Southern "One-Cup" Peach Cobbler

Directions

1. 1.

   Toss peaches, lemon zest, lemon juice, 1/4 cup sugar, and 1/4 tsp. salt in a large bowl. Let sit, stirring occasionally, until saucy, about 15 minutes.

2. 2.

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Place butter in a 13x9" glass or ceramic baking dish and heat in oven until melted, 8–10 minutes. Remove pan from oven.

3. 3.

   Meanwhile, whisk flour, baking powder, and remaining 3/4 cup sugar and 1/2 tsp. salt in another large bowl. Add milk and vanilla and whisk until batter is smooth with no lumps. Pour evenly over melted butter in baking dish (do not mix). Spoon fruit mixture and 3 Tbsp. of the accumulated juices evenly over batter.

4. 4.

   Bake cobbler, rotating pan halfway through, until batter is puffed and lightly golden across the surface and browned around the edges, 40–45 minutes. Let cool 10 minutes.

5. 5.

   Serve with ice cream or whipped cream if desired.