As the sun shines and summer’s warmth wraps around us, the vibrant colors of cherries and peaches coax a wave of nostalgia. I can’t help but picture lazy afternoons spent in our cozy kitchen, where the sweet aroma of baked fruit wafts through the air, inviting everyone to gather around the table. This Summery Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the season and a simple way to indulge in the flavors of ripe stone fruits.
With just a handful of ingredients and a quick prep time, this cobbler transforms into a delightful easy-to-make treat, perfect for sharing with friends and family. Imagine creamy vanilla ice cream melting over a warm, bubbling filling, each bite revealing the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness. While this recipe calls for juicy cherries and luscious peaches, feel free to mix in your favorite stone fruits to make it your own! Let’s dive in and create a dessert that embodies the carefree spirit of summer.
Why is this Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler a Must-Try?
Delightful Ease: This Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy summer days when you crave a delicious dessert without the fuss.
Fruity Goodness: Packed with ripe cherries and peaches, this cobbler bursts with the sweet and tart flavors of seasonal stone fruits, keeping taste buds dancing.
Versatile Options: Not only does it highlight these specific fruits, but you can easily substitute them with your favorites, like apricots or nectarines, for a personalized touch.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether at a family gathering or a backyard barbecue, this cobbler is sure to impress guests, earning you compliments and requests for the recipe!
Perfect Pairing: Top it with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, and you’ve got an indulgent treat that elevates the whole dish to dessert perfection.
Indulge in summer’s bounty with this easy-to-make cherry and peach delight that invites everyone for a slice!
Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler Ingredients
• Dive into the flavors of summer with this delightful Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler!
For the Fruit Filling
- 3 heaping cups pitted Bing cherries – These sweet-tart gems are the star of the dish; feel free to swap with any stone fruit you love.
- 3 heaping cups sliced peaches or nectarines – Juicy and sweet, they complement the cherries perfectly—substitute with any ripe stone fruit available.
- 3/4 cup turbinado or cane sugar – Adds sweetness to the filling; adjust based on your fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Zest of 1 lemon & 1 tablespoon juice – Brightens the flavors beautifully; fresh lemon is preferred for the best taste.
- 2 tablespoons corn starch – Thicken the filling for a luscious texture; it can be replaced with flour if needed.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger – Offers a warm kick to balance the fruit; consider ground nutmeg for a different flavor twist.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds a cozy warmth that works harmoniously with the fruits; optional if you prefer to keep it simple.
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the sweetness in the filling.
For the Biscuit Topping
- 1 cup all-purpose flour + more for dusting – Gives structure to the biscuit; gluten-free flour can be used as a substitute.
- 2/3 cup fine ground cornmeal – Essential for that delightful texture; make sure it’s fine ground for optimal results.
- 1/4 cup cane sugar – Sweetens the biscuit topping; brown sugar works well as a substitute.
- 4 1/2 teaspoons baking powder – Ensures the biscuits rise beautifully; omit if using self-rising flour.
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances flavor throughout the biscuit.
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (cold) – Key for flakiness, use very cold butter; vegan butter can be an excellent dairy-free alternative.
- 3/4 cup plain whole milk yogurt (cold) – Adds moisture to the biscuit topping; coconut yogurt is a great option for dairy-free needs.
Prepare for a warm, fruity dessert that will not only satisfy your sweet tooth but also evoke fond summer memories shared with loved ones!
How to Make Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure your cobbler bakes evenly and the topping becomes beautifully golden brown.
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Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are well combined for a uniform biscuit base.
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Grate the cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients. Rub it in gently until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—this step is crucial for achieving that flaky biscuit texture.
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Fold in the cold plain yogurt until a dough forms. If the dough feels too wet, you can adjust by adding a little more flour to reach a manageable consistency.
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Turn the dough out onto a floured surface. Shape it into an oval, then cut it into 8 pieces, forming rough balls. This will give your cobbler the rustic appearance that everyone loves!
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Prepare the fruit filling by mixing the pitted cherries, sliced peaches, sugar, lemon zest and juice, cornstarch, ground ginger, cinnamon, and sea salt in a baking dish. Leave behind any excess juice to avoid a soggy filling.
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Top the fruit filling with the biscuit pieces! Sprinkle any leftover crumbs on top too. It’s time for this beauty to enter the oven—bake for 40-45 minutes until the biscuits are golden and the filling is happily bubbling.
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Cool your delightful cobbler for about 1 hour for a thicker filling or serve it immediately for a runnier consistency. Either way, it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
Optional: Drizzle with honey or sprinkle with toasted almonds for an extra layer of flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler?
Imagine gathering around the table, savoring this warm delight while sipping on refreshing beverages that beautifully complement its sweet and fruity notes.
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Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds a luscious, creamy texture, enhancing the warm fruit filling of the cobbler.
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Fresh Whipped Cream: Light, airy, and slightly sweetened, it adds a delightful touch that contrasts the richness of the cobbler.
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Lemonade: The bright acidity provides a refreshing balance, making every bite feel like a burst of summer sunshine.
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Sparkling Water with Citrus: A fizzy twist that cleanses the palate, leaving you ready for another mouthful of that delightful cobbler.
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Grilled Peaches: These perfectly caramelized fruits echo the flavors in your cobbler while adding a smoky depth that enhances the overall experience.
