To make the filling, add the 1/4 cup butter to a 12-inch oven-safe skillet set over medium-low heat.
¼ cup salted butter
Brown the butter, stirring often, until it's a rich amber color and smells nutty about 3-4 minutes.
Remove from the heat.
Stir in the peach slices, 1/2 cup brown sugar, bourbon, using, and vanilla.
8 cups thinly sliced peaches, 1 tablespoon bourbon, 1 teaspoons vanilla extract, 1 cup packed brown sugar
Bake for 15 minutes.
Reduce the oven to 375 F.
Meanwhile, prepare the topping.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, ground pecans, baking powder, cinnamon, and remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar.
1 cup all-purpose flour, ¼ cup pecans, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Stir in the 1/2 cup melted butter and the milk.
½ cup milk, ½ cup salted butter
Mix until just combined.
Remove the peaches from the oven and dollop batter over the peaches, gently spreading as needed.
Stir the sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl.
1 tablespoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the batter.
Return the pan to the oven and bake for 20-30 minutes, or until golden on top.
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes.
Notes
Butter: I use salted butter in both the filling and the topping. If using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt to both the filling and the topping.
Peaches: I don't peel the peaches before using. The peaches should be ripe but not over-ripe and smooshy for this recipe.
Bourbon: The bourbon just adds a bit of extra flavor. Feel free to omit it or to use 1/2 teaspoon bourbon flavor instead.
Milk: Any milk from skim milk to whole milk will work in this recipe.