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Apple Cobbler Recipe
This easy, homemade apple cobbler recipe delivers a sweet, cinnamon-kissed dessert perfect for cozy fall nights.
Full Recipe Introduction
Apple cobbler is that warm, gooey dessert we all rush to when the air turns crisp and leaves start to fall. This Apple Cobbler Recipe layers tart Granny Smith apples with a buttery crumble, then bakes until bubbling and golden. You know what? It combines pantry staples—flour, sugar, butter—and fresh fruit into a dessert that tastes like a hug. I often whip this up after apple-picking trips with my granddaughter, serving it straight from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you’re baking for a school potluck or a quiet weekend treat, this homemade cobbler hits all the sweet, cinnamon-y notes you crave without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cobbler Recipe
- Ridiculously easy: no fancy equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and your trusty baking dish
- Fall flavors galore: tart apples, warm cinnamon, hints of nutmeg for cozy vibes
- Crowd-pleaser: doubles as a potluck hero or an intimate dessert for two
- Quick prep: under 20 minutes to peel, slice, and mix—perfect for busy weekdays
- Pantry-friendly: minimal ingredients, most you already have on hand
- Versatile topping: feels like a crumble, tastes like biscuit—everyone wins
- Perfectly portioned: serves six to eight hungry eaters, with leftovers you’ll fight over
- Comfort food magic: nostalgic aroma fills the kitchen, making any meal feel special
Ingredients for Apple Cobbler Recipe
• 6 cups Granny Smith apples (about 6 medium), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼” thick
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar (swap coconut sugar for a deeper flavor)
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (add ¼ teaspoon nutmeg, if you like)
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (brightens the filling)
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch (for a snug, glossy filling)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (King Arthur flour recommended for consistency)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cold and cubed (Lurpak or Plugrá if you prefer)
• ¼ cup buttermilk or whole milk (for tender, golden topping)
Tips: Choose crisp, tart apples that hold shape—Pink Lady or Honeycrisp also work. Chill your butter and grate it on the large holes for a fluffier crumble.
Directions for Apple Cobbler Recipe
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and place a rack in the center. A consistent heat gives that golden crust we love.
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch. Make sure every slice is coated—this prevents a watery bottom.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a 9×13″ baking dish, spreading into an even layer. If juices pool, just swirl them around; they’ll caramelize beautifully.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly mixed.
- Add cold, cubed butter to the dry mix. Using a pastry cutter (or clean fingers, honestly), blend until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs—some pea-sized bits are good.
- Stir in buttermilk until the topping just comes together. It should be slightly sticky but still crumbly. If it seems dry, add a splash more milk.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples—don’t press down; those peaks bake up nicely.
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges. You’ll know it’s done when a knife slides through apples without resistance.
- Let the cobbler rest for at least 10 minutes—this helps the juices thicken and makes serving easier.
Servings & Timing
Yield: Serves 6–8
Prep Time: 20 minutes (peeling, slicing, mixing)
Chill/Rest Time: 10 minutes (cooling before serving)
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour
Variations
• Mixed Berry Apple Cobbler: Swap half the apples for frozen mixed berries (no thawing needed).
• Oat-Topped Crunch: Replace ½ cup flour with rolled oats for an oat-studded crumble.
• Gluten-Free Twist: Use 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your baking powder label.
• Vegan Cobbler: Swap butter for vegan sticks and buttermilk for almond yogurt thinned with plant milk.
• Maple-Cinnamon: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup and add a pinch of allspice.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover cobbler, tightly covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To freeze, cool completely, wrap with plastic, then foil—freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for about 45 seconds, or warm a slice in a 325°F oven for 10–12 minutes. For make-ahead ease, assemble in a freezer-safe dish and bake from frozen—just add 10–15 minutes to the baking time.
Notes
• For extra depth, sauté apples in a pat of butter and a drizzle of maple syrup before baking.
• If your topping browns too fast, tent loosely with foil halfway through baking.
• Testing tip: If your filling seems too runny, whisk an extra ½ teaspoon of cornstarch into the mix.
• I learned that resting the cobbler is key—resist the urge to dig in hot from the oven or you’ll lose precious juices.
FAQs
Q: Can I use store-bought frozen sliced apples?
A: Sure—just toss them with lemon juice and sugar, then proceed. No need to thaw; they’ll release extra juice that thickens as it bakes.
Q: Why is my crumble topping flat?
A: Likely too much liquid—keep your butter cold, and don’t overmix once you add milk. Aim for a rough, crumbly texture.
Q: What if I don’t have buttermilk?
A: Stir 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice into regular milk, let sit 5 minutes, then use.
Q: How do I prevent a soggy bottom?
A: Preheat your dish in the oven for 5 minutes before adding apples—this jump-starts caramelization.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Absolutely—just use two dishes or a larger pan; baking time may extend by 5–10 minutes.
Q: What’s the best apple variety for cobbler?
A: Granny Smith is classic for its tart bite, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Pink Lady work beautifully too.
Conclusion
This Apple Cobbler Recipe brings together simple ingredients for a fall dessert that feels special, every time. Golden, bubbly, and bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples, it’s the kind of homemade dessert that sparks smiles. Give it a try, leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out, and don’t miss my Pumpkin Pie Recipe for more cozy baking ideas!
Apple Cobbler
Ingredients
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced ¼" thick
- â…” cup granulated sugar
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup buttermilk or whole milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and place a rack in the center.
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices with lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cornstarch.
- Transfer the apple mixture to a 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading into an even layer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add butter and buttermilk.
- Sprinkle the crumble topping evenly over the apples.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Let the cobbler rest for at least 10 minutes before serving.
