Crisp Peach Cobbler

Prep Time: 25 mins| Cook Time: 70 mins | Course: Dessert | Serves: 18

Peach cobbler with a crisp, almost brûlée top, similar to a French sugar-crusted cake. This cobbler is quick and easy to make; slice the peaches, squeeze with lemon, spread batter over the top and sprinkle with sugar. Inspired by Deb Perelman of Smitten Kitchen https://smittenkitchen.com/2015/08/crispy-peach-cobbler/ 

10 peaches, sliced into 8 pieces

1 lemon, zested and juiced

½ cup butter, softened 

1 ½ cups sugar, divided 

1 ½ cups flour 

2 tsp baking powder 

1 tsp salt 

¾ cup milk

1 tsp vanilla 

½ cup hot water

Heavy or whipping cream, for drizzling 

Preheat oven to 350°. Place a 9 x 13 baking pan on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any drips. Slice peaches in 8 wedges into the pan. Zest the lemon over the peaches, then drizzle the juice over them. 

In a stand mixer, beat butter and 1 cup of sugar until sandy, about 1 minute. Add flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix for 30 seconds, then pour in milk and vanilla, mixing until the dough comes together, about 2 minutes. Spoon clumps of dough over the peaches, then spread with a small spatula. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of sugar over the top and drizzle hot water evenly over the sugar. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes. The peaches should be bubbly all around the edges, and the top will be golden brown and crackled.  A toothpick inserted into the topping should come out batter-free. 

Spoon into dessert bowls while still warm and drizzle with heavy cream.