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Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe with Fresh Fruit and Crispy Topping Recipe

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★★★★

3.9 from 233 reviews

This easy apple cobbler recipe features a flavorful mix of apples simmered with warm spices and topped with a buttery, crisp cobbler crust. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting fruit dessert, it pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for the perfect sweet treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup cold butter (chopped into chunks)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar (granulated, raw, or a mix)

For Serving

  • Vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: Choose your apples—about 5 pounds, mixing varieties for the best flavor. Peel and thinly slice the apples (about 1/8 inch thick) to get roughly 9 cups. Toss sliced apples with lemon zest and juice to prevent browning.
  2. Cook the Apples: Place apples, lemon zest, and juice in a large, high-sided 12-inch skillet. Add sugars, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cardamom (if using), and salt. Stir gently to coat evenly. Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, covered but stirring every 3 minutes, until apples are fork tender but still hold shape. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch casserole dish and let cool slightly.
  3. Make the Cobbler Topping: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. In a small bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg. Pour wet ingredients into dry and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut in the butter, creating a shaggy dough with some dry spots remaining. Spread the topping evenly over the apple mixture in the casserole dish.
  4. Add Butter and Sugar Topping: Scatter chopped cold butter pieces evenly over the cobbler topping. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar (a mix of granulated and raw sugar works well) over the top for crunch and browning.
  5. Bake the 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, optionally broil for 1-3 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
  6. Let It Set and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool for about 15 minutes so the juices set. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for the best experience.
  7. Storage: Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, then refrigerate.

Notes

  • You can skip cooking the apples ahead by placing raw sliced apples mixed with lemon juice directly into the baking dish; in this case, reduce flour to 2 tablespoons in the filling for best texture.
  • For a cheater buttermilk, mix 1/2 cup milk with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar and let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
  • Watch your broiler carefully if using—cobbler can burn quickly.
  • Using a mix of apple varieties adds depth and complexity to the flavor.
  • For gluten-free adaptation, use a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking (not included in original recipe).

Keywords: apple cobbler, easy apple dessert, fall dessert, baked apple cobbler, fruit cobbler recipe

Find it online: https://foodiecara.com/easy-apple-cobbler-recipe-with-fresh-fruit-and-crispy-topping-recipe/