A Taste of Summer: Individual Peach Cobbler Cups

There’s a certain magic that happens when ripe, sun-kissed peaches are transformed into a warm, comforting dessert. I remember one particularly sweltering summer afternoon, feeling utterly defeated by the heat. My grandmother, sensing my wilted spirit, disappeared into the kitchen and emerged a little while later with a tray of these individual peach cobblers, their golden crusts promising sweet relief. The scent alone – a heady mix of baked fruit and buttery pastry – was enough to lift my mood, and that first bite, with the warm, syrupy peaches bursting against the tender crust, was pure bliss. It’s a dish that instantly transports me back to those carefree days, a testament to the power of simple, honest ingredients.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 to 18 minutes
• Total Time: 31 to 33 minutes
• Servings: 8
• Yield: 8 individual cobblers
• Dietary Type: Vegetarian

Ingredients

This recipe is a celebration of straightforward goodness, relying on the inherent sweetness of peaches and the convenience of refrigerated pie crust.

For the Crust:

• 1 (15 ounce) package refrigerated pie crusts (2 per package)

For the Peach Filling:

• 1 (16 ounce) package frozen sliced peaches, thawed, OR 2 cups sliced fresh peaches, well-drained
• 2 tablespoons water (only if using frozen peaches)
• 1/2 cup sugar, plus 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cut in pieces

Equipment Needed

You won’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just your trusty kitchen staples:

• Muffin tin (standard 12-cup size)
• Medium saucepan
• Small bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife or pastry wheel
• Wire cooling rack

Instructions

Bringing these individual peach cobblers to life is a delightful process, and the results are so rewarding. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the charming presentation of individual portions.

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This initial high heat is crucial for achieving a beautifully golden and flaky crust.
2. Prepare the pie crusts: Gently unfold one of the refrigerated pie crusts onto a lightly floured surface. The key here is to work with a cool, firm dough.
3. Cut the pastry rounds: Using a 4 1/2-inch round cutter (or the rim of a glass), carefully cut out four 4 1/2-inch circles from the first pie crust. Aim to get as many full circles as possible.
4. Utilize the scraps: Don’t let those delicious scraps go to waste! Cut the remaining dough into strips or small uneven shapes. These will form the charming lattice tops of your cobblers.
5. Line the muffin tin: Take one of the pastry rounds and gently place it in the center of a muffin tin cup. Lightly press the round down so it fits the pan, allowing the dough to stick up around the edges. This creates a perfect little cup for your peach filling.
6. Repeat for all cups: Continue this process with the remaining seven round circles, lining eight of the muffin tin cups. You should have one pie crust left to create more rounds if needed, or to make extra decorative elements.
7. Cook the peaches: In a medium saucepan, coarsely chop your peaches. If you are using frozen sliced peaches, add 2 tablespoons of water to the saucepan. If you are using fresh sliced peaches, they should release enough of their own juice, so no extra water is needed.
8. Bring to a boil and simmer: Bring the peach mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring often to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 5 to 7 minutes. This softens the peaches and begins to release their natural sweetness.
9. Drain the peaches: After simmering, drain any excess liquid from the cooked peaches. This step is important to prevent the cobblers from becoming too watery.
10. Prepare the filling mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup of sugar with the flour and cinnamon. Stir this mixture into the drained peaches in the saucepan. This will help to thicken the filling as it bakes and add a warm spice note.
11. Fill the pastry cups: Spoon approximately 1/4 cup of the peach mixture into each of the pastry-lined muffin tin cups. Be generous, but don’t overfill to the point where the filling will spill out excessively.
12. Add the topping: Take the strips of dough you cut earlier and place 3 to 4 strips over the top of each cobbler, creating a rustic lattice or criss-cross pattern.
13. Seal the edges: Gently press the edges of the dough inward toward the fruit filling. This helps to create a seal and prevent the filling from bubbling out too much.
14. Add the finishing touches: Distribute the 2 tablespoons of cold butter, cut into small pieces, evenly on top of the pastry strips of each cobbler. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of sugar over the butter and pastry. This creates a wonderfully rich, caramelized topping.
15. Bake until golden: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes, or until the crust is a beautiful golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Keep a close eye on them, as oven temperatures can vary.
16. Cool slightly: Once baked, remove the muffin tin from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for 5 minutes. This brief cooling period allows the cobblers to set slightly.
17. Loosen the cobblers: Carefully run a knife around the edges of each cobbler to loosen them from the muffin tin. Then, gently lift them up from the bottoms with your knife or a small offset spatula.
18. Serve warm: Serve these delightful individual peach cobblers warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot cobbler and cold ice cream is simply divine.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Peach Perfection: If using fresh peaches, choose ones that are ripe but still firm. Overripe peaches can become too mushy. If they aren’t quite sweet enough, a little extra sugar in the filling can be a lifesaver.
• Crust Crispness: For an extra crispy crust, you can brush the pastry strips with a little melted butter before sprinkling with sugar.
• Muffin Tin Magic: If your muffin tin is prone to sticking, consider lightly greasing or spraying it with non-stick cooking spray before lining with the pastry rounds.
• Don’t Overwork the Dough: When cutting and shaping the pie crusts, handle them as little as possible to maintain their tenderness.
• Visual Appeal: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your pastry strips. Different patterns can add a beautiful touch to these individual desserts.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

