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Apple Cobbler Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 19 reviews

There’s just something incredibly comforting about a warm apple cobbler fresh from the oven, right? This Apple Cobbler Recipe is one of those desserts that feels like a cozy hug on a plate—perfect for chilly evenings or anytime you want to bring a little homemade magic to the table. Crisp, tart Granny Smith apples get the star treatment with just the right mix of spices and a buttery, tender topping that’s not too cakey and not too crunchy.

I love how straightforward this Apple Cobbler Recipe is, yet it delivers such big flavors without any fuss. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a casual weeknight treat, or dessert guests will rave about, this recipe won’t let you down. Plus, the smell alone filling your kitchen while it bakes is such an irresistible preview of what’s on its way!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect balance of tart and sweet: Granny Smith apples provide natural tartness that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and sugar.
  • Simple topping with great texture: The cake-like topping is easy to make and bakes up golden and tender over bubbly fruit.
  • No complicated techniques: Toss everything together in bowls—no rolling dough or precise layering needed.
  • Versatile and forgiving: You can customize spices and add-ins without worry, so it adapts to your taste or pantry staples.
A white rectangular baking dish filled with golden brown cooked apple cobbler that has a slightly cracked top crust; three round scoops of pale yellow vanilla ice cream sit on the upper left side of the crust, melting slightly. The top right corner of the cobbler is taken out showing soft, light yellow cooked apple pieces under the crust. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface with a light blue cloth beside it, and a wooden bowl with two green apples in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this Apple Cobbler Recipe come together to create a deliciously spiced, moist filling with a light and flavorful topping. Choosing good-quality apples and fresh spices really makes a difference, so don’t skip over those steps.

  • Granny Smith apples: Their tartness holds up well during baking and contrasts nicely with the sweet topping.
  • Lemon juice: Adds brightness and prevents apple slices from browning before baking.
  • Unsalted butter: Helps control saltiness and adds richness to both filling and topping.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens the dessert but can be adjusted to taste depending on your apple sweetness.
  • Cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic fall spices that warm up the flavor profile perfectly.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds a subtle depth beyond the spices and fruit.
  • All-purpose flour: Thickens the fruit juices and forms the base for the cobbler topping.
  • Powdered ginger (optional): Adds a gentle, spicy kick if you want to experiment.
  • Baking powder: Gives the topping a light rise and tender crumb.
  • Whole milk: Moistens the topping batter for that perfect consistency.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love playing with different spices depending on the season or mood. This Apple Cobbler Recipe is flexible, so you can add a little more cinnamon one time or toss in some chopped nuts for crunch the next. Personalizing your cobbler is half the fun!

  • Add nuts or oats: I sometimes sprinkle chopped pecans or rolled oats on top for texture—it adds a lovely crunch and extra warmth.
  • Swap apples: While Granny Smith is my favorite for this, mixing in Fuji or Honeycrisp apples can create a milder, sweeter filling.
  • Make it vegan: Replace butter with coconut oil and use your favorite plant milk; it still bakes beautifully.
  • Spice it up: If you want a little extra zing, a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom works wonders in the filling.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Cobbler Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples and Filling

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing your Granny Smith apples into about ½-inch pieces—this size lets them stay tender yet hold shape. Toss them right away with fresh lemon juice to keep the color bright and prevent browning. Then mix in your melted butter, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, vanilla, flour, and powdered ginger if you’re using it. Make sure the apple pieces are evenly coated—that’s your juicy, flavorful filling ready to go.

Step 2: Mix the Topping Batter

Whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until combined. Then cut in the cold diced butter with a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Slowly add the milk a little at a time, stirring gently until you have a wet cake-batter consistency. Don’t overmix here—it’s fine if there are just a few lumps left.

Step 3: Assemble and Bake

Preheat your oven to 350°F and grease your baking dish well—this recipe works great in a 10-inch pie dish or a 9×13 pan. Pour the apple filling evenly into the dish, then drop spoonfuls of the topping batter on top, covering as much surface as possible. It’s okay if some apples peek through; that’s part of the charm! Bake for 35-40 minutes until the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the filling is bubbling nicely around the edges.

Step 4: Cool Slightly & Serve

When it’s out of the oven, let your cobbler cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This helps the filling thicken up and makes scooping easier. I always serve mine warm with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting right on top—pure bliss!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Cobbler Recipe

  • Choose your apples wisely: I recommend Granny Smith for tartness, but feel free to mix in sweeter apples for complexity.
  • Don’t skip the lemon juice: It’s key for keeping those apples bright and fresh-looking, especially if prepping ahead.
  • Watch your topping consistency: If too dry, the topping won’t bake tender; a wet cake-batter texture is what you want.
  • Let it cool slightly: Cooling helps the filling thicken, so resist the urge to dive in immediately out of the oven.

