This Apple Cobbler couldn’t be easier. A tart, gooey Granny Smith apple filling with a fluffy, yet crisp topping; this is the perfect Fall dessert. Don’t forget the vanilla ice cream!
As the weather gets chillier, one of my favorite things to do is throw together a warm and sweet fall dessert and curl up under a blanket. That’s where this apple cobbler recipe comes in. It’s gooey, sweet, warm and SO GOOD paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
What is the difference between a pie and a cobbler?
Although similar in some aspects, pie and cobbler have a slightly different makeup.
Both classic desserts have a sweet, gooey filling but pie has a bottom crust and sometimes (but not always) a top crust made of traditional pastry dough. Cobbler, on the other hand, is made without a bottom crust and instead has a thick, biscuit-like topping.
What is the difference between apple crisp and apple cobbler?
Apple crisp and apple cobbler are similar, but the main difference is in the topping.
Apple cobbler is a layer of apples tossed with brown sugar and other ingredients then topped with a thick, cake/biscuit-like batter. Apple crisp is similar in the filling but has a crisp, streusel-like topping instead.
Ingredients
There are two parts to today’s recipe: the topping and the filling.
Topping
- Butter – holds the topping together and adds a rich flavor.
- Brown Sugar – adds sweetness and a rich, caramel-y flavor.
- Vanilla and Cinnamon – give the topping a warm flavor with a touch more sweetness.
- All-Purpose Flour – gives the cobbler topping structure.
- Baking Powder – lightens up the topping and allows it to crisp up just a touch when baked.
- Salt – cuts the sweetness from the other ingredients and enhances flavor.
Filling
- Apples – Granny Smith apples are the best apples for dessert. Their tart flavor and crisp texture pairs so well with the warm sweetness of the other ingredients and holds up to being baked.
- Brown Sugar – melts into the filling to create that sweet, ooey-gooey flavor and texture.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Vanilla – add warm, sweet, earthy flavors with a hint of spice.
- Cornstarch – thickens the filling to create the beloved gooey texture.
- Turbinado Sugar – sprinkled on top for a sweet and crunchy finish.
How to make
This is the best apple cobbler recipe! It’s so easy to make and takes 20 minutes to prep!
- Mix all topping ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.
- Toss apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla together.
- Pour into greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples then add on turbinado sugar.
- Bake, cool, then serve and enjoy!
What apples to use
I highly recommend using Granny Smith apples. The tart flavor contrasts perfectly with the warm, sweetness of the other ingredients. Plus, their crisp and firm texture holds up nicely next to the ooey-gooeyness of the filling.
If Granny Smith apples aren’t your thing, other crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Golden Delicious would work as well.
I don’t recommend using the soft and sweet varieties like Red Delicious. They’re too soft and will become mushy when baked.
Do you peel the apples?
Yes! Although leaving the peel on is technically fine, I highly recommend peeling the apples. The peel can become chewy when baked adding a weird texture to the dessert.
To easily peel apples simply wash, dry, then remove with peel with a sharp knife or vegetable peeler.
Can you use a different fruit?
You sure can! If you want to switch thing up, try my peach cobbler recipe or this slow cooker cherry cobbler recipe!
You could also use a different fruit in this recipe. Blueberries, strawberries, blackberries, mixed berries, strawberry rhubarb, you name it!
How to store
Apple cobbler is best served fresh and warm, but leftovers will also keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat, remove from the fridge (or thaw in the fridge first, if frozen), let it come to room temperature, then bake at 350ºF until warmed through. You can also microwave single servings if preferred.
– Jennifer
Apple Cobbler
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
Cobbler Topping
- ¾ cups unsalted butter melted (1 1/2 sticks)
- ¾ cups packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour spoon and leveled
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Cobbler Filling
- 6 cups Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced (1/4 inch thick) - approximately 4 large apples
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup turbinado sugar for sprinkling
- Vanilla Ice cream for serving
Recipe Video
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray. Set aside.
Cobbler Topping
- Place melted butter, brown sugar, vanilla, flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt into a large bowl.
- Mix until well combined. Set aside.
Cobbler Filling
- Gently toss apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cornstarch, and vanilla together until well combined.
- Pour into prepared baking dish and spread out into an even layer.
- Crumble the topping evenly over the apples.
- Sprinkle turbinado sugar over the top.
- Bake in preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the filling has thickened and the topping is cooked.
- Cool for 15 minutes in the pan before scooping and serving with vanilla ice cream!
- Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
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