Intro
This Perfect Apple Cobbler is the ultimate cozy fall dessert, bringing together tender cinnamon-spiced apples and a buttery, golden biscuit topping. If you’re craving a warm, comforting treat that fills your kitchen with autumn aromas, this apple cobbler is the perfect way to showcase your favorite seasonal fruit.
Why You’ll Love This Perfect Apple Cobbler
There’s something magical about a bubbling fruit dessert fresh from the oven, and this cobbler delivers that magic with every bite. The apples soften into a velvety, cinnamon-kissed filling while the biscuit topping bakes into a beautiful golden crust. It’s simple, homey, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet evening, this dessert brings warmth, comfort, and a touch of nostalgia.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Apple Filling
- 8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled and thinly sliced
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed light brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the Cobbler Topping
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup chilled unsalted butter, cubed
- 1 cup cold whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar (optional, for crunch)
How to Make Perfect Apple Cobbler (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and thinly slicing your apples. In a large bowl, combine them with both sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla. Toss until every slice is coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and spread evenly.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients for the Topping
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. This forms the base of your biscuit-style topping.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the chilled cubed butter into the dry mixture. Using a pastry cutter or your fingertips, work the butter in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keeping the butter cold helps the topping bake up light and tender.
Step 4: Add Milk and Vanilla
Pour in the cold milk and vanilla extract. Stir gently until a soft dough forms. The dough should be scoopable rather than pourable.
Step 5: Assemble the Cobbler
Drop spoonfuls of the dough over the apple filling. It’s perfectly fine if some of the apples peek through—those little pockets allow steam to escape. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar for added sparkle and crunch.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is beautifully golden. Let the cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes so the filling thickens slightly.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of apples for deeper flavor—try Granny Smith with Honeycrisp.
- Add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Make it dairy-light by substituting plant-based butter and oat milk.
- Gluten-free option: Use a GF all-purpose blend.
- Add texture: Sprinkle chopped pecans or oats on top of the biscuit dough (only if desired and safe for your household).
Easy Perfect Apple Cobbler for Cozy Fall Nights
- Total Time: 70
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Warm, cozy apple cobbler made with cinnamon-spiced Granny Smith apples and a buttery biscuit-style topping, perfect for fall and holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
APPLE FILLING
8 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
COBBLER TOPPING
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup unsalted butter, chilled and cubed
1 cup whole milk, cold
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon turbinado or coarse sugar (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Prepare apples: peel, core, and thinly slice the Granny Smith apples.
3. Make the filling: in a large bowl, combine sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla; toss until apples are evenly coated.
4. Transfer the apple filling to the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt for the topping.
6. Cut in the chilled cubed butter with a pastry cutter or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
7. Stir in the cold milk and vanilla extract just until a soft dough forms; do not overmix.
8. Drop spoonfuls of the dough evenly over the apple filling, leaving a few small gaps for steam to escape.
9. Sprinkle the top with turbinado or coarse sugar, if using, for extra crunch and sparkle.
10. Bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and the topping is golden brown and cooked through.
11. Remove from the oven and let the cobbler cool for 10–15 minutes to allow the filling to thicken slightly.
12. Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
For a sweeter cobbler, use a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples.
You can substitute oat milk and plant-based butter to make this recipe more dairy-light.
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend if you need a gluten-free cobbler.
Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for extra warmth and spice.
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat in the oven to crisp the topping again.
- Prep Time: 25
- Cook Time: 45
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 34
- Sodium: 185
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 6
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 54
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 3
- Cholesterol: 25
Serving Ideas & Storage
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of homemade caramel sauce. For a lighter option, enjoy it with a dollop of coconut whipped cream.
To store, cover leftovers tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven for best results—the topping will regain its crisp texture. You can also freeze the baked cobbler for up to 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~315 |
| Protein | 3g |
| Carbs | 54g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Sodium | 185mg |
Final Thoughts
This Perfect Apple Cobbler is all about comfort, warmth, and the joy of simple ingredients. With its tender apples, fragrant spices, and golden topping, it’s the kind of dessert you’ll want to make all season long. Whether for weeknight indulgence or holiday gatherings, this cozy classic never disappoints.