Irresistible Grilled Peach Cobbler: Your Ultimate Summer Dessert in a Cast Iron Skillet

Experience the quintessential taste of summer with this incredible Grilled Peach Cobbler! This recipe makes the absolute most of ripe, seasonal peaches and the joy of grilling season, bringing a delightful smoky twist to a classic dessert. Prepared entirely in a durable cast iron skillet, it’s not only perfect for your backyard BBQ but can also be a fantastic treat cooked directly over a crackling campfire. Get ready to savor juicy peaches topped with a golden, buttery biscuit crust, all infused with that irresistible outdoor flavor.

As the days grow shorter and the crisp hint of autumn begins to whisper (perhaps fueled by a strategically placed cinnamon oil diffuser!), there’s still a vibrant, sweet heart beating for summer’s bounty: the peach. For many, the peak of peach season is an event, a time to indulge in their unparalleled sweetness and succulent texture. While pumpkin spice will soon dominate, let’s seize these final weeks to celebrate the magnificent peach in all its glory. There’s truly nothing quite like a perfectly ripe peach, and this Grilled Peach Cobbler recipe elevates that experience to new heights, offering a unique blend of flavors and textures that will captivate your taste buds.

Why Grill Your Peach Cobbler? A Symphony of Flavor and Convenience

You might be thinking, “Grilling a cobbler? Isn’t that unusual?” And while traditional cobblers are typically baked in an oven, bringing this classic dessert to the grill unlocks a whole new dimension of flavor and practicality. Grilling imparts a subtle, smoky depth to the peaches that you simply can’t achieve indoors. It caramelizes their natural sugars beautifully, enhancing their sweetness and adding a slight char that’s truly magical. Beyond the exquisite flavor, grilling your cobbler offers several compelling advantages, making it an ideal choice for summer gatherings:

• Keep Your Kitchen Cool: On hot summer days, firing up the oven can turn your kitchen into an unbearable sauna. The grill allows you to enjoy a warm, comforting dessert without overheating your home, keeping your indoor space comfortable and cool.
• Enhanced Flavor Profile: The gentle kiss of smoke from the grill complements the sweet, juicy peaches and buttery biscuit topping in a way that’s both rustic and refined. This unique smoky note makes the Grilled Peach Cobbler stand out from its oven-baked counterparts.
• Outdoor Entertainment: If you’re hosting a backyard BBQ, picnicking, or enjoying a camping trip, cooking dessert on the grill keeps everyone together outdoors. It becomes part of the shared experience, adding to the festive and relaxed atmosphere of outdoor dining.
• Efficiency and Versatility: Why use two cooking methods when one can do it all? While your main course is grilling, you can easily prepare and cook your dessert alongside it, streamlining your cooking process. Furthermore, a cast iron skillet is remarkably versatile and can go straight from the grill to a campfire, making this recipe perfect for adventurous outdoor cooks.

Choosing and Preparing the Perfect Peaches for Your Cobbler

The undisputed star of any peach cobbler is, naturally, the peach. The success and flavor depth of your grilled cobbler will largely depend on the quality of your fruit. During late summer, peaches are at their absolute prime, bursting with flavor and natural sweetness, making them ideal for this recipe. When selecting peaches, look for these key indicators of ripeness:

• Fragrance: A perfectly ripe peach will emit a strong, sweet, and unmistakable peachy aroma. If you can’t smell anything, it’s likely not fully ripe.
• Color: While specific varieties vary, generally look for peaches with a vibrant, even yellow-orange color. Avoid those with significant green spots, which indicate immaturity. Red blushing is a characteristic of many varieties but doesn’t necessarily indicate ripeness; rely more on scent and feel.
• Yield to Touch: Gently press the peach with your thumb. It should give slightly, indicating juiciness, but not be overly soft or mushy, which could mean it’s overripe.

For this recipe, we highly recommend using freestone peaches if possible, as their flesh separates easily from the pit, making preparation much simpler and quicker. You have the option to peel your peaches if you prefer a smoother texture for your cobbler. To do so, blanch them quickly in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately transfer them to an ice bath. The skins should then slip right off with ease. However, for a grilled cobbler, you can absolutely skip this step – the grill will soften the skins beautifully, and many find the slight chew and rustic appearance add to the charm and flavor experience.

