Pressure-Perfect Bourbon & Brown Sugar Peach Cobbler

🌍 Cuisine: American
🏷️ Category: Dessert
⏱️ Prep: 15 minutes
🍳 Cook: 25 minutes
πŸ‘₯ Serves: 6-8 servings

πŸ“ About This Recipe

This Instant Pot Peach Cobbler transforms the classic Southern comfort dessert into a quick, foolproof masterpiece. By using the pressure cooker, the peaches break down into a luscious, jammy syrup while the spiced cake-batter topping remains incredibly moist and tender. It’s a warm, soulful dessert that delivers deep notes of caramelized brown sugar and bright summer fruit in a fraction of the time.

πŸ₯— Ingredients

The Peach Filling

  • 6-7 large Fresh Peaches (peeled, pitted, and sliced into 1/2 inch wedges)
  • 1/2 cup Light Brown Sugar (packed)
  • 1 tablespoon Bourbon (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (to thicken the juices)
  • 1 teaspoon Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon

The Cobbler Batter

  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (sifted)
  • 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 3/4 cup Whole Milk (at room temperature)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted and slightly cooled)
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (high quality)
  • 1/8 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (freshly grated is best)

For the Pot

  • 1 cup Water (for the bottom of the Instant Pot liner)

πŸ‘¨β€πŸ³ Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare a 7-inch round cake pan or a heat-safe glass bowl (like Pyrex) by lightly greasing the inside with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

  2. 2

    In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sliced peaches, brown sugar, bourbon, cornstarch, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Toss gently until the peaches are well-coated and the cornstarch has dissolved.

  3. 3

    Transfer the peach mixture into the prepared cake pan, spreading them out into an even layer.

  4. 4

    In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg until well combined.

  5. 5

    Add the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract to the dry ingredients. Stir with a spatula until just combined; do not overmix, a few small lumps are perfectly fine.

  6. 6

    Pour the batter evenly over the peaches in the pan. Use a spoon to gently spread it to the edges, but do not stir it into the peaches.

  7. 7

    Cover the pan tightly with a piece of aluminum foil. This prevents excess moisture from the steam from making the cobbler soggy.

  8. 8

    Pour 1 cup of water into the inner stainless steel pot of your Instant Pot. Place the steam rack (trivet) inside the pot.

  9. 9

    Carefully lower the covered cake pan onto the trivet using a foil sling or the handles of the trivet.

  10. 10

    Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to the 'Sealing' position. Select 'Manual' or 'Pressure Cook' on High Pressure for 25 minutes.

  11. 11

    Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes before venting any remaining steam.

  12. 12

    Carefully remove the pan from the Instant Pot. Remove the foil and let the cobbler sit for 5-10 minutes; this allows the juices to thicken as it cools slightly.

  13. 13

    Optional: For a golden top, place the pan under a kitchen broiler for 2-3 minutes until the crust is lightly browned.

πŸ’‘ Chef's Tips

If using frozen peaches, thaw them completely and drain excess liquid before mixing to avoid a runny cobbler. Don't overmix the batter; overworking the flour develops gluten which leads to a tough, rubbery topping. Always use the 'Natural Pressure Release' for at least 10 minutes to ensure the cake center is fully set. To make a 'sling' for easy removal, fold a long piece of foil into a 2-inch wide strip and place it under the pan before lowering it into the pot. If you prefer a crunchier topping, sprinkle a tablespoon of coarse turbinado sugar over the batter before covering with foil.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Serve warm with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream. Top with a dollop of freshly whipped cream infused with a pinch of cinnamon. Drizzle a little extra bourbon caramel sauce over the top for an indulgent finish. Pairs beautifully with a cup of dark roast coffee or a glass of sweet iced tea. For a breakfast twist, serve a cold leftover portion with a spoonful of plain Greek yogurt.