Peach Basil Cobbler
Summer is a time for fresh, vibrant flavors that bring a smile to your face with every bite. One of my favorite summer fruits is the peach, and there’s no better way to celebrate its sweet, juicy goodness than with a homemade cobbler.
The dish begins with the peaches, ripe and ready to burst with flavor. After peeling, pitting, and slicing them, they’re tossed with half a cup of brown sugar. The brown sugar adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the natural tartness of the peaches. A couple of tablespoons of all-purpose flour are mixed in to thicken the juices, creating a nice filling that’s neither too runny nor too thick. A squeeze of lemon juice—just a tablespoon—is all you need to add a bright, tangy note that elevates the peaches’ natural flavors. Basil might seem like an unusual addition to a dessert, but its subtle, peppery sweetness works wonders with peaches.
The topping for this cobbler is a simple buttery crust. Start with a cup of all-purpose flour, half a cup of granulated sugar, a teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of salt. These dry ingredients come together to form the base of the topping. Cold, unsalted butter—half a cup, cut into small pieces—is then worked into the flour mixture. The key is to keep the butter cold so that it creates pockets of flaky goodness as it bakes. Finally, half a cup of milk is added to bring everything together into a dough that’s just the right consistency for dolloping over the peach filling.
As the cobbler bakes, the topping turns a beautiful golden brown, becoming crisp on the outside while remaining tender and buttery inside. Pulling the cobbler out of the oven, you’ll see the peach filling bubbling up around the edges, promising a juicy, sweet treat beneath that perfect crust. The peaches are sweet and juicy, with the brown sugar adding a caramel richness. The hint of lemon juice provides a refreshing contrast, while the basil adds an unexpected yet delightful twist. The crisp and golden topping provides the perfect counterpoint to the soft, juicy filling. It’s like the best parts of a pie and a cake coming together in one delicious dish.
This Peach Basil Cobbler is a versatile dessert that’s perfect for any summer occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat, or enjoy it at room temperature with a dollop of whipped cream. It’s a great way to showcase the best of summer’s produce, and it’s sure to impress family and friends at your next gathering.
Peach Basil Cobbler
Ingredients
- 6-8 ripe peaches, peeled, pitted, and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- ½ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- In a large bowl, combine the peaches, sugar, flour, lemon juice, and basil. Toss gently to coat.
- Pour the peach mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Mix in the butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Stir in the milk until just combined.
- Drop the dough by spoonfuls over the peach mixture.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving. I enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
