Apple Cobbler Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm, homemade apple cobbler. The combination of tender apples, a buttery crust, and fragrant spices makes it a dessert that brings back memories of family gatherings, cozy autumn evenings, and the simple joys of home baking.

But this isn’t just any apple cobbler; it’s a delightful twist on a classic that will make you fall in love with this dessert all over again.

Whether you’re serving it for a holiday feast, a casual family dinner, or just because, this apple cobbler is sure to impress with its balance of sweetness, warmth, and a hint of tartness. So, roll up your sleeves, grab those apples, and let’s dive into a recipe that promises to be a new favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients :

For the Apple Filling:

• 6 large apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet), peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for a spiced twist)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

For the Cobbler Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
• 1/3 cup boiling water

For the Finishing Touches:

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for sprinkling)
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)

Instructions :

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, focus on preparing the apples. The variety of apples used in this recipe is crucial for achieving the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Granny Smith apples bring a tartness that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples, offering a satisfying contrast in each bite.

Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place them in a large mixing bowl and drizzle with the fresh lemon juice to prevent browning and add a subtle tartness. Add the granulated sugar, light brown sugar, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using). Toss everything together until the apples are well-coated with the sugar-spice mixture. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. This step not only enhances the flavor of the apples but also begins to create the luscious sauce that will thicken as the cobbler bakes.

Step 2: Make the Cobbler Topping

In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, baking powder, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Stir these dry ingredients together until well mixed. The addition of cinnamon to the topping complements the spiced apples and adds an extra layer of warmth to the dish.

Next, add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This process is similar to making a pie crust and is key to achieving a buttery, flaky topping that contrasts beautifully with the tender apple filling.

Once the butter is fully incorporated, gradually add the boiling water, stirring just until the dough comes together. Be careful not to overmix; the dough should be slightly sticky and have a rustic, uneven texture. This roughness is what gives the cobbler its signature appearance and delightful crumbly topping.

Step 3: Assemble the Cobbler

Pour the prepared apple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly. The apples will release their juices as they bake, creating a bubbling, fragrant filling that’s the essence of this cobbler.

Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the apples, allowing some gaps for the filling to peek through. This rustic method ensures that the topping bakes up golden and crisp, while also soaking up some of the juices for a moist, tender crumb.

For a final touch, sprinkle the top with an additional tablespoon of granulated sugar. This simple step adds a slight crunch and a hint of sweetness that contrasts with the soft apples below.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Place the assembled cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling up around the edges. Your kitchen will fill with the mouthwatering aroma of baked apples and cinnamon, a scent that’s sure to draw everyone to the table.

To check for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the topping—it should come out clean, with a slightly crisp exterior. The filling should be thickened and bubbly, with the apples tender but not mushy.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Allow the cobbler to cool for about 15 minutes before serving. This brief cooling period helps the filling to set slightly, making it easier to scoop out each serving. For an extra indulgent treat, serve your apple cobbler with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The cool creaminess of the ice cream contrasts perfectly with the warm, spiced apples and buttery topping, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and luxurious.

Conclusion :

This delightful apple cobbler is more than just a dessert—it’s a celebration of classic flavors with a modern twist. The combination of tart and sweet apples, fragrant spices, and a buttery, slightly crisp topping makes this cobbler a true crowd-pleaser.

Whether enjoyed fresh out of the oven on a chilly evening or reheated for a cozy breakfast, this apple cobbler is sure to become a beloved recipe in your home.

So, the next time you’re craving a comforting dessert, remember this recipe and treat yourself to a slice of apple-filled happiness.

Credit: Barbara O’Neill Lectures 

Author : Marie-claude