If there’s one cozy, comforting dessert I come back to year after year—especially when apples are spilling out of their crates at the market—it’s the classic Apple Cobbler Recipe. This dish transforms humble apples into something nostalgic and downright irresistible, all under a pillowy blanket of golden, buttery batter. Whether you’re gathering around the table after a Sunday supper or prepping a sweet treat for a fall get-together, this timeless recipe delivers warmth and sweetness in every bite. Trust me: if you’re looking to win hearts (or just treat yourself), this apple cobbler is the way to go.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about the best part: the ingredients! This Apple Cobbler Recipe keeps things wonderfully simple and approachable, relying on a handful of pantry staples and seasonal fruit. Each element adds its own special touch, coming together to create that signature cobbler taste and texture.
- Apples: Six medium apples (about 2 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced. Choose tart varieties like Granny Smith for that classic flavor or swap in sweeter apples like Honeycrisp for a twist.
- Granulated Sugar (1/2 cup for apples + 1 cup for batter): Gives our filling its lovely sweetness and helps create that delicious, caramelized topping.
- Ground Cinnamon: Just a teaspoon for an irresistible warmth and classic fall aroma.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances out the sweetness for a well-rounded flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash brings out the apples’ natural flavors and adds that sweet, bakery-shop scent.
- All-Purpose Flour: The base for our tender cobbler topping—simple but absolutely necessary!
- Baking Powder: To give the batter that light, slightly cakey lift.
- Salt: Just a touch to enhance and round out all the sweet flavors.
- Milk: Makes the batter smooth and keeps the topping extra moist.
- Unsalted Butter (melted): Poured over the batter for that gorgeous, golden crown and irresistible richness.
How to Make Apple Cobbler Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Apples
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, peel, core, and slice your apples. In a large bowl, toss the apples with 1/2 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until every slice is nicely coated. This step really makes those apples sing with flavor!
Step 2: Layer the Apples
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray, then spread your apple mixture into an even layer in the bottom. You want the apples distributed evenly so each bite has the perfect sweet-tart balance.
Step 3: Mix Up the Batter
In a second bowl, whisk together the flour, 1 cup granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Once that’s combined, add the milk and gently stir until just incorporated—a few lumps are perfectly fine! Pour this batter evenly over the apples in your baking dish.
Step 4: Finish with Butter
Now for a bit of kitchen magic: drizzle your melted unsalted butter all over the batter, letting it pool and soak in (don’t mix!). This step creates those signature, golden cobbler peaks as the dessert bakes.
Step 5: Bake and Cool
Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the cobbler topping is a beautiful golden brown and you see the apple filling bubbling around the edges. Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes—just enough so it’s warm but not scorching—before dishing up to ensure those juicy apples stay put.
How to Serve Apple Cobbler Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra something special, I love serving my Apple Cobbler Recipe with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a generous dollop of whipped cream. A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce can take this dessert from everyday comfort to show-stopping finale!
Side Dishes
This cobbler is happily the star of the show, but it pairs perfectly with warm spiced tea, fresh coffee, or even a glass of crisp apple cider. If you’re thinking brunch, serve it with a side of bacon or sausage for a sweet and savory pairing that surprises everyone.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try baking the cobbler in individual ramekins—everyone gets their own mini dessert! You can also play with toppings: a handful of toasted nuts, a swirl of cinnamon whipped cream, or even a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if you like that sweet-and-salty vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you manage to have leftovers (trust me, it’s rare!), cover your Apple Cobbler Recipe well and store it in the refrigerator for up to four days. The next-day flavors are still delicious, and the topping remains lovely and tender.
Freezing
This cobbler freezes surprisingly well. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic and foil, or transfer portions to airtight containers. Freeze for up to three months, and thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again.
Reheating
To bring back that straight-from-the-oven warmth, reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or pop the whole dish (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven for 15 to 20 minutes. A little warmth revives both the apples and that glorious topping.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Cobbler Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer that perfect tartness, you can use a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter filling. Mixing apples brings extra depth and complexity to the cobbler’s flavor.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeled apples result in a softer, melt-in-your-mouth filling, but if you love a bit more texture (and extra fiber!), feel free to leave the peels on—just be sure to wash them thoroughly before slicing.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to keep the cobbler topping tender and cohesive.
Why drizzle the butter instead of mixing it in?
Drizzling the melted butter over the batter is a classic cobbler trick! It helps form those beautiful, golden, crispy peaks on top, making this Apple Cobbler Recipe absolutely irresistible with every spoonful.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You sure can! Prep the apples and the batter separately, then store them covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, assemble and pop it in the oven for fresh, hot cobbler with zero last-minute fuss.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Cobbler Recipe has everything I love in a dessert: cozy flavors, a simple process, and serious comfort factor. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or just because, I hope you scoop up a serving and let each bite remind you why some recipes just never go out of style. Give it a whirl—you might just find your new family favorite!
Print
Apple Cobbler Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of this classic Apple Cobbler recipe. Sweet, tender apples are baked beneath a golden, buttery crust – a perfect dessert for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Apples:
- 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Apples: In a large bowl, mix the sliced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and vanilla. Spread the apples in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the Batter: In another bowl, combine flour, 1 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in milk until just combined, then pour the batter over the apples.
- Bake: Drizzle melted butter on top without stirring. Bake for 45–50 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving with ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- Granny Smith apples work well for a tart flavor, but you can use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala.
- To prepare ahead, keep the apples and batter separate until ready to bake.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 38 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
