Peach Berry Cobbler Made Easy in a Slow Cooker

Nothing says summer like a bowl of juicy fruit cobbler—especially when it practically cooks itself in a slow cooker while your kitchen stays cool. This slow-cooker cobbler bursts with ripe peaches, vibrant berries, and a golden pecan topping that delivers buttery crunch with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a backyard crowd or just treating yourself, this dessert is a seasonal must.

Using the slow cooker not only simplifies the process but also allows the fruit to gently stew in its own juices, deepening in flavor. This isn’t just a shortcut—it’s a flavor-enhancing method that rewards patience with big results. The addition of lemon zest brightens the entire dish, while the topping brings just the right contrast of texture and sweetness.

With a few clever techniques, like layering flavors and absorbing excess moisture with a towel under the lid, you’ll be making a cobbler that tastes like it came straight out of grandma’s oven—but with half the effort. Let’s dive in.

Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours (HIGH) or 3–4 hours (LOW)
• Total Time: About 2 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6–8
• Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

Fruit Filling

• 1 tablespoon softened butter, for greasing
• 3 cups sliced peaches (fresh or frozen)
• 3 cups mixed berries (raspberries, blueberries, blackberries)
• Zest and juice of ½ lemon
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping

• ¾ cup pecan halves (or chopped)
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons dried buttermilk (optional for richness)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into 1-inch cubes

For Serving

• Vanilla ice cream or lightly whipped cream (optional)

Cooking Instructions

• Grease the slow cooker: Use the softened butter to generously coat the bottom and sides of your slow cooker insert. This helps prevent sticking and allows for gentle caramelization of the fruit.
• Layer your fruit base: Spread the sliced peaches evenly over the bottom. Scatter the berries on top. Zest the lemon directly over the fruit to release oils, then squeeze in the juice. Sprinkle the sugar, flour, and salt evenly across. Gently toss everything together with a large spoon or your hands.
• Rest and macerate: Let the fruit sit for 10–15 minutes. This helps draw out natural juices and enhances the syrupy consistency once cooked.
• Prepare the topping: In a food processor, pulse the pecans until roughly chopped. Add the flour, oats, granulated sugar, brown sugar, dried buttermilk (if using), cinnamon, and salt. Pulse a few times to combine.
• Add butter for crumble texture: Add the cold butter cubes and pulse until the mixture forms coarse crumbs with small butter bits about the size of peas. This creates that irresistible crunchy top.
• Top the fruit: Sprinkle the topping evenly over the fruit in the slow cooker, making sure to cover most of the surface without packing it down.
• Control moisture: Place a clean kitchen towel under the lid of the slow cooker to catch condensation. This keeps the topping crisp instead of soggy. Secure the lid over the towel.
• Cook to perfection: Set your slow cooker to HIGH for 90 minutes to 2 hours. Check at the 1-hour mark. The topping should be golden and the fruit bubbling. Alternatively, for deeper flavor development, cook on LOW for 3–4 hours.
• Let it settle: Once cooked, turn off the heat and let the cobbler rest for 10 minutes. This allows the juices to thicken and flavors to set.
• Serve warm: Spoon into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. Serve immediately and enjoy the warm-cold contrast with every bite.

Tips, Variations & Serving Suggestions

• Use frozen fruit if needed: You can substitute frozen peaches or berries—just don’t thaw them to avoid a watery result. Add 5–10 minutes to cook time.
• Try other nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds for a different flavor profile.
• Add spice: A dash of nutmeg or ground ginger can elevate the topping for a warmer, spicier finish.
• Go gluten-free: Use oat flour and certified gluten-free oats in the topping mix.
• Serving tip: This dessert pairs beautifully with lightly sweetened whipped cream infused with lemon zest or bourbon.

Conclusion

This slow-cooker cobbler delivers everything you want in a summer dessert: jammy fruit, a crisp buttery topping, and no need to turn on the oven. The layering of peaches and berries creates depth and brightness, while the topping adds nutty crunch and soul-soothing comfort. It’s low-effort, high-reward cooking at its best.

For the original version of this recipe, including additional variations, visit Summer Slow-Cooker Cobbler.

FAQ

Can I make this cobbler the night before?

Yes! Prep the fruit and topping separately and store in the fridge. Assemble and cook the next day for a freshly baked flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat cobbler?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–45 seconds or rewarm in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through.

Can I skip the pecans in the topping?

Absolutely. Just replace with more oats or use sunflower seeds for crunch if avoiding nuts entirely.