A simple peach cobbler remains a timeless favorite for its comforting qualities. The harmonious combination of fresh, sweet peaches, rich brown sugar, warming spices, and a delicate touch of butter, all crowned with a golden, buttery biscuit topping, creates a dessert that brings smiles and satisfaction around any summer gathering. This classic recipe is elevated into something truly special by the addition of the grill, making it a star at any outdoor meal, whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a celebratory weekend feast.

Explore More Delicious Cobbler Recipes: Peach Plum Cobbler | Christmas Cranberry Cobbler | Bourbon Cherry Peach Crumble

Essential Tools for Your Grilled Cobbler Adventure

One of the beauties of this Grilled Peach Cobbler recipe is its simplicity, both in terms of ingredients and the minimal equipment required. You don’t need a kitchen full of gadgets, just a few key items to bring this irresistible summery dessert to life on your grill.

• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least one large mixing bowl for combining your juicy peach base ingredients and another, or a medium-sized one, for preparing the luscious biscuit topping. Stainless steel bowls are excellent for their durability, ease of cleaning, and non-reactive properties.
• A Reliable Cast Iron Skillet: This is arguably the most crucial piece of equipment for this recipe. A 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet is ideal. Cast iron excels at retaining and distributing heat evenly, which is paramount for achieving a perfectly cooked cobbler on the grill without hot spots or uneven baking. Its ability to go from grill to table also makes it a fantastic serving dish. If you’re in the market for a new one, a Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet or a classic Lodge skillet is an excellent choice for its proven durability and consistent performance.
• Your Favorite Outdoor Grill: Whether it’s a gas grill, charcoal grill, or a pellet grill like the Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill (a personal favorite for its consistent heat and wonderful smoky flavor!), any outdoor grill capable of maintaining a consistent medium-high temperature will work beautifully.
• Aluminum Foil: Essential for covering the cast iron skillet during the initial baking phase. This ensures the peaches soften and bubble into a luscious filling without the biscuit topping browning too quickly or burning.
• Basic Kitchen Utensils: You’ll need a good wooden spoon or spatula for mixing ingredients, and sturdy oven mitts or heat-resistant gloves for safely handling the hot cast iron skillet from the grill.

Crafting Your Grilled Peach Cobbler: Step-by-Step

Creating this delicious Grilled Peach Cobbler is a surprisingly straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfectly cooked, intensely flavorful dessert that will be the highlight of your next outdoor meal.

1. Preparing the Peaches for Grilling

To infuse an extra layer of flavor and achieve those beautiful, slightly caramelized grill marks, we start by pre-grilling the peaches. Begin by preheating your grill to a medium-high temperature, aiming for approximately 350°F to 400°F (175°C to 200°C). Carefully cut your chosen ripe peaches in half and remove the pits. Once your grill is hot and ready, place the peach halves, cut-side down, directly onto the clean grates. Grill for about 2-3 minutes per side, just until they soften slightly and develop distinct grill marks and a hint of smoky flavor. This initial grilling step not only adds a wonderful char but also helps to concentrate their natural sweetness. Remove them from the grill and allow them to cool just enough to handle comfortably before proceeding.

2. Assembling the Peach Filling

Once your grilled peaches are sufficiently cool, slice them into thin wedges or manageable chunks, depending on your preferred texture in the finished cobbler. Transfer these aromatic sliced peaches to a large mixing bowl. Now, it’s time to create the luscious filling. Add the brown sugar (which provides a deeper caramel note), all-purpose flour (essential for thickening the bubbling juices), ground cinnamon, a touch of ground cloves, a pinch of ground nutmeg, and kosher salt. These classic spices beautifully complement the peaches, adding warmth and complexity without overpowering their natural fruitiness. Gently stir all the ingredients together until the peaches are evenly coated with the sugar and spice mixture. Pour this fragrant peach mixture directly into your seasoned 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Finally, dot the top of the peach mixture generously with small cubes of unsalted butter. These butter pieces will slowly melt as the cobbler cooks, creating pockets of rich flavor and helping the peaches to cook down in their own buttery, spiced syrup.

