Easy Apple Cobbler with Crispy Topping and Warm Spiced Apple Filling Recipe

Introduction

Apple cobbler is a comforting dessert that blends tender, spiced apples with a crisp, buttery topping. This easy recipe uses a mix of apples for the best flavor and a simple dough that bakes to golden perfection. It’s perfect for cozy nights or sharing with family and friends.

Ingredients

• 5 pounds apples (peeled, about 9-11 large apples; use a variety of flavors)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 small lemon)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 5 tablespoons all purpose flour*
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk**
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cold butter (chopped into chunks)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or raw sugar or both)
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving, not optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Choose your apples and peel them. You need about 9-11 large apples, totaling 5 pounds, ideally a mix like Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious for balanced flavor.
2. Step 2: Zest 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel into a large skillet. Slice the lemon and squeeze 3 tablespoons lemon juice into the skillet.
3. Step 3: Thinly slice the peeled apples (about 1/8 inch) and add them to the skillet with the lemon juice. Toss occasionally as you peel to prevent browning.
4. Step 4: Place the skillet over medium heat. This step is optional if you want to cook the apples before baking.
5. Step 5: Sprinkle 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 5 tablespoons flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional cardamom, and 1/4 teaspoon salt over the apples. Gently stir to combine without breaking the apples.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to avoid sticking. Apples should be fork tender but still hold shape.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla. Transfer the filling to a 9×13-inch baking dish and let cool briefly.
8. Step 8: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
9. Step 9: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
10. Step 10: In a small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 egg. Pour into dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter to blend into a shaggy dough, leaving some dry flour.
11. Step 11: Spread the dough evenly over the apples in the baking dish.
12. Step 12: Scatter 1/2 cup cold chopped butter over the dough, then sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar on top.
13. Step 13: Bake for 45-55 minutes, until the topping is light brown and the filling bubbles. For extra crispiness, broil for 1-3 minutes—watch carefully.
14. Step 14: Let the cobbler sit for 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with vanilla ice cream.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best balance of flavor.
• If you prefer not to cook apples first, toss raw sliced apples with sugar and spices, then place directly in the baking dish before topping.
• Substitute buttermilk with milk mixed with 1 tablespoon vinegar as a quick alternative.
• Add chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, on top for extra crunch.

Storage

Store leftover cobbler loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. After that, transfer to the fridge and keep covered for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this cobbler?

Frozen apples release more moisture, so drain excess liquid before using. Adjust baking time as needed to ensure the filling thickens properly.

What is the purpose of cooking the apples before baking?

Cooking the apples softens them slightly and helps the flavors meld, but it’s optional. Raw apples can be used; they will cook during baking and yield a firmer texture.

Easy Apple Cobbler with Crispy Topping and Warm Spiced Apple Filling Recipe

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This Easy Apple Cobbler recipe features a delightful blend of sweet and tart apples cooked with warm spices and topped with a buttery, crisp cobbler crust. It’s a cozy dessert perfect for fall, combining tender cooked apple filling with a golden, crunchy topping. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comforting treat.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apple Filling

• 5 pounds apples (peeled, about 9–11 large apples; use a variety of flavors such as Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 small lemon)
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 small lemon)
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 5 tablespoons all purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cobbler Topping

• 2 1/2 cups all purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 cup buttermilk (can use cheater version)*
• 1 egg
• 1/2 cup cold butter (chopped into chunks)
• 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or raw sugar or both)

To Serve

• Vanilla ice cream (recommended)

Instructions

1. Make the apple filling: Select a mix of apples totaling 5 pounds, about 9-11 large apples, for an optimal flavor balance such as Granny Smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious.
2. Prepare lemon zest and juice: Use a microplane grater to zest 1/2 teaspoon lemon peel into a high-sided 12-inch skillet. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze 3 tablespoons lemon juice into the skillet.
3. Peel and slice apples: Peel all apples using a vegetable or apple peeler. Slice very thinly (about 1/8 inch thick) to yield approximately 9 cups of sliced apples. Add apples immediately to the skillet with lemon zest and juice to prevent browning, tossing occasionally.
4. Cook apples (optional): Place the skillet over medium heat. Add 3/4 cup granulated sugar and 3/4 cup packed brown sugar on top of apples, then sprinkle 5 tablespoons flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, 3/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optionally 1/2 teaspoon cardamom, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt. Gently combine to coat the apples.
5. Simmer apple mixture: Cover with a lid and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every 3 minutes to keep coating consistent. Apples should be fork tender yet still hold shape. Adjust cooking time for desired texture.
6. Finish apple filling: Remove skillet from heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. Transfer the cooked apples and juices to a 9×13-inch casserole dish and allow to cool for a few minutes.
7. Preheat oven: Set oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Prepare topping dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon baking powder.
9. Combine wet ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk 1/2 cup buttermilk and 1 egg until combined. Pour into the dry ingredients.
10. Form dough: Use a pastry cutter, fork, or spoon to cut the wet ingredients into the flour mixture, creating a shaggy dough with some dry spots remaining.
11. Assemble cobbler: Spoon or pour the flour mixture evenly on top of the apples in the baking dish, spreading it with the back of a spoon.
12. Add butter and sugar: Scatter 1/2 cup cold butter, cut into 1/2-inch chunks, evenly over the topping. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or raw/demerara) on top for extra crunch.
13. Bake cobbler: Bake at 375°F for 45-55 minutes until the topping is light brown and the filling is bubbling. For an extra crispy top, broil 1-3 minutes carefully while watching closely to avoid burning.
14. Cool and serve: Let the cobbler cool for about 15 minutes before serving to allow juices to set. Serve warm with generous scoops of vanilla ice cream.
15. Storage: Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate.

Notes

• If you prefer to skip cooking the apples on the stovetop, omit the flour from the filling ingredients and place peeled, sliced apples directly into the baking dish mixed with lemon zest, juice, sugars, and spices.
• Cheater buttermilk can be made by adding 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar to 1/2 cup milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
• Using a mix of apple varieties gives a better complex flavor.
• Keep an eye on the cobbler when broiling for the topping – it can burn quickly.
• Vanilla ice cream is highly recommended as a serving accompaniment to enhance the dessert experience.

Keywords: apple cobbler, easy apple dessert, baked apple cobbler, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cobbler