Apple Cobbler

Apple Cobbler is a classic, delicious dessert that has been around since the 1800s. It's a delectable combination of apples, butter, sugar and cinnamon topped with a flaky crust and baked to perfection. Whether you're serving it for dessert or hosting a dinner party, Apple Cobbler is sure to please your guests!

It's rich flavor and delightful texture make it a crowd favorite every time. Let's take a closer look at the history of this classic dish and discover the secrets behind its tantalizing taste.

What's the difference between a cobbler and a pie? 

The main difference between a cobbler and a pie is the crust. A cobbler has a biscuit or cake-like crust on the top, while a pie has either a double crust or single bottom crust.

Cobblers usually have fruit, like apples, as their filling whereas pies often contain more custardy fillings like pumpkin or pecan, but of course you'll see delicious fruit pies too.

Additionally, cobblers are typically baked in deep dishes so they can be crumbly and crunchy where pies are usually baked in shallow dishes so their crusts remain flaky and crisp.

Why Make This Cobbler

• You only need 9 simple pantry staple ingredients for your delicious apple cobbler.
• This fancy dessert is ready in an hour and 20 minutes
• It's a great make ahead dessert recipe
• This is perfect for bake sales or celebrations and is the best dessert to make when it's apple season
• It's fancy enough for special occasions but simple enough for every day desserts

Ingredients

Get all the info on these cobbler ingredients in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post. 

• Golden delicious apples
• granulated sugar
• ground cinnamon
• ground cloves
• all-purpose flour
• sea salt
• unsalted butter
• large egg

How to Make Apple Cobbler

Prepare the 8x8 dish by greasing it and setting it aside.

Peel, core, and slice the apples, placing them in a large bowl.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together ½ cup of sugar, corn starch, cinnamon, and cloves.

Pour the sugar mixture over the apples, thoroughly combining the ingredients. To ensure even mixing, I prefer doing this in steps.

Let the apples sit for approximately 15 minutes while preheating the oven to 350F; this allows the natural juices to be released.

Meanwhile, in another medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, the remaining ¼ cup of sugar (reserving 1-2 teaspoons for topping), and a pinch of sea salt.

Add chunks of cold butter to the flour mixture, working it in by hand. If available, a dough blender or two forks can be used for this step.

Introduce the egg into the dough mixture, combining it well with a fork.

Drain the apples using a colander, then evenly distribute them into the prepared baking dish.

Place flattened pieces of dough on top of the apple mixture, covering them evenly with a fork until the dough is uniformly dampened.

Sprinkle sugar over the apples and bake for approximately 60 minutes, or until the top turns a golden brown. Allow it to cool and thicken for about 15-20 minutes.

Serve warm and enjoy!

Storage

Leftover cobbler can be stored in an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the apple cobbler into an oven safe dish and bake at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warm.

Alternatively, you can heat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. 

Recipe Variations

Use different apples. For this easy apple cobbler recipe, we tested it with golden delicious apples, but you can swap it out for other apple choices. Granny Smith apples would be another popular choice.

Keep in mind, some apples are more tart and some are more sweet, so keep your end goal in mind when choosing your apple variety.

Other options for your dessert are pink lady apples, gala apples, and fuji apples. Whatever kind of apples you choose, be sure to slice them into similar sized pieces so they're easy to eat and bake evenly.

Want to add a little more sweetness? Sprinkles some brown sugar on top of the apples. 

Tips 

• If your homemade apple cobbler has cooled down to room temperature, you can zap it in the microwave to warm it up again or you can pop it in the oven for a few minutes. 
• Serve a slice of your warm apple cobbler with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream for a fantastic treat.
• For the best flavor of your cobbler, use fresh fruit instead of frozen apple slices.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce onto the cobbler topping of each individual servings to really jazz up your classic cobbler and watch everyone get excited for their first bite. 

How to choose fresh apples at the store?

When shopping for fresh apples, you should look for firm apples that are free from bruises. Smell the skins of the apples; they should have a sweet aroma and not have any musty smells.

Also, make sure to inspect the stems to ensure they are not dried out and still firmly attached. Lastly, check the color of the skin – it should be vibrant and consistent throughout the apple.

Do I have to peel the apples for the cobbler?

Absolutely! I highly recommend peeling your apples before using them in your cobbler.

The apple skin can be difficult to break down during baking, resulting in a tougher texture. However, if you do choose to keep the skin, consider cutting the apples into smaller pieces for better results.

Could I make the cobbler ahead of time? 

It is best to refrain from baking the cobbler until it is ready to be served. Ensure that the filling is kept separate. You have the option to store it in the refrigerator for a maximum of three days or freeze it for up to three months.

If the cobbler has already been assembled and baked, you can freeze it for up to three months. Simply thaw it overnight and reheat it in the oven!

Now you see just how easy this perfect fall dessert is. With the buttery topping and tender apples, every bite of this perfect dessert is sure to make your tastebuds happy. This will quickly become one of your favorite fall desserts in no time, especially after you see just how easy it is and how fast it comes together. 

📖 Recipe