Lazy Peach Sonker on a Gas Grill

If you love cobbler but want something even more rustic, cozy, and effortless, meet your new favorite dessert: Lazy Peach Sonker on a Gas Grill. A sonker — a traditional dessert from North Carolina — is similar to a deep-dish cobbler but even simpler and juicier. And when you take that classic and cook it right on your gas grill, you get something truly special: a bubbling peach dessert with a golden crust and a subtle smoky flavor that tastes like summer in every bite.

This lazy version skips the fuss of rolling dough or complicated layering. Instead, everything comes together in one pan, right on your grill. It’s perfect for outdoor gatherings, weekend barbecues, or anytime you want to enjoy a homestyle dessert without heating up your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love Lazy Peach Sonker on the Grill

1. Easy and Rustic: No fancy equipment or dough rolling required — just simple ingredients and your grill.

2. Bursting with Flavor: Fresh peaches caramelize beautifully over the heat, creating syrupy sweetness under a buttery topping.

3. Smoky-Sweet Perfection: Cooking on a gas grill adds a subtle, toasty flavor that makes this dessert unforgettable.

4. Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: It’s warm, juicy, and absolutely perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Ingredients

• 6 cups fresh peaches, peeled and sliced (or 2 cans of drained peaches in syrup)
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar (for batter)
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6–8 servings

Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill
Turn your gas grill to medium heat (around 350°F / 175°C). Close the lid and let it preheat while you prepare the sonker.

2. Prepare the Fruit
In a large bowl, toss sliced peaches with ¾ cup sugar, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Let the mixture sit for about 5 minutes to release the juices.

3. Prepare the Batter
In another bowl, whisk together flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and whisk until smooth.

4. Assemble the Sonker
Pour the melted butter into a 9×13-inch disposable aluminum pan (perfect for the grill). Pour the batter over the butter — do not stir. Spoon the peach mixture evenly over the batter. The batter will rise up around the fruit as it cooks.

5. Grill It Up
Place the pan on the grill grates. Close the lid and bake for 35–45 minutes, rotating halfway through for even cooking. The top should turn golden brown and the edges should bubble with syrupy peaches.

6. Cool Slightly and Serve
Remove the pan carefully using grill mitts. Let it cool for 10–15 minutes before serving. The sonker will thicken slightly as it rests.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 280
Fat: 10g
Carbohydrates: 46g
Sugar: 31g
Protein: 3g
Fiber: 2g

This dessert hits the sweet spot between indulgent and homey — rich, juicy, and deeply satisfying.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

Classic Style: Serve warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Southern Comfort: Drizzle with a splash of heavy cream or a bit of melted butter for that old-fashioned touch.

Outdoor Elegance: Serve in small cast-iron skillets for a rustic presentation at picnics or barbecues.

Next-Level Treat: Add a sprinkle of toasted almonds or crushed graham crackers for crunch.

Flavor Variations

• Berry-Peach Sonker: Add a handful of fresh blueberries or raspberries to the peach filling.
• Bourbon Peach Sonker: Stir 1 tablespoon of bourbon into the fruit mixture for a boozy depth.
• Ginger Peach Twist: Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger for a warm, spicy kick.
• Buttery Biscuit Top: Sprinkle coarse sugar over the top before grilling for a crisp, caramelized crust.

Tips for Perfect Grilled Sonker

• Use Indirect Heat: If your grill runs hot, turn off one burner and place the pan over the cooler side to prevent burning.
• Keep the Lid Closed: Trapping the heat creates an oven-like environment that bakes evenly.
• Watch for Bubbling Edges: That’s your sign it’s perfectly caramelized and ready.
• Use Fresh Peaches When Possible: They give the best flavor and texture, but canned works beautifully too.

Why This Recipe Deserves a Spot in Your Collection

Lazy Peach Sonker on a Gas Grill is the ultimate blend of Southern comfort and outdoor simplicity. It’s warm, gooey, and packed with peach flavor — yet requires minimal effort and cleanup. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout or just want a no-fuss dessert with backyard flair, this recipe delivers.

With its bubbling fruit, buttery crust, and hint of smoky sweetness, this sonker tastes like the best parts of summer — made even better by the grill.

So grab your peaches, fire up the grill, and treat yourself to a slice of pure Southern joy.nforgettable.