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Almond Biscotti: Crunchy and slightly sweet, they offer a lovely contrast to the tender cobbler and add a fun texture on the side.
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Berry Salad: A medley of berries with a splash of lemon juice brings in freshness, brightening up the dessert and the meal overall.
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Peach Iced Tea: This fruity and refreshing drink mirrors the cobbler’s flavors, making it feel like a cohesive dessert.
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Chocolate Drizzled Popcorn: The sweet and salty combination adds a fun and unexpected crunch that pairs brilliantly with the cobbler’s softness.
Expert Tips for Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler
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Chill the Butter: Use very cold butter for the biscuit topping to create a flaky texture—this is crucial for your Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler!
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Juiciness Control: If the fruit filling looks too watery, let the cobbler cool longer for the filling to thicken—trust me, patience pays off!
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Spice It Up: Experiment with different spices like cardamom or nutmeg in the biscuit topping for a unique flavor twist that complements the fruity filling.
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Dairy-Free Option: To make this cobbler dairy-free, swap out the yogurt for coconut yogurt and the unsalted butter for vegan butter.
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Rest Time: Allow the cobbler to cool for about 1 hour for the best texture in the filling and to make servings easier to manage.
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Serving Suggestions: Always serve this delightful cobbler warm with a scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream to elevate its deliciousness!
Make Ahead Options
These delicious Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler components can definitely be prepped ahead, making your life easier during those busy summer evenings! You can prepare the fruit filling (cherries and peaches mixed with sugar, lemon zest, and cornstarch) and refrigerate it for up to 3 days in an airtight container. For the biscuit topping, you can mix the dry ingredients (flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt) a day in advance, then just add the cold butter and yogurt right before baking. When you’re ready to enjoy this delightful dessert, assemble the cobbler by topping the fruit with the biscuit pieces and bake as directed. Rest assured, even prepared in advance, it will taste just as scrumptious!
Cherry and Peach Cobbler Variations
Feel free to get creative and make this Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler your own with these delightful twists!
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Fruit Swap: Substitute cherries and peaches with apricots, plums, or even nectarines for a unique flavor adventure. Each fruit brings a new twist to the mix!
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Dairy-Free Delight: Use vegan butter and coconut yogurt instead of their dairy counterparts for a delicious dairy-free treat that everyone can enjoy.
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Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of ground cardamom or nutmeg to the biscuit topping for an aromatic twist that enhances the cobbler’s warmth.
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Texture Twist: Mix in some rolled oats to the biscuit topping for a heartier texture that gives a satisfying crunch. This adds a wonderful rustic feel!
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Nutty Addition: Fold chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, into the fruit filling for an extra nutty crunch and richness in every bite.
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Citrus Zing: Experiment with the zest of orange or lime in addition to lemon for a zesty pop that brightens the fruit flavors beautifully.
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Heat It Up: A pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes can add a surprising, delicious kick to the sweet filling, taking your cobbler to another level of flavor exploration.
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Chocolate Delight: Drizzle a bit of melted dark chocolate over the top before serving for a decadent twist that chocolate lovers will adore!
Let your imagination run wild and enjoy this cobbler made to fit your taste buds perfectly!
Storage Tips for Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler
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Room Temperature: Allow the cobbler to cool completely before storing; it can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days if covered loosely with foil.
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Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
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Freezer: You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months; to freeze, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn.
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Reheating: To reheat, place the cobbler in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through—this restores the biscuit’s lovely texture.
Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler Recipe FAQs
What kind of cherries should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! Pitted Bing cherries are ideal as they offer a great balance of sweetness and tartness. You can also substitute with other sweet varieties like Rainier cherries or even mix in tart cherries for a delightful contrast.
How should I store leftover cobbler?
Very easy! Once cooled, cover the cobbler loosely with foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, place leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, ensuring it retains its flavor and freshness.
Can I freeze Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler?
Yes, you can! To freeze, allow the cobbler to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply reheat it directly from the freezer in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
What if my fruit filling is too runny?
If you find the filling has excess liquid, allow the cobbler to cool for about 1 hour before serving. This resting time helps thicken the juices as they settle. Additionally, you can adjust the amount of cornstarch in the filling if you prefer a thicker result—generally, an extra tablespoon will do the trick!
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Very much so! If you’re accommodating dietary restrictions, this recipe can be made dairy-free by using coconut yogurt and vegan butter. Always double-check for allergies regarding specific fruits and other ingredients like flour or sugar. Enjoy the cobbler with peace of mind!
Can I use other fruits in this cobbler?
Absolutely, the more the merrier! Feel free to substitute the cherries and peaches with other seasonal stone fruits such as plums, apricots, or nectarines. Each fruit will bring its unique flavor profile while still creating that delicious cobbler experience.
Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler Recipe FAQs
Cherry and Peach Cornmeal Cobbler: Your Summer Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Mix flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and sea salt in a medium bowl.
- Grate the cold unsalted butter into the dry ingredients.
- Fold in the cold plain yogurt until a dough forms.
- Turn the dough out onto a floured surface and cut it into 8 pieces.
- Prepare the fruit filling by mixing cherries, peaches, sugar, lemon zest and juice, cornstarch, ginger, cinnamon, and sea salt in a baking dish.
- Top the fruit filling with the biscuit pieces.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until the biscuits are golden and the filling is bubbling.
- Cool for about 1 hour before serving.