Description
This classic Apple Cobbler recipe features tender, spiced apples cooked in a buttery sauce and topped with a moist, cakey buttermilk batter. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it offers a warm, comforting dessert that can be served on its own or with vanilla ice cream for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apple Filling
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 8 cups (about 1kg) peeled and sliced apples (1/4-inch slices; about 7 apples)
- 3 Tablespoons (37g) packed light or dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Topping
- 6 Tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 1 and 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional Topping
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or any 3–4-quart baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Pre-cook the apples: Melt 2 Tablespoons of unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the peeled and sliced apples, brown sugar, fresh lemon juice, all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until the apples become coated in the spiced mixture and begin to soften.
- Transfer apple filling: Once softened, transfer the apple mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to form the base layer.
- Make the cobbler topping: In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the buttermilk, vanilla extract, all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt, mixing until mostly smooth with some small lumps allowed.
- Assemble topping on apples: Pour and spread the batter evenly over the apple layer in the baking dish. If desired, sprinkle the optional cinnamon-sugar mixture evenly on top and gently swirl with a butter knife for a marbled effect without disturbing the apple layer too much.
- Bake the cobbler: Place the baking dish on the center rack of the preheated oven and bake for 48-55 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the apple filling bubbles around the edges. To prevent excessive browning, loosely cover the cobbler with aluminum foil halfway through baking if necessary.
- Cool and serve: Remove from oven and let the cobbler cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold. It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or salted caramel sauce if desired.
- Store leftovers: Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or bake covered at 300°F (149°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through.
Notes
- Use firm and tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn for best flavor and texture.
- Peeling apples is recommended for a smooth, tender filling, but you may leave the skins on if preferred for added texture.
- Buttermilk adds tanginess and moisture to the topping; substitute with milk plus 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar if unavailable.
- Prevent burning by checking at 30 minutes; cover loosely with foil if the topping browns too quickly.
- Let the cobbler rest after baking so the filling sets slightly, making it easier to serve.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: apple cobbler, baked apple dessert, spiced apple cobbler, classic cobbler recipe, easy fruit dessert
