Apple Cobbler
There’s something truly heartwarming about whipping up an Apple Cobbler in the kitchen. I remember the first time I tried making this dish; the sweet aroma of cinnamon and baked apples filled my home, pulling my family in from every corner. We gathered around the table, eager to dig into a warm slice topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Each bite was like a hug, bringing back memories of fall harvests and family gatherings. The Apple Cobbler is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of flavors and comfort. Whether you’re hosting a festive dinner or simply craving something sweet, this cobbler is the perfect answer to your culinary dreams.
Recipe Snapshot
1 hr 25 mins
30 mins
55 mins
Medium
280 kcal
2 g
Vegan, Gluten-Free, AIP
12 g
9 x 13-inch baking pan
Why Try This Apple Cobbler
Warm and Cozy Experience
One of the reasons I adore this Apple Cobbler is how it embodies the essence of comfort food. It’s perfect for chilly evenings when you want to wrap your hands around a warm bowl filled with sweet, spiced apples.
Simple Yet Delicious
Another standout aspect is its simplicity. The ingredients are straightforward and accessible, making it easy for anyone to create at home. You don’t have to be a master chef to impress your friends and family. Just follow the steps and watch smiles grow with every bite.
Versatile Serving Options
This Apple Cobbler is incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm with ice cream, cold with whipped cream, or even as a breakfast treat with coffee. The possibilities are endless, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.
Perfect for Gatherings
Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual get-together, this cobbler is a crowd-pleaser. I’ve seen it disappear in moments at Thanksgiving dinners, with guests coming back for seconds. It’s the kind of dessert that brings people together.
Seasonal Ingredients
Using fresh, seasonal ingredients elevates the flavor of this Apple Cobbler. I love mixing Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples for a perfect balance of sweet and tart. The combination not only adds depth but also enhances the overall texture.
Ingredients to Make Apple Cobbler

When preparing the Apple Cobbler, the choice of ingredients is crucial. Each component plays a significant role in creating the perfect balance of flavors. The main stars are the apples, which provide sweetness and texture, while ingredients like brown sugar and cinnamon add warmth and depth. Butter and flour come together to create a delightful crumble that tops off the dish beautifully.
- Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples: 7 to 8 apples, approximately 3 pounds total. I recommend mixing tart Granny Smith with sweet Honeycrisp for a lovely balance of flavors.
- Cornstarch: 2 tablespoons. This helps thicken the apple filling, ensuring it’s not too runny.
- Lemon juice: 1 and 1/2 tablespoons. Adds brightness and flavor, balancing the sweetness of the apples.
- Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup, firmly packed. This sweetener brings out the natural flavors in the apples and adds a lovely caramel note.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon. A warm spice that complements the apple filling perfectly.
- Vanilla extract: 1 teaspoon. It enhances the sweetness and adds depth to the flavor.
- Salt: 1/8 teaspoon. A little salt helps balance the sweetness of the dish.
- Unsalted butter: 8 tablespoons, melted and cooled. This forms the base of our crumble topping.
- Flour: 1 cup and 2 tablespoons. The main ingredient for making a delicious crumble on top.
- Baking powder: 1 teaspoon. This helps the crumble rise slightly, creating a nice texture.
- Cane sugar: 2 tablespoons. For sprinkling on top, this adds a lovely crunch.
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, optional. For added warmth in the topping.
How to Assemble Apple Cobbler

