Peach Cobbler for Two

Peach cobbler is a summer staple, but buying a bushel of peaches from the farmers market isn’t always in the cards—or the budget. Besides, it’s just the two of you, so you don’t really need an entire peach cobbler anyway. Our peach cobbler for two, though, is just the right amount for you and a loved one to enjoy warm from the oven. Best of all, you’ll probably need only about three fresh peaches max! Serve this cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and enjoy the quintessential and gorgeous summer dessert.

Peach Cobbler for Two Ingredients

• Sugar: We use both brown sugar and granulated sugar for our small-batch peach cobbler. Brown sugar’s caramelly flavor is perfect in the filling, while granulated sugar makes a crispy topping. Feel free to use one or the other in both components.
• Cornstarch: Do not skip this ingredient or you’ll have a very runny peach cobbler. Cornstarch is a thickening agent for fruit desserts. Fruits expel a lot of water, and cornstarch turns that water into a thick, gorgeous sauce.
• Peaches: For this cobbler, you can use fresh or frozen peaches. If using frozen, allow the peaches to thaw, then discard the excess water. A traditional yellow peach is the best type of peach for baking, but heirloom varieties like Snow and Belle of Georgia work too.
• Butter: You’ll need less than one stick of butter for both the filling and the cobbler topping. Feel free to brown the butter first to deepen the flavor so it’s nutty and toasty, then measure the butter for the cobbler components.
• Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the filling and complements the orange zest in the topping.
• Orange zest: Just as when you zest a lemon, be sure not to get the orange’s bitter white pith. You want only the skin’s orange outer layer.
• All-purpose flour: All-purpose flour creates the structure for the cobbler topping.
• Baking powder: The difference between cobblers, crisps and crumbles is that cobblers have a biscuit-like topping that has a lot more rise and fluff than a crumble’s or crisp’s streusel-like topping. So here we need a little baking powder to get that cakey, biscuity rise.
• Milk: We suggest whole milk for its richness, but feel free to use heavy whipping cream, buttermilk, 2% milk or a nondairy milk alternative instead.

Directions

Step 1: Precook the filling

Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, cornstarch and water until smooth. Add the sliced peaches and bring everything to a boil. Once boiling, cook and stir the mixture for two minutes. This activates the cornstarch, thickening the filling.

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the butter and lemon juice until combined.

Step 2: Create the topping

In a bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in the whole milk, melted butter and orange zest until thoroughly combined.

Step 3: Assemble the cobbler

Carefully pour the hot peach mixture into an ungreased 2-cup baking dish. Evenly spoon the topping all over the peaches.

Step 4: Bake the cobbler

Slide the peach cobbler into the oven and bake, uncovered, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling, about 25 minutes. Allow the cobbler to cool at room temperature for a bit before eating. To serve, scoop out portions into bowls and, if desired, serve with vanilla ice cream.

ALLISON CEBULLA FOR TASTE OF HOME

Recipe Variations

• Include baking spices: Warm up the peach cobbler for two with a touch of sweet cinnamon and cozy nutmeg.
• Add in other fruits: Along with (or instead of) the peaches, include berries like strawberries, blueberries or blackberries in the filling.
• Bake in a different dish: Instead of a 2-cup baking dish, feel free to bake the small-batch peach cobbler in two 1-cup ramekins.

How to Store Peach Cobbler for Two

To store peach cobbler for two leftovers, allow them to cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. Store the leftovers in the fridge for up to three days.

Can you freeze peach cobbler for two?

Yes, you can freeze peach cobbler for two. Allow the baked cobbler to cool completely to room temperature, then either cover it with storage wrap while in the pan or transfer it to an airtight container. Peach cobbler can be kept in the freezer for up to two months.

How do you reheat peach cobbler for two?

Reheat individual servings of peach cobbler for two in the microwave or reheat larger portions in a 325° oven until warmed through, about 10 to 20 minutes depending on the amount.

Peach Cobbler for Two Tips

ALLISON CEBULLA FOR TASTE OF HOME

How do you serve peach cobbler for two?

Serve peach cobbler for two warm from the oven. Spoon the cobbler into bowls and scoop the best vanilla ice cream on top, or use a dollop of sweetened whipped cream for something lighter.

Do you need to peel fresh peaches for peach cobbler?

No, you don’t need to peel fresh peaches for peach cobbler, but you totally can if you don’t like the skin on peaches. I personally like to take the extra time to peel peaches before slicing them for peach cobbler, but you certainly don’t have to.

Why is my small-batch peach cobbler runny?

Your peach cobbler may be runny for a few reasons. The first is if you used frozen peaches. Frozen peaches must thaw first to expel their excess liquid, which you then need to drain. Otherwise, the liquid will accumulate in the filling and water it down.

Another reason your peach cobbler may be runny is if you didn’t cook the filling long enough. Be sure to bring the filling to a full boil, then cook it for two additional minutes to activate the cornstarch and reduce the liquid.