Why Make This Recipe
Apple cobbler is that quintessential comfort dessert that brings a smile to your face and warmth to your heart. Picture this: a deliciously sweet and spiced filling made of tender apples, baked to perfection under a buttery, golden topping. It’s easy to whip up, especially when you’re craving a cozy treat at home. This recipe is perfect for using up those surplus apples you might have lying around or simply to indulge in the nostalgic flavors of autumn.
What I love most about this apple cobbler recipe is how forgiving and versatile it is. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a kitchen novice, this dish welcomes your creativity. You can mix and match different types of apples, adjust the spices to suit your preference, and even play around with the toppings.
Moreover, cooking and eating together can be a nurturing experience. Making a comforting dish like apple cobbler brings people together while celebrating simple, wholesome ingredients. So, let’s dive into how you can make this delightful dessert—and why you totally should.
How to Make Easy Recipe for Apple Cobbler
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of making this apple cobbler! While it might look like there are several steps, each one contributes to that scrumptious end result. Plus, with just a bit of preparation, you’ll be making this classic dessert in no time.
Ingredients
Here’s what you will need for this delicious apple cobbler:
- 5 pounds apples (peeled, about 9-11 large apples; use a variety of flavors)
- 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 small lemon)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (See notes if you are making this without cooking the apples)
- 1 & 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 & 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
- 1 & 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 cup buttermilk (cheater version okay, see notes)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup cold butter (chopped into chunks)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or raw sugar or both)
- vanilla ice cream (for serving, not optional)
Directions
Make the Apple Filling:
- Start by selecting your apples—a mix of varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, or Golden Delicious provides an incredible depth of flavor. Aim for about 5 pounds of apples, which equals roughly 9 to 11 large apples.
- Using a microplane grater, zest half a teaspoon of lemon peel into a high-sided 12-inch skillet. This mild acidity enhances the flavor of your apples beautifully.
- Slice the lemon in half, then squeeze the juice into the pan—about 3 tablespoons should do just fine.
- Peel and slice the apples thinly, about 1/8 inch thick. You should have around 9 cups of sliced apples. Toss the apple slices with the lemon juice as you’re peeling them to prevent browning.
Cook the Apples (Optional):
- While cooking the apples can enhance their flavor, it’s not strictly necessary. If you choose to cook them, set the pan over medium heat once all the apples are in.
- Sprinkle 3/4 cup of granulated sugar and 3/4 cup of brown sugar over the apples, along with 5 tablespoons of flour, 1 & 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, a pinch of cardamom (if you’re feeling adventurous), and 1/4 teaspoon of kosher salt.
- Stir gently to combine, making sure you don’t break up the apples. Once everything is well mixed, cover the skillet and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring every few minutes to ensure even cooking. You’ll know the apples are ready when they’re fork-tender but still holding their shape.
Stir in Vanilla:
- After the apples are cooked, stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This small addition elevates the overall taste and enriches the cobbler’s aroma.
Prepare the Topping:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 & 1/2 cups of flour, 1 & 1/2 cups of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1 egg. This mixture adds moisture and richness to the topping.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the flour mixture. Use a pastry cutter to combine until it resembles a shaggy dough—don’t worry if there are some dry spots; it will come together in the oven.
Combine and Bake:
- Pour the apple mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Then, spoon the flour mixture over the apples, spreading it out evenly.
- Chop the cold butter into small pieces and scatter them over the topping to ensure a rich, flaky crust.
- Finish by sprinkling 2 tablespoons of sugar over the top. I often use a mixture of grandulated and raw sugar for added texture—who doesn’t enjoy a little crunch on their dessert?
- Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until the cobbler is golden brown and bubbling. If you want a crispier top, broil it for an additional 1-3 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to avoid burning.
Cool and Serve:
- While it may be tempting to dive right in, letting the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes helps the juices set a bit.
- Serve your homemade apple cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. It’s downright divine and truly not optional!
How to Serve Easy Recipe for Apple Cobbler
Serving apple cobbler can be as laid-back or as fancy as you wish! For a cozy, farmhouse style, serve the cobbler straight from the baking dish, with large spoons for everyone to dig in. Offer vanilla ice cream on the side so folks can top their cobbler as they please.
For a more elegant gathering, you can plate individual servings in small bowls. Drizzle with a bit of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of cinnamon for that extra touch. Fresh whipped cream is another delightful addition if you want to elevate your dessert game just a bit further.
The Importance of Vanilla Ice Cream
Let’s not forget the star of the show! Vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm apple filling and buttery topping, creating that classic sweet-and-creamy combo. The coolness of the ice cream contrasts beautifully with the warm cobbler, making each bite a delightful experience. Who can resist that?
How to Store Easy Recipe for Apple Cobbler
If you happen to have leftovers (which might be unlikely, considering how delicious this cobbler is), don’t worry about how to store them. Simply cover the dish loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and leave it at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, transfer it to the fridge if there are any leftovers.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, you can either eat it cold or pop it in the oven to reheat. Just remember to cover it with aluminum foil to prevent over-browning while it warms through.
Reheating Tips
To reheat, you can set your oven to 350 degrees F and warm it until it’s heated through, about 15–20 minutes. If you want it crispy again, you can uncover it for the last few minutes. Alternatively, a microwave works in a pinch but won’t provide that wonderfully crispy top.