Apple Cobbler

Apple Cobbler is the perfect comfort dessert, combining tender, spiced apples with a golden, biscuit-like topping. This warm and cozy dessert is simple to make and is sure to fill your home with a delicious aroma. The balance of sweet and tart flavors, paired with a soft, slightly crispy topping, makes it a fall favorite that can be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Cobbler is an easy-to-make dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. The sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples are baked to perfection, and the biscuit topping creates a delicious contrast. This dessert is versatile, allowing you to adjust the sweetness or spice level to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, a holiday gathering, or a cozy night in, Apple Cobbler is sure to satisfy everyone’s sweet tooth.

Ingredients

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 5-6 medium apples)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small cubes
• 3/4 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
2. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated, and then transfer them to the prepared baking dish.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt for the topping. Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract until just combined—don’t overmix.
5. Drop spoonfuls of the biscuit batter over the apples in the baking dish, covering most of the surface.
6. Sprinkle the top with the extra 2 tablespoons of sugar for a slightly sweet, golden finish.
7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbly, the topping is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
8. Allow the cobbler to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, and enjoy with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6-8 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
• Total Time: 55-60 minutes

Variations

• Caramel Apple Cobbler: Drizzle some caramel sauce over the apples before baking for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Pear and Apple Cobbler: Combine pears and apples for a fruity variation with a unique flavor profile.
• Nutty Topping: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the biscuit topping for extra crunch.
• Spiced Apple Cobbler: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the apple filling for an extra burst of spice.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this cobbler?

Yes, you can use any variety of apple, though tart apples like Granny Smith work particularly well for their balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also mix different types of apples for more complexity.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and biscuit topping separately, then assemble and bake the cobbler when you’re ready. You can also make it a day ahead and reheat it in the oven.

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best for this cobbler, but if you’re using frozen apples, be sure to thaw them and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the recipe to avoid a soggy cobbler.

How can I make the topping even more golden and crispy?

For an extra crispy topping, you can brush the biscuit batter with a little melted butter before baking and sprinkle it with some sugar.

Can I use a different topping than the biscuit-style one?

Yes, you can swap the biscuit topping for a crumble topping made of butter, sugar, flour, and oats for a slightly different texture and flavor.

How do I know when the cobbler is done?

The cobbler is done when the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. You can check the topping with a toothpick—it should come out clean and not wet.

Can I use a store-bought pie filling instead of fresh apples?

Yes, you can use a canned apple pie filling, but the homemade apple filling adds a fresh flavor and texture that makes this cobbler special.

Can I freeze the cobbler?

Yes, you can freeze unbaked or baked cobbler. For unbaked cobbler, assemble it and cover it tightly before freezing. Bake it from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time. For baked cobbler, allow it to cool completely before freezing and reheating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free. Be sure to check that your baking powder is also gluten-free.

Can I serve Apple Cobbler with ice cream or whipped cream?

Yes, serving Apple Cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes it even more indulgent and delicious.

Conclusion

Apple Cobbler is the ultimate fall dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a buttery, biscuit-like topping. It’s easy to make, comforting, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re enjoying it for a weeknight treat or as part of a special occasion, Apple Cobbler is a delightful and timeless dessert everyone will love.

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