Mother’s Day in the Upstate arrives right as peach season begins to make its first appearance- an early hint of the summer ahead. It’s the perfect time to lean into something seasonal and thoughtful for the table, and this Peach Cobbler French Toast Bake brings together the warmth of a classic brunch dish with the flavor of fresh, local fruit.
And since we’re doing this right, start with local peaches. You can find beautiful, fresh options at Abbott Farms or swing by The Peach Basket for that just-picked, perfectly sweet flavor that makes all the difference.
This is the kind of dish you can prep the night before, pop in the oven the next morning, and serve with a mimosa in hand… or better yet, send this recipe to your husband and let the kids bring it to you in bed.
Peach Cobbler French Toast Bake
Ingredients:
• 1 loaf brioche or French bread, cubed
• 4–5 fresh peaches, peeled and sliced
• 6 eggs
• 2 cups milk
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup sugar
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• Pinch of salt
For the crumble topping:
• ½ cup brown sugar
• ½ cup flour
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ cup cold butter, cubed
• Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans
Instructions:
1. Grease a 9x13 baking dish and arrange the cubed bread and sliced peaches evenly throughout.
2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cream, sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Pour the mixture over the bread and peaches, pressing gently to ensure everything is well coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, or for several hours, allowing the custard to fully absorb.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
5. Combine the topping ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then sprinkle evenly over the dish.
6. Bake uncovered for 40–45 minutes, until golden and set.
7. Allow to rest briefly before serving.
Serve warm, paired with fresh fruit and a glass of something sparkling for a relaxed but elevated brunch or keep it simple and let this be the star of the show.
If you find yourself with extra peaches, they’re perfect for tossing into a simple salad, grilling for a side dish, blending into a quick smoothie, or baking into a classic cobbler later in the week.
Speaking of cobbler- if you’re leaning toward something a little more traditional this year, you can’t go wrong with a stop at The Beacon Drive-In for their iconic version, or Cribb’s Kitchen for a more modern take.
And one more peachy thing to keep on your radar- Spartanburg is getting a new summer collegiate baseball team, the Spartanburg County Peaches playing out of Inman this season. It’s a fun nod to one of our region’s sweetest staples, and we’ll have more on that soon.
Until then, whether you’re gathering around the table or enjoying a slower start to the day, this dish offers a seasonal way to celebrate Mother’s Day in the Upstate.
Have a recipe worth sharing? The Cook’s Corner welcomes submissions from home cooks, local residents, chefs, and restaurants throughout our community. Selected contributors may be contacted for a brief interview so we can share the story behind the dish. To submit a recipe or inquire about a collaboration, email us at thekitchencorrespondent87@gmail.com.
