Apple cobbler is a classic, comforting dessert that combines tender, spiced apples with a soft, golden-brown topping. It’s perfect for family dinners, holidays, or cozy nights at home. This version is rich in flavor and simple to make with everyday ingredients.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- 6 to 8 medium baking apples, peeled and sliced
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- ⅔ cup water or apple juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1½ tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
For the Cobbler Topping
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup white sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup melted butter
- Additional cinnamon for sprinkling (optional)
How to Make Irresistible Apple Cobbler
1. Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling the apples and slicing them into even pieces. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt. Pour in the water or apple juice and stir until all the apple slices are coated evenly.
2. Cook the Apple Mixture
Place the apple mixture in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook gently while stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to thicken and the apples start to soften slightly. This helps build rich flavor and gives the filling a nice texture.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease a baking dish with a little butter or non-stick spray. Pour the cooked apple mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
4. Make the Cobbler Topping
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the milk and melted butter to the dry ingredients, and stir until just combined. The batter should be slightly lumpy — avoid overmixing.
5. Assemble the Cobbler
Pour the topping batter over the apple filling in the baking dish, covering as much surface as possible. If you like extra warm spice flavor, sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the top.
6. Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the assembled cobbler in the oven and bake for about 38 to 40 minutes, or until the topping becomes golden brown and fully cooked.
7. Serve Warm
Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes after baking. Then scoop generous servings of warm cobbler into bowls. It’s delightful on its own, but even better with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
Tips for Best Results
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp — they hold up well while baking and add a nice balance of sweet and tart flavor.
- Mix the cobbler batter gently; a light hand keeps the topping tender and fluffy.
- Serve it warm for the best texture and flavor.