until the dough forms clumps. Remember, less is more here to keep your biscuits tender.

Step 3: Shape the Biscuits

Dump the biscuit dough onto parchment paper and divide it into 12 equal pieces. Gently shape each piece into a shaggy, rough disk that’s about 2½ inches in diameter—don’t worry about perfection, the rustic look adds to the charm! These will become your golden cobbler topping.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake the Cobbler

Once the peaches have baked for their initial 10 minutes, take the dish out and carefully arrange the biscuit dough disks over the hot peaches. Whisk the egg with a tablespoon of heavy cream and brush this egg wash over each biscuit. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar to add a wonderful crunchy texture after baking. Return the cobbler to the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the biscuits are that perfect golden brown and the peach juices are bubbling happily around the edges.

Step 5: Serve Warm and Enjoy

This peach cobbler is best when enjoyed warm, just straight from the oven. The aroma alone will pull everyone to the kitchen! Don’t forget to add your favorite scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of sweetened crème fraîche to elevate this dessert to truly dreamy heights.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Cobbler with Almond and Vanilla Recipe

Garnishes

Vanilla ice cream is always a stunning partner to warm cobbler, melting slowly into the peach filling. Alternatively, a spoonful of sweetened crème fraîche or freshly whipped cream brings a tangy, creamy silkiness that balances the sweetness perfectly. For a little extra flair, sprinkle with toasted slivered almonds or a sprig of fresh mint to brighten the presentation and add subtle texture.

Side Dishes

While the cobbler itself is rich and satisfying, pairing it with a simple, lightly sweetened iced tea or sparkling water with fresh lemon will refresh the palate beautifully. For brunch or teatime, serve alongside a lightly flavored herbal tea like chamomile or even a warm cup of coffee to complement the almond and vanilla notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a rustic touch, serve the cobbler directly in the baking dish with a large serving spoon. To impress guests, plate individual portions in pretty bowls, adding garnishes right before serving. You could even layer the warm peach filling and biscuit chunks in a clear glass trifle bowl, showcasing the enticing layers and making it feel extra special. The Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Cobbler with Almond and Vanilla Recipe lends itself beautifully to creative styling.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover cobbler, don’t worry—it keeps beautifully covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil or plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze the cobbler either before baking or after it has cooled. To freeze unbaked, assemble the cobbler and cover it securely; bake it directly from frozen, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time. For frozen leftovers, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your cobbler gently in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through, maintaining that wonderful crisp on the biscuits. Microwaving works in a pinch but can soften the biscuit crust, so the oven is always best if you have the time.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peaches instead of fresh peaches?

While fresh peaches give the best flavor and texture for this cobbler, frozen peaches can be used in a pinch. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture that could make the cobbler soggy.

What can I substitute for almond extract?

If almond extract isn’t available, you can omit it or add a little extra vanilla extract. Some people also like a drop of almond-flavored liqueur, but keep it light so the peach flavor still shines.

How can I make the biscuit topping more golden?

The egg wash is your best friend here. Make sure you brush the biscuits well before baking and sprinkle the turbinado sugar on top to create that irresistible sparkle and golden finish.

Is this cobbler gluten-free friendly?

This recipe as written uses all-purpose flour, which contains gluten. To make it gluten-free, try using a high-quality gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup as regular flour, and be mindful that textures might vary slightly.

Can I prepare the biscuit dough ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and shape the biscuit dough up to a day in advance, keep it refrigerated until you are ready to assemble your cobbler. Just bring it to room temperature before placing it on the peaches and baking.

Final Thoughts

This Old-Fashioned Fresh Peach Cobbler with Almond and Vanilla Recipe is one of those timeless desserts that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. Its simple yet brilliant mix of juicy peaches, fragrant extracts, and tender biscuits is a celebration of homemade goodness that you and your loved ones will cherish around the table. Don’t hesitate to try it—once you do, I promise it will become a beloved staple on your dessert rotation, reminding you of summer’s sweetness no matter the season.

Print