Palates of Privilege: How Peach Cobbler Became a Status Symbol Dessert

While sweetened juicy peaches tucked under a blanket of tender biscuit is a treat easily enjoyed today, peach cobbler was once a dessert deemed a luxury, its flavors and costly ingredients far out of reach for all but the most privileged classes in the 19th century.

There are a few reasons why:

1. Cost of ingredients: Peaches and white sugar were more expensive ingredients at the time. Poorer households would likely use preserves or cheaper fruits like berries.
2. Time to prepare: Cobblers take time to assemble and bake, something working class households especially on farms would have less of. Quick breads or puddings were more common.
3. Kitchen tools needed: Making cobbler dough requires dry ingredients like baking powder, bowls, utensils, and an oven. Poorer households lacked much of this kitchen equipment.
4. Occasions to serve: Cobblers were considered fancier fare reserved for special occasions or impressing guests. Lower classes had less opportunity for entertaining guests with elaborate desserts.

However, as ingredients became less expensive towards the late 19th century, cobbler would have become more accessible to the average American household, making it the beloved comfort food it is today!