Description
A comforting classic, this homemade apple cobbler features tender, spiced apples topped with a golden, biscuit-like crust. It’s a perfect dessert for any season, especially when served warm with vanilla ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Apple Filling:
- 5 pounds apples (about 9–11 large apples), peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ teaspoon lemon zest
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or ½ cup if skipping pre-cooking step)
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cardamom (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- For the Cobbler Topping:
- 2½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ cup buttermilk (or “cheater buttermilk”)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cold butter, cut into chunks
- 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or raw) for sprinkling on top
Instructions
- Pre-cook the apple filling: In a large skillet, combine apples, lemon zest, lemon juice, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and salt. Cook over medium heat with a lid loosely in place, stirring every few minutes, for about 20 minutes or until apples are fork-tender but still hold shape. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and transfer to a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Prepare the topping: Preheat oven to 375 °F (190 °C). In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. In a separate bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk, then pour into the dry ingredients. Using a pastry cutter or two forks, cut the butter into the dough until it forms a rough, shaggy mixture.
- Assemble & bake: Spread or spoon the topping mixture evenly over the apple filling. Scatter the chunks of cold butter over the surface, then sprinkle with 2 Tbsp sugar. Bake for 45–55 minutes, until the topping is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges. Optional: broil for 1–3 minutes at the end for extra crisping, watching carefully.
- Rest & serve: Let the cobbler rest about 15 minutes before serving. Scoop into bowls and serve warm, preferably with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
- No pre-cook method: Toss raw, sliced apples with all filling ingredients (adjust flour to ½ cup), then top and bake.
- Cheater buttermilk: Stir 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar into milk and let sit 5 minutes.
- Halving the recipe: Reduce all ingredients by half and bake in an 8×8 or 9×9 pan.
- Freezing: Pre-cook and freeze the apple filling separately. Freezing the fully baked cobbler may compromise texture.
- Storage: Best eaten the same day. Store loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate for another day or two. Reheat in a 350 °F oven.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approx. 450
- Sugar: Approx. 50g
- Sodium: Approx. 300mg
- Fat: Approx. 20g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 70g
- Fiber: Approx. 4g
- Protein: Approx. 5g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 60mg
Keywords: Apple Cobbler, Homemade Apple Cobbler, Classic Apple Cobbler, Easy Apple Cobbler, Old Fashioned Apple Cobbler, Spiced Apple Cobbler, Fruit Cobbler, Baked Apples, Apple Crumble, Apple Crisp, Dessert Recipe