Apple Cobbler

A cobbler is the answer to wanting apple pie on a weeknight. There is no dough to chill, roll or fit into a dish, because the topping is a soft biscuit batter spooned straight over the fruit. That removes about an hour of work and most of the steps where a pie goes wrong.

Use a mix of apples rather than one variety. Tart apples hold their shape and keep the filling from turning to sauce, sweet apples break down and thicken it, and a pan with both has a texture a single variety never gets. This is also the recipe for the bruised apples on the discount rack, since every one of them gets peeled and sliced anyway.

The gaps matter when the topping goes on. Dropping it in rough spoonfuls with space between them lets steam escape from the fruit below, which is what keeps the underside of the biscuit from going gummy. A sealed layer of batter traps that steam and stays raw in the middle.

Apple Cobbler

Apple cobbler is everything people love about apple pie without the extra effort of making and rolling pie dough. Tender cinnamon-spiced apples bake beneath a buttery biscuit topping that turns golden and lightly crisp in the oven. Served warm with vanilla ice cream, it's a timeless dessert that's perfect for chilly evenings.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Course Dessert

Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

  

For the filling

• 6 medium apples peeled and sliced
• 1/3 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

For the topping

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup cold butter cubed
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish.
• Toss the sliced apples with both sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Spread evenly in the prepared dish.
• In another bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in the butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
• Stir in the milk and vanilla until a soft dough forms.
• Spoon the topping over the apples, leaving small gaps so steam can escape.
• Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the topping is golden and the apples are bubbling around the edges.
• Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Frugal tip: a mix of sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor. If you have several varieties that need using up, this recipe is a great way to reduce food waste while creating a more complex filling.

Keyword apple cobbler, Autumn, budget-friendly, easy dessert