This homestyle apple cobbler recipe promises pure comfort in every warm, buttery spoonful. Ready in just over an hour, the golden-brown dessert pairs tender fruit with a perfectly crisp topping that’ll make your kitchen smell heavenly.
Whether served after dinner or as a cozy weekend treat, this classic cobbler strikes an irresistible balance of sweet apples and delicate pastry. With simple prep and straightforward baking, you’ll create a dessert that tastes like it came straight from grandma’s kitchen.
Ingredients Section
- Fresh Apples: 6 medium-sized (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled and cut into ¼-inch chunks
- Base Liquid: 1 cup water or apple juice for extra flavor depth
- Sweeteners: 1/3 cup packed brown sugar plus 1 cup granulated sugar
- Dry Base: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder
- Binding Agents: 1 tbsp cornstarch, 3/4 cup milk
- Fats: 5 tbsp melted butter
- Flavor Enhancers: 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg
- Seasonings: 1/4 tsp salt for batter, 1/8 tsp salt for filling
Instructions Section
- Prep Work: Heat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan
- Create Apple Filling: Combine brown sugar, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, and spices in a saucepan. Add apples and cook for 3-5 minutes
- Transfer Filling: Pour the warm apple mixture into your prepared baking pan
- Make Batter: Mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Then stir in milk and melted butter until just combined
- Assemble: Pour batter over apple mixture and dust with cinnamon
- Bake: Let it bake for 38-40 minutes until topping passes the toothpick test
- Final Touch: Cool for 15 minutes before serving. Consider adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream
Cooking Techniques
The magic of this apple cobbler comes from two simple cooking methods working together. First, we cook the apple mixture on the stovetop, which helps the apples start softening and creates a lovely sauce.
Then, the oven baking makes the topping golden and gives the apples that perfect tender texture. If you’re new to making cobblers, don’t worry – this recipe is super forgiving and gives you great results even if you’re just starting out!
Apple Selection & Prep Tips
While this recipe suggests Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples, you can use any firm baking apple you love. The key is cutting your apple chunks about ¼ inch thick – this size helps them cook evenly and creates the perfect texture.
If your apple pieces are too big, they might not get tender enough, and if they’re too small, they might turn mushy. A little tip: if your apples are very tart, you can add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This warm, cozy cobbler tastes amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top – the hot-and-cold combo is pure comfort food magic! You can also try it with a dollop of whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a splash of warm custard.
For breakfast or brunch, serve it warm with a cup of coffee or tea. The cobbler tastes best when it’s still a bit warm, but not hot – waiting those 15 minutes after baking really lets the flavors settle.
Storage & Reheating
Your cobbler will stay yummy in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just cover it well and pop it in there once it’s completely cool. When you want to enjoy it again, warm individual portions in the microwave for about 30 seconds, or until it’s just warm – not hot.
You can also warm it in a 250°F oven for about 10 minutes. The topping might not be as crispy as when it was fresh, but it’ll still taste great!
Apple Cobbler
Equipment
- 9×13 inch pan
- Saucepan
- Large Bowl
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or other good baking apple), peeled and cut into chunks ¼ inch thick
- 1 cup water or apple juice
- 1/3 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For the batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup milk
- 5 Tablespoons butter melted
- ground cinnamon for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch pan lightly with cooking spray.
- Stir together brown sugar, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a saucepan. Stir in apples. Cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring.
- Pour mixture into prepared pan.
- In a large bowl mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir in the milk and melted butter, just until combined.
- Pour the mixture over the apples in the pan. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
- Bake for about 38-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean. Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream, if desired.
- Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