3. The First Grill Session

Once your peach filling is assembled in the skillet, cover the pan tightly with aluminum foil. This is a crucial step that helps to trap steam and ensures the peaches become wonderfully tender and juicy, cooking through fully before the biscuit topping has a chance to brown too quickly. Carefully place the covered cast iron skillet directly onto your preheated grill. Close the grill lid and allow it to cook for approximately 15 minutes. During this time, the peaches will soften, and the filling will become wonderfully bubbly and hot. You’ll know it’s ready when you can hear the gentle simmering and see the edges of the fruit mixture visibly bubbling, indicating it’s thoroughly heated through.

4. Whipping Up the Buttery Biscuit Topping

While the peaches are happily simmering on the grill, turn your attention to preparing the irresistible biscuit topping. In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, brown sugar, baking powder (for that perfect, airy rise), and a pinch of salt. Whisk these dry ingredients together thoroughly to ensure even distribution. Create a small well in the center of the dry mixture, then pour in the heavy cream and melted unsalted butter. Using a wooden spoon or a spatula, gently stir everything together just until a cohesive, shaggy dough forms. Be careful not to overmix, as excessive handling can develop the gluten in the flour, leading to tough and chewy biscuits. The dough should be soft, slightly sticky, and rustic in appearance, ready to be dolloped over your bubbling peaches.

5. The Grand Finale: Second Grill Session

Carefully remove the aluminum foil from your skillet – be cautious of the hot steam that will escape! Now, take spoonfuls of your prepared biscuit dough and dollop them generously over the hot, bubbly peach filling. There’s no need for perfect symmetry; the rustic, uneven look of homemade dollops adds to the charm of a truly authentic cobbler. Once the topping is in place, close the grill lid (this time without the foil) and continue to cook for another 15-20 minutes. Keep a close eye on the cobbler during this phase! The biscuits should puff up, turn a beautiful golden brown, and cook through completely. You can check for doneness by gently pressing on a biscuit – it should feel firm to the touch. Once perfectly golden and cooked, carefully remove the skillet from the grill using sturdy oven mitts, as it will be incredibly hot. Let the cobbler rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This crucial resting period allows the delicious juices to settle and thicken slightly, ensuring every spoonful is pure bliss.

Serving and Enjoying Your Grilled Peach Cobbler

A warm peach cobbler, fresh from the grill, is an experience in itself – a true culinary delight that perfectly encapsulates the flavors of summer. The ultimate way to serve this delightful summer dessert is straight out of the skillet, still warm and inviting, allowing its enticing aromas to fill the air. For an added touch of indulgence, a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream melting slowly over the warm, golden biscuit and juicy, spiced peaches is simply divine. The cold, creamy ice cream provides a perfect contrast to the warm, sweet, and subtly smoky fruit, creating a harmonious blend of temperatures and textures. You could also try it with a dollop of freshly whipped cream, a delicate drizzle of homemade caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of toasted pecans for an extra layer of crunch and nutty flavor. This Grilled Peach Cobbler is wonderfully versatile and perfect for any occasion, from a casual family dinner on the patio to a festive outdoor gathering with friends, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Need more inspiration for a sweet treat? Check out my dessert recipes page!

For another exquisite peach treat that truly captures the essence of summer, don’t miss these bourbon peach cinnamon rolls – they’re an absolute must-make during the warmer months, offering a rich, boozy twist to a breakfast classic or a decadent dessert.

Grilled Peach Cobbler Recipe Card

Classic peach cobbler gets a fresh new twist after being thrown on the grill, creating a smoky, sweet, and utterly delightful summer dessert perfect for any outdoor occasion!

