You know that moment when you’re hit with a desperate craving for something sweet, homey, and warm-from-the-oven delicious? But also, the thought of peeling fresh peaches makes you want to take a nap instead? Friend, I’ve got you covered with this ridiculously easy peach cobbler that uses canned peaches and pre-made pie crust. It’s like cheating at baking, except totally allowed and encouraged.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let me count the ways this recipe deserves a spot in your “make this when you want to impress but also don’t want to try too hard” collection:
First, it uses canned peaches, which means no peeling, no waiting for fruit to ripen, and no seasonal limitations. Want peach cobbler in February? Done.
Second, the pre-made pie crust means you can skip the whole “cut cold butter into flour” dance that nobody actually enjoys. Seriously, who has time for that when there’s Netflix to watch?
Third, it takes like 10 minutes to assemble. The oven does most of the work while you take all the credit. Winning.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cans (15 oz each) of sliced peaches in light syrup (not heavy, unless you’re going for sugar coma)
 - 1 pre-made refrigerated pie crust (the kind that comes rolled up, not the already-in-a-tin type)
 - ¾ cup granulated sugar (or a little less if you’re pretending to be healthy)
 - ¼ cup brown sugar (for that caramel-y goodness)
 - 3 tablespoons cornstarch (the magical thickening powder)
 - 1 teaspoon cinnamon (non-negotiable, IMO)
 - ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but why wouldn’t you?)
 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice (from an actual lemon or that squeeze bottle—no judgment here)
 - 2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
 - 1 egg, beaten (for that Instagram-worthy golden crust)
 - 1 tablespoon coarse sugar for sprinkling (totally optional but makes you look fancy)
 
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is not a suggestion—do it now before you forget. Your future cobbler will thank you.
 - Grab a 9-inch pie dish or similar-sized baking dish. No need to grease it; we’re not savages who enjoy scrubbing dishes.
 - Drain one can of peaches completely. For the second can, drain but reserve about 3 tablespoons of the syrup. This gives you moisture without turning your cobbler into peach soup.
 - In a bowl, mix your drained peaches, sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir gently—those peach slices have been through enough already.
 - Pour this peachy mixture into your baking dish. Dot the top with those small pieces of butter. Think of it as adding little flavor bombs throughout.
 - Unroll your pie crust and get creative. You can either lay it whole over the top (cutting a few slits for steam), cut it into strips for a lattice pattern, or cut fun shapes if you’re feeling particularly Martha Stewart-ish.
 - Brush the crust with beaten egg. This is what gives it that “I’m a professional baker” golden shine.
 - Sprinkle with coarse sugar if using. It adds a satisfying crunch and sparkle.
 - Bake for 35-40 minutes until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. If the crust starts browning too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
 - Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. I know it’s torture, but molten peach filling is basically napalm for your mouth.
 
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a recipe this simple, there are still ways to mess up. Let me save you from yourself:
- Skipping the cornstarch. Unless you want peach soup with floating crust islands, don’t forget this thickening agent.
 - Not letting it cool. Five minutes is not enough cooling time, despite what your impatience is telling you. Trust me, roof-of-mouth blisters are not the garnish you’re going for.
 - Forgetting to cut vents in the top crust. Unless you enjoy cleaning exploded peach filling from every corner of your oven, cut those steam vents.
 - Using peaches in heavy syrup without adjusting the sugar. This is how you create desserts that make your teeth hurt.
 - Baking it directly on the oven rack without a baking sheet underneath. Bubbling over is not an “if” but a “when” situation.
 
Alternatives & Substitutions
This recipe is pretty forgiving. Here are some ways to customize without catastrophe:
Fresh peaches: If you’re feeling ambitious (or it’s peak peach season), use about 5-6 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced. Add ¼ cup of water to compensate for the missing syrup.
Frozen peaches: Thaw and drain them first, saving a little liquid as you would with the canned version.
Spice it up: Add ¼ teaspoon of cardamom, ginger, or allspice to the mix for a more complex flavor profile.
Boozy twist: Replace the lemon juice with bourbon or spiced rum. I won’t tell anyone if you also pour a little for yourself while cooking.
No pie crust? Use puff pastry instead, or even make a quick drop biscuit topping with 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, 3 tablespoons cold butter, and ⅓ cup milk.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I make this ahead of time?
Assemble it up to a day ahead, keep it in the fridge, but don’t add the crust until you’re ready to bake. Nobody likes soggy bottom crusts, and Mary Berry would be disappointed in you.
How long does it keep?
Technically 3-4 days in the fridge, but let’s be real—it’ll be gone in 24 hours. If it lasts longer, either you’re dining alone or something went terribly wrong with the recipe.
Can I freeze leftovers?
You can, but the texture of the crust will suffer. If you must, freeze for up to 2 months and reheat in a 350°F oven until warm.
What’s the best way to serve this?
Warm with vanilla ice cream is the only correct answer. Anyone who says otherwise is probably not to be trusted with dessert opinions.
Do I have to use cinnamon?
Technically no, but why would you skip cinnamon in a peach cobbler? That’s like making a sandwich without bread. Sure, it’s possible, but why?
Can I reduce the sugar to make it healthier?
You can reduce it by about a third without major texture issues. But let’s be honest—you’re not eating peach cobbler for health reasons, are you?
Final Thoughts
There you have it—the lazy person’s guide to a dessert that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. This peach cobbler is perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just random Tuesday nights when you need something sweet to get through another episode of whatever show you’re binging.
The beauty of this recipe is that it looks and tastes impressive despite requiring minimal effort. It’s the culinary equivalent of putting your hair in a messy bun and somehow looking like you just stepped out of a salon.
So go ahead, whip this up and bask in the compliments. You deserve them, you crafty shortcut-taking dessert genius. And if anyone asks for your secret? Well, that’s between you, me, and those canned peaches.

                                
                             