This Apple Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Soft, sweet apples are topped with a buttery crust, making each bite delightful!
You can’t go wrong with a scoop of ice cream on top—it’s like a hug in a bowl! I love how quickly it comes together, so I can enjoy it fresh from the oven in no time.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using Granny Smith for a tart contrast. You can mix them with sweeter apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. If Granny Smith isn’t available, any tart apple works well!
Sugars: The combination of granulated and brown sugar adds depth to the sweetness. If you want a healthier option, you can use coconut sugar or reduce the amount slightly to taste.
Spices: Ground cinnamon is essential here, but feel free to add a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth. Nutmeg can be substituted for a bit of pumpkin spice if you like a more autumnal flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or vegan butter can also work nicely. Just keep it cold for a good texture.
Flour: All-purpose flour is the go-to, but you can replace it with a gluten-free blend if needed. The texture might vary slightly, but it should still be delicious!
How Do I Get the Topping to Be Crispy and Golden?
The topping is a key part of this dish! To make it perfect, follow these steps carefully:
- Keep the butter very cold when cutting it into the flour mixture. This helps create a flaky texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough once you add boiling water. Just stir until it comes together; some lumps are fine!
- Drop spoonfuls evenly on top of the apples. Leaving some gaps allows the filling to bubble up for a delicious blend of flavors.
- Watch your cobbler closely in the oven. If it starts browning too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy topping with warm, sweet apple goodness underneath!
Apple Cobbler
Ingredients:
- 6 cups peeled, sliced apples (preferably Granny Smith or a mix of tart and sweet apples)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/4 cup boiling water
- Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving
- Optional: caramel sauce for drizzling
Time Needed:
This apple cobbler recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake. So, you’ll be enjoying this warm dessert in about an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apple Filling:
Start by peeling and slicing your apples. In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Toss everything together until the apples are well-coated, then let them sit while you make the topping. This will help the flavors meld together!
2. Preheat the Oven:
Now, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s nice and hot when you’re ready to bake your cobbler.
3. Make the Topping:
In a mixing bowl, sift together flour, the 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut in the cold butter pieces until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Be sure to handle the butter gently so the topping remains fluffy!
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the boiling water into the flour mixture and stir it until just combined. The dough will be a little soft and crumbly, and that’s okay!
5. Assemble the Cobbler:
Grease an 8-inch baking dish and pour the apple mixture into it, spreading it evenly. Then, drop spoonfuls of the topping on top of the apples, covering most of the filling—but not completely, as you want some of the apples to peek through!
6. Bake:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 35 to 45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and you can see the apple filling bubbling up around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Serve:
Once baked, take the cobbler out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra treat!
This classic apple cobbler is buttery and crumbly on top with tender, spiced apple filling underneath—a perfect cozy dessert for friends and family alike! Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are a great choice for their tartness, you can mix in sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a balanced flavor. Feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand!
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend easily. Most blends work well in cobbler recipes and shouldn’t significantly alter the taste or texture!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm it gently in the microwave or oven until heated through, which will help keep the topping from getting soggy.
Can I Pre-Make This Cobbler?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just assemble and bake right before serving for the best results!