There’s nothing quite like a warm peach cobbler fresh from the oven, its golden crust bubbling around tender, juicy peaches. But when you’re feeding a crowd—whether it’s a family gathering, church supper, or summer barbecue—you need something easy, fuss-free, and made to serve plenty. Enter the Big Batch Lazy Man’s Peach Cobbler: a recipe that delivers all the comfort of homemade cobbler with minimal effort.
This dessert has long been cherished in Southern kitchens, where peaches are abundant and gatherings often require generous servings. The “lazy man’s” version gets its name because it skips rolling out dough or making pie crusts from scratch. Instead, a simple batter creates its own magic while baking, forming a golden, buttery topping that’s both crisp and tender.
Ingredients:
To make a large pan that serves 12–15 people, you’ll need:
2 large cans (29 oz each) sliced peaches in heavy syrup (do not drain)
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, melted
3 cups self-rising flour (or substitute with all-purpose flour + 4
½ tsp baking powder + 1
½ tsp salt) 3 cups granulated sugar
3 cups whole milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for flavor) Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
Preheat the Oven Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a deep 9×13-inch baking dish (or an equivalent large pan) with butter or nonstick spray.
Melt the Butter Pour the melted butter into the bottom of the prepared dish. Do not stir—this is part of the cobbler magic.
Mix the Batter In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. The batter will be pourable but thick.
Add the Batter to the Pan Slowly pour the batter over the melted butter in the pan. Again—do not stir. The layering is what allows the crust to rise up around the peaches as it bakes.
Add the Peaches Spoon the peaches and their syrup evenly across the top of the batter. If you like, sprinkle cinnamon on top for a warm, spiced flavor.
Bake Until Golden Place the dish in the oven and bake for 50–60 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. The batter will rise around the peaches to form a crisp, buttery crust.
Serve Warm Scoop generous portions into bowls and serve with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Why This Recipe Works
Effortless Method: No rolling, kneading, or fussing with pastry dough—just pour, layer, and bake. Crowd-Friendly: Perfect for potlucks and gatherings, this recipe makes a large pan without doubling or adjusting. Customizable: Use fresh or frozen peaches when in season, add nutmeg for warmth, or swap in other fruits like berries or apples.
Tips and Variations
Fresh Peaches: If you’re using fresh peaches, peel and slice about 8–10 medium peaches. Toss them with 1 cup sugar and let sit for 30 minutes to release juices before adding them to the cobbler. Lighter Version: Substitute half the sugar with brown sugar for a richer flavor or reduce sugar slightly if you prefer a less sweet dessert. Topping Idea: Sprinkle coarse sugar over the batter before baking for an extra-crisp crust.
Storing & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat: Warm in the oven at 300°F for 10–15 minutes to revive the crust. Microwaving works too, though it softens the topping. Freezer: Wrap cooled cobbler tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.
Final Thoughts
The Big Batch Lazy Man’s Peach Cobbler is the definition of simple comfort food. It’s easy enough for weeknights but special enough to bring to a celebration. With its sweet peaches, golden crust, and warm, nostalgic flavors, it’s a dessert that brings people together—no fancy steps required.