Prep Time: 15 minutes mins

Cook Time: 35 minutes mins

Rest Time: 10 minutes mins

Total Time: 60 minutes mins

4.4 from 10 votes

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Equipment

• Wooden Spoon & Scraper
• Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls
• Le Creuset Signature Iron Handle Skillet, 9-Inch (or 10-12 inch)
• Hickory Hardwood Grill Pellets (if using a pellet grill)
• Traeger Lil Tex Elite 34 Pellet Grill (or any outdoor grill)

Ingredients

Cobbler Filling

• 6 large ripe peaches pitted and halved
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/8 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter cut into small cubes

Biscuit Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

• Preheat the grill to 350˚F to 400˚F (175°C to 200°C).
• Place the halved peaches on the grill, cut side down, cooking for 5 minutes total with the lid closed, flipping halfway through to get nice grill marks and soften slightly.
• Remove grilled peaches and slice into thin wedges once cool enough to handle.
• In a large bowl, combine the sliced peaches with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a 10-inch or 12-inch cast iron skillet and dot the top with the small cubes of butter. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil.
• Place the covered skillet on the preheated grill. Close the grill lid and cook until the peach filling is bubbling vigorously and hot, approximately 15 minutes.
• While the peaches are cooking, prepare the biscuit topping. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Make a well in the center and add the heavy cream and melted butter. Stir until the mixture just comes together to form a soft dough; do not overmix.
• Carefully remove the aluminum foil from the skillet. Spoon dollops of the biscuit dough mixture over the hot peach filling. Discard the foil. Close the grill lid (without foil) and continue to cook until the biscuits are golden brown and cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
• Remove the skillet from the grill and let the cobbler rest for 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate summer treat.

Cuisine: American, Summer

Category: Dessert

Tips and Variations for Your Perfect Cobbler

While this Grilled Peach Cobbler recipe is absolutely fantastic as written, here are some additional tips and creative ideas to help you customize it or ensure flawless execution, making it truly your own:

• For a Stronger Smoky Flavor: If you’re using a charcoal grill, consider adding a few wood chips (like hickory, pecan, or applewood) to your coals during the cooking process. For pellet grills, ensure you’re using a flavorful wood blend to infuse that desired smoky essence into your cobbler.
• Fruit Combinations: Peaches pair wonderfully with other summer fruits. Experiment by adding a cup of fresh raspberries, blueberries, or sliced plums to your peach filling for an even richer flavor profile and a vibrant burst of color. Ensure any added fruit is also ripe and sweet.
• Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spice levels to your personal taste. A little extra cinnamon or a hint of ground ginger can add a lovely warmth. Some enthusiasts even enjoy a delicate touch of cardamom, which beautifully complements peaches.
• Add a Splash of Bourbon: For an intriguing adult twist, a tablespoon or two of quality bourbon added to the peach filling before grilling can introduce a sophisticated depth of flavor. This delightful variation echoes the “Bourbon Cherry Peach Crumble” mentioned earlier and adds a subtle warmth.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this cobbler suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, simply substitute the all-purpose flour in both the filling and the biscuit topping with a high-quality gluten-free all-purpose baking blend. For best results, ensure your chosen blend already contains xanthan gum, or add about a quarter teaspoon if it doesn’t, to help with structure.
• Storage and Reheating: Leftover grilled peach cobbler can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm individual servings in the microwave or place the entire cast iron skillet back on a low grill or in an oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, restoring its comforting warmth.
• Don’t Overmix the Biscuits: The golden rule for tender, flaky biscuits is minimal handling. Mix the dough only until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. Overmixing will develop the gluten, resulting in tough and less desirable biscuits.

Final Thoughts on Your Grilled Peach Masterpiece

This Grilled Peach Cobbler isn’t just a dessert; it’s a vibrant celebration of summer, a testament to the incredible versatility of your outdoor grill, and a truly delightful treat for family and friends. The subtle smoky undertones, perfectly combined with the sweet, warmly spiced peaches and the tender, buttery biscuits, create an unforgettable flavor experience that will undoubtedly have everyone clamoring for seconds. It’s the perfect way to cap off a beautiful day spent outdoors, proving that your grill is capable of creating so much more than just savory dishes. Enjoy the magic of summer in every single bite!

If you’ve ventured to make this grilled peach cobbler recipe, I would absolutely love for you to give it a star recipe rating on the recipe card below and/or leave a comment! Your feedback is incredibly valuable, it helps other home cooks, and I genuinely enjoy hearing about your cooking adventures and how the recipe turned out for you. I make an effort to respond to every single comment and question, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any thoughts or queries.

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