Assembling the Apple Cobbler is like putting together a cherished family recipe. Each step is a chance to connect with the flavors and textures that make this dish special. Let’s get started!
Preheat your oven to 350°F. This is the perfect temperature for baking our Apple Cobbler. Ensure your oven is fully preheated to cook the filling evenly.
Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Avoid metal pans as they can impart an unwanted metallic flavor to the fruit.
Peel and cut the apples into 1/2-inch cubes. As you chop, the aroma of fresh apples will fill your kitchen, exciting your senses.
In a large pot, toss the cubed apples with cornstarch. This step is essential as it will help thicken the filling while it bakes.
Add the remaining filling ingredients, including the lemon juice, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt. Cook this mixture over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring consistently until the apples soften slightly but still hold their shape.
Transfer the apple mixture into the greased baking dish and bake for 10 minutes. This pre-bake step allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
In the meantime, combine the room-temperature melted butter with the crumble ingredients. Stir until the mixture forms crumbles. If it appears too wet, add 2 to 3 more tablespoons of flour.
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the baked apple filling without pressing down. This will create a delightful contrast in texture.
Optionally, mix the crunchy topping ingredients in a separate bowl and sprinkle this mixture over the crumble layer for added texture.
Bake for an additional 45 to 50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sides are bubbling. The anticipation builds as the cobbler fills your home with a sweet aroma.
Remove from the oven and let it sit for 20 to 30 minutes to thicken. This waiting period allows the filling to settle, making serving easier.
Serve warm, paired with fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.
Things Worth Knowing
- Use Fresh Apples: Always opt for fresh, firm apples. This ensures your Apple Cobbler has the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Skip the Pre-Bake: Pre-baking the apples for 10 minutes allows them to release juices and meld with the spices.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the cobbler to sit after baking is crucial. It thickens the filling, making for perfect slices.
- Store Properly: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.
Ways to Customize

Customizing your Apple Cobbler can add a personal touch. Here are some ideas:
- Mix Different Apples: Try using a variety of apples for a more complex flavor. A mix of sweet and tart apples creates a delightful balance.
- Add Nuts: For a crunchy texture, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans into the crumble mixture.
- Incorporate Berries: Mix in some fresh or frozen berries with the apples for a berry twist.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with other spices like nutmeg or ginger to give your cobbler a unique flavor.
- Top with Ice Cream or Whipped Cream: Serve with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute regular flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend for a gluten-free version.
Side Dish Ideas for Apple Cobbler
Serving your Apple Cobbler can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
- Pair with Ice Cream: A classic combination, serving warm cobbler with vanilla ice cream makes for a delightful dessert experience.
- Serve with Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy whipped cream adds a lovely touch to each slice of cobbler.
- Complement with Coffee: Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or chai tea for a cozy afternoon treat.
- Offer Fresh Fruit: A side of fresh fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warm cobbler.
- Special Occasion: This cobbler is perfect for Thanksgiving or family gatherings, making memories around the table.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Apple Cobbler shines as a delightful dessert that combines warm, spiced apples with a crispy crumble. It’s not just about the flavors, but the memories created around the table while enjoying it. I encourage you to make this dish in your kitchen and share it with loved ones. The joy it brings is unparalleled, and I’m sure it will become a cherished favorite in your home too!

Apple Cobbler
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch ceramic or glass baking dish. Avoid using a metal pan—it can give the fruit a metallic taste.
- Peel and cut apples into 1/2-inch cubes. In a large pot, toss cubed apples with cornstarch. Add remaining filling ingredients and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, stirring consistently, until apples soften slightly but hold shape. Transfer apples to the greased dish and bake for 10 minutes.
- Combine room-temperature melted butter with crumble ingredients, stirring until the mixture forms crumbles. If too wet, add 2–3 tablespoons flour, then sprinkle mixture evenly over the apple filling without pressing down.
- Optionally, in a separate bowl, mix crunchy topping ingredients. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the crumble layer.
- Bake for an additional 45–50 minutes or until the top is golden brown and sides bubble.
- Remove from oven and let sit for 20–30 minutes to thicken. Serve warm, paired with fresh whipped cream or vanilla bean ice cream.
Notes
- Tip 1: I recommend an equal mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples. Weigh before peeling to get 3 pounds total. Once peeled and cubed, there should be 8 cups. This is about 7–8 apples.
- Tip 2: For best results, enjoy Apple Cobbler fresh. To store leftovers, cover with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Tip 3: To freeze, use freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months.


