As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the kitchen, I found myself reminiscing about the warm summer evenings spent at my grandmother’s farmhouse. The air was filled with the sweet scent of ripe peaches, and the sound of laughter echoed as family gathered around. It was during one of those cherished moments that I first tasted her legendary peach cobbler, a delightful blend of juicy fruit and buttery crust. Inspired by those memories, I’ve created a twist on the classic recipe, incorporating maple syrup and pecans for an irresistible addition. This Maple Pecan Peach Cobbler is perfect for any occasion, bringing the essence of summer to your table year-round.

Ingredients

4 cups fresh peaches, sliced (about 6-8 medium peaches)
1/2 cup maple syrup
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cornstarch. Toss everything together gently to ensure the peaches are well-coated, and then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Pour in the melted butter and buttermilk, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine. Fold in the chopped pecans to add a delightful crunch to the topping.

In a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, layer the peach mixture evenly on the bottom. Spoon the pecan batter over the peaches, making sure to cover them as much as possible. Don’t worry if it isn’t perfect; the topping will spread while baking, creating a beautiful cobbler.

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma of sweet peaches and toasted pecans will fill your kitchen, making it hard to wait.

Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This Maple Pecan Peach Cobbler is best enjoyed warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top, creating a heavenly combination of flavors and textures. Invite friends or family to gather around and share in the joy of this delectable dessert, and let the sweet sounds of laughter fill the air once more.