If you are like me and always looking for nectarine recipes, do not let this one pass you by. Seriously, this Easy Southern Nectarine Cobbler is a recipe you don't want to miss!
What Makes This Cobbler So Good?
The flavor of the fresh nectarines and the topping combined. It is thick and syrupy and delicious. This recipe relies heavily on the sweetness and flavor of the nectarines.
It is also simple to make. Prep your nectarines, and through them in the pan. Then mix the batter for topping. easy.
this is not only a yummy dessert, but we eat this for breakfast and brunch. it is versatile.
What Is The Difference Between A Cobbler And A Pie?
If you aren't familiar with cobblers, you might be wondering what is the difference between them and a classic pie.
The main difference is in the crust. A pie will have a bottom and top crust. Or at least a bottom crust.
In a cobbler, there is no bottom crust. In most recipes, you will find the fruit filling topped with an almost cake-like batter. Some use pie dough or short dough, but for this one, I used a cake-style topping.
Ingredients
- Fresh Nectarines- you will need fresh nectarines for this recipe and a lot of them. I used 9 for mine. Nectarines vary in size, which is why I went with a cup measurement instead of a number of nectarines.
- Granulated and Brown Sugar- I like to use the granulated sugar in the nectarines and then the brown sugar in the batter. You can easily just use one or the other if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice- I always like to add a bit of this to the fruit when cooking it. This helps to retain the color but also adds a little flavor as well.
- Cornstarch- You don't have to use this, but I like to thicken the filling just a touch. The cornstarch will help thicken.
- All-purpose flour- I use this with a blend of whole wheat flour for almost all my desserts.
- Whole Wheat Pastry Flour- This is my preferred whole wheat flour for cakes, cookies, etc. It is a lower protein flour, that will still give your bake a nice tender texture. If you have not tried it, I highly recommend it.
- Baking Powder- This will help the batter to rise. Otherwise, it will be a thick mess.
- Salt- It only takes a touch, but do not leave it out.
- Butter- Always butter. Well, unless you are dairy-free, then you can always use a dairy-free or vegan butter.
How To Make Nectarine Cobbler
- Start by cutting your nectarines into wedges. I cut mine about 1 inch thick, but you can cut yours a little bigger if you prefer. I wouldn't go too much smaller as they will bake too quickly and be mushy.
- Add them to a bowl and sprinkle them with the granulated sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
- Mix well and add them to your baking pan. I used a 10-inch cast iron skillet, but you can also a 10-inch cake pan or even a 9x13 pan as well.
- Next, in another bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, baking powder, salt, and brown sugar.
- Melt your butter. Then add this and the milk to the flour mixture.
- Mix until it is fairly smooth.
- Spoon it all over the top of the nectarines. Then sprinkle with the tablespoon of sugar.
- Place in the oven and bake until the cobbler is golden brown and the nectarines are tender.
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it.
Do Nectarines Need To Be Ripe For Cobbler?
The simple answer, you want them to be in between. You do not want them to be too ripe and mushy, but you also don't want them to rock hard. They should have just a very slight give to them when you press on them.
As they ripen they become sweeter, making them perfect for this cobbler.
Just be mindful that they are not too ripe, or they will be really mushy in the cobbler.
Notes For Making The
To tell if a nectarine is ready for this cobbler, I like to press it gently. It should give just a little bit. If it is really easy to press, it is too ripe. Of course, if it is too hard, it isn't ready either. Set it in a paper bag for a day or 2.
I like to bake this in the bottom half of my oven. This will ensure the nectarines cook and release those juices early on, seeping up through the batter while it is baking.
This cobbler also holds well for several days. I love to reheat it or even eat it cold. It is one of my favorite breakfasts- don't judge until you have tried it.
How To Serve The Easy Southern Nectarine Cobbler
There are several ways to eat this yummy dessert. My favorite is just like it is, still slightly warm from the oven. It really holds its own, so I let it!
My husband's favorite way to eat it is with vanilla ice cream. I mean, there are other flavors that would go really well with this, but vanilla is his favorite.
My oldest son loves it with whipping cream. When I say whipping cream, I mean a lot of whipping cream. It is about 50% whipping cream and 50% cobbler. To each their own, right??
Can you make this cobbler with the skins on the nectarines?
Yes! The skins on the nectarines soften when they are baked, I never peel mine. If you have a strong aversion to the peel, you can always take them off if you like.
If you want to peel them, let me teach you how. Drop the nectarines in boiling water and cook them for about 2 minutes. Quickly transfer them to ice water and let them sit for another couple of minutes. The skins will easily come off after the blanching.
Can this cobbler be made to be vegan?
It sure can and is a really easy swap. Simply swap out the butter for a vegan/dairy-free butter. Everything else in the recipe will remain the same.
Can I use peaches instead of nectarines?
You sure can. Pretty much any stone fruit will work- peaches, nectarine, apricots, plums. They all make really amazing cobblers. Nectarines and plums are my personal favorite.
Other Fruit Desserts
- Strawberry Sugar Cookie Bars
- Roasted Strawberry Cake With Lime Buttercream
- Fruit Pizza
- Creamy Lemon Mascarpone Dip
- Lemon Chiffon Layered Cake
- Apple Cinnamon Layered Cake
Easy Southern Nectarine Cobbler
Equipment
- skillet
- cutting board and knife
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 6-8 cups nectarines sliced
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup whole wheat pastry flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 ¼ sticks butter, melted
- ⅓ cup milk
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for sprinkling over the top.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
- Butter your skillet or pan for baking.
- Mix your sliced nectarines, sugar, cornstarch, and lemon juice in a bowl.
- Pour the nectarines into your prepared pan.
- In another bowl, mix your all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Pour in the melted butter and milk. Mix until it is almost smooth.
- Pour and spread over the top of the nectarines.
- Sprinkle with the 1 tablespoon granulated sugar.
- Place in then oven and bake for 30-45 minutes.
- You want the top to be lightly golden and the nectarines tender.
- As a note, your nectarine juices might bubble over. This will depend on how much liquid is in your nectarines. If this starts to happen, or you want to prevent it from happening, place a sheet pan on the shelf beneath it.
- Now, sit back and enjoy. You deserve it!
Joly says
Made it tonight! My family loves ❤️ it!
Great recipe! I'm sure I will be making it again!
Amy Sandidge says
I am so glad to hear this! Nectarines are my favorite stone fruit to bake with. Thank you so much for letting me know.
Susan sargis says
What if I don't have wheat pastry flour? Can I use regular flour, or is there an alternative?
Amy Sandidge says
You can use all-purpose flour in this recipe instead of whole wheat pastry flour. Happy baking!