Easy Peach Cobbler, with just four simple ingredients, is set to become your new favorite dessert. Imagine sweet, juicy peaches baked to perfection under a delightful, crunchy topping. This recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for any time you crave a comforting, homemade dessert, regardless of the season. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra touch of indulgence.
Close-up shot of a golden brown and bubbly 4 ingredient peach cobbler, showcasing its simple yet delicious appearance.
Discover the Magic of 4-Ingredient Peach Cobbler
Let’s be honest, sometimes the simplest recipes are the most satisfying. This 4-ingredient peach cobbler is a testament to that. You might think that a recipe with so few ingredients can’t deliver big on flavor, but prepare to be amazed. This cobbler manages to create a rich, flavorful peach filling with a perfectly textured crust, all thanks to the magic of just four key components. It’s the ideal dessert for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or any time you want a sweet treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Simple Peach Cobbler
- Minimal Ingredients: Only requires 4 basic ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.
- Quick and Easy: From prep to oven, this recipe takes mere minutes to assemble.
- Year-Round Dessert: Uses canned peaches, so you can enjoy peach cobbler any time of the year, not just during peach season.
- Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
- Versatile: Delicious on its own, but even better with ice cream or whipped cream.
Side view of a slice of 4 ingredient peach cobbler on a plate, highlighting the juicy peach filling and the crispy topping, ready to be served.
The Four Essential Ingredients for Peach Cobbler Perfection
This recipe truly shines because of its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to create this delightful dessert:
- Canned Peaches: The star of the show! Canned peaches in syrup provide both the fruit and the liquid needed for the filling. Using canned peaches ensures consistent sweetness and moisture.
- Self-Rising Flour: This is the secret ingredient for the easy topping. Self-rising flour already contains baking powder and salt, simplifying the recipe and creating a light, slightly crisp crust.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness to both the peach filling and the topping, balancing the tartness of the peaches and enhancing the overall flavor.
- Butter: Melted butter is incorporated into the topping and drizzled over the cobbler before baking. It adds richness, flavor, and helps create that perfect golden-brown, crispy crust.
Ingredient Breakdown and Their Roles
- Canned Peaches: Provide the main flavor and moisture. The syrup from the can mixes with the flour and butter to create a luscious, thick peach filling as it bakes.
- Self-Rising Flour: Simplifies the topping by providing structure and leavening in one ingredient. It creates a tender yet slightly crisp topping that complements the soft peaches.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cobbler, enhancing the natural sweetness of the peaches and caramelizing slightly on top during baking for added flavor and texture.
- Butter: Adds richness and flavor to the topping, contributing to a golden-brown color and a delightful crispness. It also helps to bind the dry ingredients and create a tender crumb.
Step-by-Step Guide to Baking Your 4 Ingredient Peach Cobbler
Ready to bake? Follow these simple instructions to create your own delicious peach cobbler:
Yields: 8 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 40-45 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 cup self-rising flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar, divided (¾ cup and ¼ cup)
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, divided (¼ cup and ¼ cup)
- 2 (15 ounce) cans sliced peaches in syrup, undrained
Equipment:
- 9×9 inch baking dish
- Medium mixing bowl
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare Topping Base: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the self-rising flour and ¾ cup of granulated sugar. Pour in ¼ cup of the melted butter and coarsely mix until just combined. You can add a pinch of cinnamon to the flour mixture at this stage if desired for a hint of warm spice.
- Layer the Cobbler: Sprinkle about one-third of the flour mixture evenly across the bottom of your 9×9 inch baking dish. This base layer will mix with the peach juices during baking to create a thicker filling.
- Add Peaches: Pour both cans of peaches, including the syrup, over the flour mixture in the baking dish. If you prefer a drier cobbler, you can drain off a bit of the peach syrup before adding them.
- Top with Remaining Flour Mixture: Sprinkle the remaining flour and sugar mixture evenly over the peaches.
- Drizzle with Butter: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of granulated sugar over the top of the flour mixture. Then, drizzle the remaining ¼ cup of melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the cobbler. It will appear quite wet at this stage, but don’t worry, the flour mixture will absorb the liquid as it bakes.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and bubbly, and the peach filling is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Let the peach cobbler rest for at least 5 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for the Perfect 4 Ingredient Peach Cobbler
- Adjust Sweetness: This recipe is moderately sweet. If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, you can reduce the sugar slightly. Brown sugar can also be used for a richer, caramel-like flavor.
- Add a Touch of Brightness: A tablespoon of lemon juice added to the peaches can enhance the flavor and add a touch of acidity to balance the sweetness.
- Vanilla Extract for Depth: For a hint of vanilla flavor, stir a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the peach mixture before baking.
- Fresh Peach Option: While this recipe is designed for canned peaches for ease and year-round availability, you can use fresh peaches when they are in season. You’ll need about 1 ¾ pounds of fresh peaches (around 5-6 medium peaches). Peel and slice them, then toss with ½ cup of sugar and let them sit for 2-3 hours in the refrigerator to create their own juices before using in the recipe.
- Double the Recipe: Easily double this recipe and bake it in a 9×13 inch baking dish for larger gatherings.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Peach Cobbler
Peach cobbler is a classic comfort dessert that’s wonderful on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your experience:
- Classic Ice Cream: Vanilla ice cream is the quintessential pairing for peach cobbler. The cold, creamy ice cream melts slightly over the warm cobbler, creating a delightful contrast in temperature and texture.
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy sweetness that complements the rich peach flavor.
- Cinnamon or Nutmeg: Dust the warm cobbler with a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warm spice.
- Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel sauce can add a decadent touch and enhance the sweetness of the dessert.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this 4-ingredient peach cobbler – a truly effortless dessert that’s sure to impress!
