There's something magical about a warm, bubbling cobbler fresh from the oven, and this Vanilla Bourbon Peach Cobbler is no exception. By combining the sweet juiciness of ripe peaches with a hint of vanilla and a splash of bourbon, this dessert becomes a delightful treat for any occasion.
The heart of this recipe is its peaches, which lend their natural sweetness and juiciness to the dish. Using fresh peaches is key, as they have the best flavor and texture. Granulated sugar and brown sugar work together to balance the sweetness and add a hint of molasses. Bourbon infuses the cobbler with a warm, caramel-like richness, while vanilla extract enhances the overall flavor. The spices, cinnamon and nutmeg, add warmth and depth, making the dessert comforting and inviting. The flour, butter, and milk create a tender, biscuit-like topping, and cornstarch thickens the peach juices, preventing a watery filling.
Serve the cobbler warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. The cold creaminess of the ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced peaches and adds a lovely contrast in texture.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it's ready to go once you've prepared everything. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches with both sugars, bourbon, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir everything well and let it sit for about 10 minutes. This resting time allows the peaches to release their juices and soak up those delicious flavors.
While the peaches are mingling with the sugars and spices, get started on the topping. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. You want to make sure these dry ingredients are well combined. Next, cut the cold butter into small cubes and add it to the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the flour until it resembles coarse crumbs. This step is crucial for a flaky topping.
Gently stir in the milk until you have a batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the topping tough. Meanwhile, dissolve the cornstarch in a tablespoon of cold water and stir this into the peach mixture. This will help thicken the juices as the cobbler bakes.
Pour the peach mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the batter over the top. It doesn't need to be perfect — the joy of cobbler is in its rustic, homey appearance.
Bake for 40-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the peach juices are bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.