Southern Cast-Iron Peach Biscuit Cobbler

Serves 6 · 20 min prep · 35 min cook

Ingredients

• 6 medium ripe peaches
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 6 tbsp cold unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup buttermilk
• 1 tbsp turbinado sugar
• for serving vanilla ice cream

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F and place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat to warm slightly while you prep the fruit.
2. 2Pit the peaches and slice them into thick wedges, leaving the skins on for color and texture.
3. 3In a large bowl toss the peach slices with both sugars, lemon juice, cornstarch, cinnamon, and vanilla until every piece is glossy and coated; the mixture should look juicy but not watery.
4. 4Scrape the peach mixture into the warm skillet and spread into an even layer; let it bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes so the juices start to thicken, then remove from heat.
5. 5In a separate bowl whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
6. 6Cut the cold butter into small cubes and work it into the flour with your fingertips or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with some pea-sized bits remaining.
7. 7Pour in the buttermilk and stir just until a shaggy, sticky dough forms; do not overmix or the biscuits will toughen.
8. 8Drop large spoonfuls of the biscuit dough over the hot peaches, leaving small gaps so steam can escape and the fruit can bubble up the edges.
9. 9Sprinkle the turbinado sugar evenly over the biscuit tops for crunch and sparkle.
10. 10Bake on the center rack for 28 to 32 minutes until the biscuits are deep golden, the filling is vigorously bubbling at the edges, and a toothpick inserted into a biscuit comes out clean.
11. 11Cool the skillet on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes so the juices set slightly and you avoid molten burns.
12. 12Scoop warm cobbler into bowls and top each portion with a melting scoop of vanilla ice cream right before serving.