This Spiced Peach Cobbler with Ginger Biscuit Crust is the perfect way to celebrate the fresh peaches of the season. With a touch of spice and a comforting crust, it’s a delightful twist on a classic dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The star of this dessert is, of course, the peaches. Fresh and juicy, they bring natural sweetness and a bit of tartness to the dish. The mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar enhances the sweetness while adding a hint of caramel flavor. Cinnamon and nutmeg are the spices that give the cobbler its cozy warmth, perfect for autumn evenings. A touch of vanilla extract rounds out the flavors, while lemon juice adds brightness and helps balance the sweetness.
For the crust, all-purpose flour provides structure, while granulated sugar sweetens it up just right. Salt enhances all the flavors, and baking powder and baking soda ensure the crust is perfectly tender. Ground ginger adds a spicy, aromatic note that pairs beautifully with the peaches. Using unsalted butter keeps the crust rich and flaky, and buttermilk brings a slight tang and helps bind the dough together.
This cobbler is divine on its own, but serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream takes it to the next level. For a little extra indulgence, drizzle some caramel sauce over the top before serving.
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it's hot and ready when you're done prepping. In a large bowl, toss together the sliced peaches, sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, and lemon juice. Give it a good mix so that the peaches are well-coated, then sprinkle in the cornstarch. Stir until the cornstarch disappears into the fruit mixture, ensuring it will thicken nicely as it bakes.
Pour the peach mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Now, onto the crust. In another bowl, whisk together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and ground ginger. This guarantees everything is evenly distributed before you add the butter.
With a pastry cutter, cut the chilled butter into the flour mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. This step is key for a tender crust, so take your time. Gradually stir in the buttermilk until a dough forms. It should be a bit sticky but hold together well.
Using a spoon, drop dollops of the dough over the peach filling. It doesn't need to cover completely; some gaps are fine and allow the fruit to bubble through. Pop the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. You'll know it's done when the top is golden brown and you see those delicious peaches bubbling at the edges.
Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before diving in. This helps the juices settle and makes serving easier.