Apple Cobbler

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Warm cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the ultra-comforting flavor of this classic dessert for a completely homemade Apple Cobbler that everyone will devour! The fluffy cobbler and sweet apples are truly the stuff dreams are made of!

A Heavenly Homemade Apple Dessert

Something amazing happens when fresh apples are cooked to soft, airy perfection with cozy fall spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Even people without a big sweet tooth will instantly fall in love! Once you factor in the light and fluffy cake topping complete with a veil of cinnamon sugar, you can rest assured that everyone’s plate will come back spotless.

This cobbler is too delightful to let a single crumb go to waste. You won’t believe how easily it comes together! Three simple components are layered together and baked with no decorating or cooling time required. Just top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and savor each mouthwatering bite!

One thing I tested a couple different ways with this cobbler was the apple filling. I was curious if it made much difference to precook the apples or if tossing them in uncooked was better. It turns out precooking them really brought out the juices and flavor of the apples and made a considerably better filling. So while it takes an extra step, it’s definitely worth it!

What Is the Difference Between Apple Crisp and Apple Cobbler?

Apple cobbler is quite similar to Apple Crisp in terms of the filling, but the two desserts have totally different toppings that set them apart. As its name suggests, a crisp has a crispier topping that’s typically made with oats to give it a crumbly texture. A cobbler has more of a cakey or biscuity topping that uses a leavening agent like baking powder to help it rise.

Both treats are full of fruit and insanely delicious, so I highly recommend trying them both. This cobbler has a wonderfully light topping that makes it perfect for people who swear by soft desserts like cupcakes and brownies.

Recipe Ingredients

I can hardly think about this cobbler without drooling! Here are the trusty ingredients that make it possible. Refer to the recipe card near the end of this post for specific amounts.

For the Apple Filling

• Thinly Sliced Apples: I use Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
• Brown Sugar: Packed into the measuring cup.
• All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the filling. Unlike the brown sugar, this should not be packed.
• Ground Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Salt
• Butter: Melted and slightly cooled.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed.

For the Batter

• All-Purpose Flour: Fluff this up and spoon it into the measuring cup to prevent packing. Better yet, use a food scale.
• Sugar
• Baking Powder
• Salt
• Milk
• Egg: You won’t need the white – just the yolk.
• Vanilla Extract
• Unsalted Butter: Melted.

For the Topping (Optional)

• Sugar
• Cinnamon

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady and Gala apples are all very popular in baked goods. Any of them would work well in this cobbler, but I like to use a combination of the first two.

Granny Smith apples are great because their firmness keeps them from getting slimy while their tartness prevents the filling from tasting overly sweet. The same goes for Honeycrisp apples. Using both kinds together really is the best of both worlds!

How to Make Apple Cobbler

There’s nothing complicated about making apple cobbler from scratch. After 15 minutes of light prep work, the oven takes care of the rest!

1. Heat Oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Make Filling: Add all of the ingredients for the filling to a saucepan and stir to combine. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, for 3-5 minutes to melt the sugar and release some apple juices.
3. Add to Pan: Remove the apples from the heat and pour the filling into a 9×13-inch pan. Spread it out evenly, then set the pan aside.
4. Make Batter: Combine the flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the milk, egg yolk, vanilla extract and butter, mixing until well combined.
5. Pour Over Filling: Pour the batter evenly over the apples.
6. Add Topping: Combine the cinnamon and sugar for the topping, then sprinkle the mixture over the batter.
7. Bake: Bake the apple cobbler for 30-35 minutes, or until it’s lightly golden on top.
8. Enjoy! Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes, then serve it warm.

Tips for Success

Use the tips and tricks below to make sure your cobbler comes out perfect.

• Peel the Apples: Peeling the apples is a quick extra step that makes your cobbler filling even more irresistible. The skin tends to separate from the rest of the apple in the oven and detract from the texture of the treat.
• Don’t Omit the Topping: You could technically leave off the cinnamon-sugar topping, but I just don’t know why you would. Cinnamon and apples are such a divine duo, and this simple finishing touch really ties everything together.
• Pre-Cook the Filling: If you’d like, you can leave your stove alone and add the raw apple filling to the pan, but I highly recommend pre-cooking it if you have a few extra minutes. It brings out more of the apple juices and gives you a better filling.
• Adjust Baking Powder: I use a full teaspoon of baking powder in the cobbler, so it rises almost completely above the apples. If you’d prefer the apples to be nestled among the cobbler more, you could reduce it to 3/4 teaspoon.
• Serve Immediately: Definitely let your cobbler cool enough so that it doesn’t burn your mouth – but after that, go ahead and dig in. It’s best when it’s fresh.

Serving Suggestions

I always finish off a warm helping of cobbler with a cold and creamy scoop of vanilla ice cream, but there are plenty of alternative or additional toppings at your disposal. From Fluffy Homemade Whipped Cream to Brown Sugar Caramel Sauce, the sky is the limit! You could even sprinkle on some granola or crushed nuts to add a crunchy element.

How to Store and Reheat Extras

Leftover apple cobbler can be kept at room temperature for up to 1 day. Either cover the baking dish tightly in plastic wrap or store the cobbler in an airtight container. After 24 hours, transfer it to the fridge for up to 4 extra days. To reheat it, microwave individual servings in a heat-proof dish for 20-30 seconds.

Does Apple Cobbler Freeze Well?

Even though this cobbler is best when it’s fresh, it still tastes amazing when it’s frozen and reheated. If you’d like to store it in the freezer, transfer the cooled cobbler to a freezer-safe container and freeze it for 2-3 months. Thaw it out in the fridge overnight before you reheat it.

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More Fruity Treats to Try

• Cherry Pie
• Pineapple Upside Down Cake
• Apple Fritter Monkey Bread