What could be better than an ooey-gooey, sweet and cinnamony apple cobbler topped with a doughy, biscuity topping? I can practically smell this comforting dessert baking in the oven already! Whip up this dreamy apple cobbler recipe in just three easy steps. It’ll taste just as special as Grandma’s original recipe.
What is an apple cobbler?
Apple cobbler is a classic apple dessert with a sweet apple filling tucked underneath a sweet biscuit- or cake-like topping. Rumor has it that cobblers got their name because their biscuit topping resembles a cobblestone street. While its origin may be uncertain, what we do know is that cobbler can be traced all the way back to the American colonists who brought this dish to the States. Over the years, though, cobblers have been referred to by many different names. Crumble, betty, slump and pandowdy, just to name a few.
What’s the difference between apple cobbler and apple crisp?
Crisps and cobblers shouldn’t be confused with one another. They’re actually two different desserts. How so? Crisps have a crumbly oat topping whereas cobblers are finished off with a doughy, biscuit-like mixture.
Apple Cobbler Ingredients
- Large tart apples, peeled and sliced
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- All-purpose flour
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Cold butter
Topping:
- All-purpose flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Shortening
- Milk
- Egg
- Optional: vanilla ice cream, whipped cream or cinnamon
Directions
Step 1: Coat the apples
In a large bowl, combine sugars, flour, cinnamon and cloves. Add apples and toss to coat. Transfer to a greased 8-inch square baking dish. Dot with butter.
Editor’s Tip: To avoid runny cobbler, add a thickening agent like cornstarch to the apple mixture.
Step 2: Mix and apply the topping
In another bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Cut in shortening until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. In a small bowl, whisk milk and egg; stir into flour mixture just until moistened. Drop by tablespoonfuls over apple mixture.
Editor’s Tip: Another way you can prevent runny cobbler is to leave room for the apples to breathe through the topping. When applying the tablespoons of topping, leave “windows” for steam to release as it bakes.
Step 3: Bake and serve
Bake at 350°F until topping is golden brown and filling is bubbly, 35 to 40 minutes. Serve warm with homemade vanilla ice cream or whipped cream and sprinkle with cinnamon, if desired.
How to Store Apple Cobbler
The best way to store apple cobbler is by keeping it at room temperature for three days. Just like apple pie, this easy apple cobbler recipe does not need to be refrigerated. So if you leave it out overnight, you’re in the clear.
How do I reheat apple cobbler?
If you prefer to refrigerate, that is a-OK, too! When you’re ready for a slice, reheat the cobbler by throwing it in the oven for a few minutes. You could also pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 to 60 seconds if you can’t wait to dig in.
Can I freeze apple cobbler?
We don’t necessarily recommend freezing apple cobbler. Many crumb-topped dishes fall apart in the freezer. For best results, we recommend making and eating this deliciously easy apple dessert within three days.
Apple Cobbler Tips
What are the best apples for apple cobbler?
Tart apples are the best types of apples for baking. We recommend Cameo, Cortland, Granny Smith or Jazz apples. You could also try using Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp or any other tart-sweet apple (these are best for baking and eating raw!).
Do you have to peel apples for apple cobbler?
As far as peeling goes, we recommend peeling and slicing them before you start to whip up easy apple cobbler. To slice apples for apple cobbler, cut the apple into quarters, removing the core and then cutting smaller slices from each quarter. You’ll get thin, neat slices every time.