How to Serve Apple Cobbler Recipe

The image shows two white round bowls filled with apple cobbler; the base layer consists of soft, chunky apple pieces with a pale yellow color, covered by a top layer of golden brown, crispy baked crust. On top of the crust, there is a dollop of creamy, pale yellow vanilla ice cream. To the left side, there is a wooden bowl holding bright green apples, and the bowls rest on a white marbled surface with a folded blue cloth nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always reach for a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream with my warm apple cobbler—the classic combo never fails. Sometimes, I sprinkle a bit of chopped toasted pecans on top for an extra crunch and nutty note. If you want to get fancy, a drizzle of caramel sauce or a dollop of whipped cream adds a lovely finishing touch.

Side Dishes

This cobbler makes a fantastic dessert after a hearty meal like roast chicken or pork. I’ve also enjoyed it paired simply with a cup of hot spiced tea or coffee on a lazy afternoon. The warm fruit and spices pair well with mellow, savory mains or stand perfectly on their own as a cozy sweet treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays and special occasions, I like baking individual cobblers in small ramekins—it feels extra special when each person gets their own. Another fun idea is to serve the cobbler inside hollowed-out apples for a charming, rustic look. For a brunch twist, I’ve even layered it over vanilla yogurt with granola for a sweet bite.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Apple Cobbler covered tightly in the refrigerator, and it usually keeps beautifully for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as it rests, making leftovers just as tasty as the first serving.

Freezing

If I want to freeze it, I portion the cobbler into foil containers and wrap them well. When thawing, I let it sit overnight in the fridge and then reheat in the oven to keep that fresh-baked texture intact. It’s a great way to have dessert ready when you don’t feel like baking from scratch.

Reheating

Reheating in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes restores warmth and crispness in the topping far better than the microwave. If you’re in a hurry, microwave reheating works but can soften the topping, so I prefer the oven method whenever possible.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other kinds of apples for this Apple Cobbler Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness and hold up well to baking, you can also use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn apples. Mixing varieties can add layers of flavor and texture—just make sure to adjust sugar slightly if those apples are sweeter.

  2. Is it necessary to peel the apples?

    Peeling helps create a smoother texture in the filling, but if you don’t mind a bit of rustic chew and extra fiber, you can leave the skins on. Just wash the apples well and dice them evenly so they cook consistently.

  3. Can I make this Apple Cobbler Recipe gluten-free?

    Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1-to-1 baking blend in both the filling and topping. The texture may vary slightly, but the cobbler will still taste fantastic.

  4. How do I know when the cobbler is done baking?

    The topping should be golden brown and the filling bubbling around the edges. If you jiggle the dish slightly, you’ll hear the fruit mixing with syrupy juice. Baking times can vary a bit by oven, so keep an eye starting around 35 minutes.

  5. Can I prepare this Apple Cobbler Recipe ahead of time?

    You sure can! Prep the filling and topping separately, then assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Let it come to room temperature while the oven preheats to encourage even cooking.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Cobbler Recipe truly feels like a little celebration of fall in every bite, even if it’s not autumn. I’ve shared it with friends and family countless times, and it brings out those genuine smiles and “wow” moments that make cooking so rewarding. I can’t wait for you to try it—you’ll find it’s one of those recipes that feels like home no matter where you are. So grab your mixing bowls, peel those apples, and get ready for a dessert that’s just as comforting as it is delicious!

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Apple Cobbler Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 19 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 40 minutes
  • Total Time: 55 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This classic Apple Cobbler features a spiced Granny Smith apple filling topped with a moist and tender cake-like topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s an inviting dessert perfect for cozy gatherings, best served warm with vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

Filling

  • 6 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and ½ inch diced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon powdered ginger (optional)

Topping

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of salt
  • 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter cold, diced
  • ½ cup whole milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 10-inch pie dish or 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
  2. Make the Filling: In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, lemon juice, melted unsalted butter, granulated sugar, cinnamon, ground nutmeg, kosher salt, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, and powdered ginger if using. Toss everything well to evenly coat the apples with the spices and sugar mixture. Transfer this filling evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  3. Prepare the Topping: In another mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in the cold, diced unsalted butter using a pastry cutter or fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Gradually stir in the whole milk a little at a time until the dough becomes a wet cake batter consistency, moist but thick enough to drop by spoonfuls.
  4. Assemble and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of the topping dough evenly over the apple filling, covering as much surface as possible. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbling at the edges.
  5. Serve: Remove from oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Best enjoyed warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for added richness.

Notes

  • For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
  • If you prefer a less sweet cobbler, reduce the granulated sugar in the filling to ⅓ cup.
  • Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness and adds a nice bite to the dessert.
  • Make sure the butter for the topping is cold to achieve a crumbly texture before adding the milk.
  • The optional powdered ginger adds a warm spice note, feel free to omit if you prefer a milder flavor.
  • Let the cobbler cool for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the filling to set slightly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 30 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 7 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 55 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 30 mg

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