These individual peach cobblers are best enjoyed fresh and warm, straight from the oven. The combination of warm, sweet peaches and buttery, flaky crust is truly at its peak when served immediately.

Serving:

Present them as individual desserts in their muffin tin liners, or carefully unmolded onto small dessert plates. A dollop of homemade whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a classic scoop of vanilla bean ice cream is the perfect accompaniment.

Storage:

Leftover cobblers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 4 days. They can also be frozen, either individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe container, for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

To reheat, you can place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through. Microwaving is an option, but it may result in a softer crust.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional content for one individual peach cobbler. Please note that these are approximate values and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	410.3 kcal
Calories from Fat	183 kcal
Total Fat	20.4 g	31%
Saturated Fat	7.5 g	37%
Cholesterol	7.6 mg	2%
Sodium	367.9 mg	15%
Total Carbohydrate	54.9 g	18%
Dietary Fiber	1.6 g	6%
Sugars	28.9 g	115%
Protein	2.8 g	5%

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe shines with peaches, feel free to explore other seasonal fruits!

• Berry Cobblers: Substitute the peaches with mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries). Adjust the sugar slightly depending on the sweetness of the berries.
• Apple Cobblers: Thinly sliced apples work wonderfully. You might want to add a pinch of nutmeg along with the cinnamon for a classic apple pie flavor.
• Stone Fruit Medley: Combine peaches with plums, nectarines, or apricots for a more complex fruit flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free version, you could explore using a gluten-free pie crust or a crumble topping made with gluten-free flour, oats, and butter.

FAQs

Q: Can I use fresh peaches instead of frozen?
A: Absolutely! If using fresh peaches, make sure they are ripe but still firm, and drain them well after slicing. You won’t need the extra water in the saucepan.

Q: My pastry is browning too quickly. What should I do?
A: If the crust is browning faster than the filling is bubbling, you can loosely tent the muffin tin with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Q: What’s the best way to ensure the pastry releases easily from the muffin tin?
A: Pressing the dough gently into the tin and running a thin knife around the edges after a brief cooling period usually does the trick. You can also lightly grease your muffin tin beforehand.

Q: Can I make the peach filling ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the peach filling up to a day in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator. You may need to add it back to the saucepan and gently heat it to loosen it up before spooning it into the pastry cups.

Q: Are these individual cobblers easy to transport?
A: They are quite portable once cooled. You can transport them in the muffin tin or carefully transfer them to a sturdy container. They are best served warm, so consider reheating them upon arrival if necessary.

A Sweet Ending

These individual peach cobbler cups are more than just a dessert; they are a delightful little package of summer sunshine, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying as a personal treat. They embody the joy of simple baking, where quality ingredients and a little bit of love come together to create something truly special. So, gather your peaches, preheat that oven, and let the sweet aroma of this classic dessert fill your home. I’d be delighted to hear about your creations and any personal twists you add to this wonderful recipe!