One of the most popular and comforting desserts in the South is cobbler. Southerners make cobbler out of fresh blackberries, peaches, apples, and other fruits when they are in season, and canned and frozen fruits when they aren’t. Besides fruit, a proper cobbler must have a crust, but the type of crust varies among Southern cooks. While many cooks prefer the easiest crust which is a quick batter, either a slightly sweet thick pie crust, or a crust made of biscuit dough is much more special.
The following Skillet Peach Cobbler is made in a cast-iron skillet and has a biscuit crust that is very easy to roll out. The use of frozen peaches not only eliminates the need to peel and cut fresh peaches, but it also makes it possible to serve this homey dessert any time of the year. The use of the microwave oven speeds up the filling preparation. For those planning to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day by serving several soul food dishes, this cobbler will be the perfect ending to the holiday meal.
Skillet Peach Cobbler
8 Servings
Crust
- 2 cups self-rising flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1 cup buttermilk
Filling
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/3 cup flour
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 16 oz. packages frozen sliced peaches
- 2 tablespoons butter
Topping
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Spray a 9″ cast iron skillet with non-stick spray; set aside.
Preheat the oven to 425°.
Crust:
Combine flour and baking powder.
Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles a coarse meal.
Add buttermilk and stir to form a soft dough.
Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead just enough to handle easily.
Roll dough into a circle about 12-14 inches in diameter; it will be about 1/4″ thick. Carefully roll the dough loosely around the rolling pin and transfer it to the prepared skillet; the dough will hang over the skillet.
Filling:
Mix the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a microwaveable bowl until no lumps remain
Microwave each of the packages of frozen peaches for 1 minute, then mix them with the brown sugar mixture.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap, and microwave for 6 minutes, or until boiling and thickened slightly.
Remove the plastic wrap and stir
Assembly:
Pour the peaches into the dough-lined skillet; dot with the butter.
Fold the dough over the peaches, leaving a space in the center.
Mix the tablespoon of sugar and 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon; sprinkle on the dough.
Bake the cobbler for 30-45 minutes or until the dough is lightly browned and the peach filling is thickened.
Serve hot with whipped cream or ice cream.