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Grandma’s Perfect Apple Cobbler Recipe in Just 6 Steps

There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through the house on a crisp fall afternoon. My grandma’s apple cobbler recipe has been my go-to comfort dessert for years – simple enough for weeknights but special enough for holiday gatherings. I can still picture her flour-dusted apron as she’d pull the bubbling pan from the oven, the golden biscuit topping just begging to be cracked open to reveal those tender spiced apples underneath.

This easy apple cobbler recipe delivers that same nostalgic magic with minimal fuss. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just sweet-tart apples layered under a cinnamon-kissed batter that bakes up into the perfect balance of crisp and gooey. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top, and you’ve got pure autumn happiness in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cobbler

Trust me, this isn’t just any apple cobbler – it’s the kind of dessert that makes people ask for seconds (and the recipe!). Here’s why it’s become my fall staple:

  • Effortless elegance: The batter practically makes itself while the apples do all the work
  • Comfort in every bite: Warm cinnamon apples + buttery topping = pure coziness
  • Fall’s perfect match: Those autumn spices will make your kitchen smell amazing
  • Endlessly adaptable: Toss in nuts, swap pears for apples, or drizzle with caramel

Seriously, this recipe is so forgiving even my 8-year-old niece can make it look good!

Ingredients for Apple Cobbler

Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen – I promise it’s all simple pantry staples you probably already have:

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 5 medium apples – see my notes below for the best varieties)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar (divided – we’ll use half with the apples and half in the batter)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon (the good stuff – none of that dusty old spice jar!)
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated if you’re feeling fancy)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (spooned and leveled, not packed)
  • 1 tsp baking powder (check the date – old powder won’t give you that perfect rise)
  • 1/2 tsp salt (just enough to balance the sweetness)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (and slightly cooled – trust me, hot butter makes weird batter)
  • 1/2 cup milk (whole milk makes it richest, but any kind works)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Now let’s talk about making this recipe work for you:

Apples: Granny Smiths are my go-to for their perfect tartness, but Honeycrisps or Braeburns work great too. Avoid Red Delicious – they turn to mush!

Sugar: If your apples are super sweet, you can reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup. For deeper flavor, try brown sugar instead.

Dairy swaps: Almond or oat milk works fine, and you can use salted butter (just skip the extra salt). Coconut oil works in place of butter too, though the flavor changes a bit.

The beauty of cobbler is how forgiving it is – don’t stress if you need to make substitutions!

Equipment You’ll Need

Don’t worry – you won’t need any fancy gadgets for this cozy dessert! Here’s what I always grab from my kitchen:

  • 9×13 inch baking dish (or any 3-quart oven-safe pan – I sometimes use my cast iron skillet for rustic charm)
  • 2 mixing bowls (one for apples, one for batter – medium size works great)
  • Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring – no mixer required!)
  • Peeler and sharp knife (for prepping those apples)
  • Measuring cups and spoons (because eyeballing never works for me)

That’s it! Just basic tools you probably already have – part of why I love this recipe so much.

How to Make Apple Cobbler

Okay, let’s get to the fun part – making that glorious apple cobbler! I’ve made this dozens of times, and here’s exactly how I do it for perfect results every time:

  1. Preheat that oven! Crank it to 350°F (175°C) – this gives your baking dish time to heat up evenly while you prep everything else.
  2. Toss those apples: In your first bowl, mix the sliced apples with 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg until every piece is coated. Spread them evenly in your greased baking dish – I like to pat them down slightly so they’re snug.
  3. Whisk the dry stuff: In your second bowl, combine flour, remaining 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Give it a good whisk to banish any lumps.
  4. Bring it together: Make a well in the center and pour in the melted (but not hot!) butter and milk. Stir just until combined – a few lumps are fine, I promise!
  5. Top those apples: Pour the batter over your apple mixture. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly – it’ll even out as it bakes.
  6. Bake to golden perfection: Pop it in the oven for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges.

Tips for the Best Apple Cobbler

Here are my tried-and-true secrets for cobbler success:

  • Slice apples evenly – about 1/4 inch thick so they cook uniformly
  • Let the batter rest 5 minutes after mixing for better texture
  • Check at 40 minutes – oven temps vary, and you want that perfect golden top
  • Cool slightly before serving so the juices thicken up nicely

Serving Suggestions for Apple Cobbler

Oh, the possibilities! My absolute favorite way to serve this apple cobbler is still warm from the oven with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top – that hot-cold contrast is pure magic. For extra pizzazz, try:

  • A drizzle of caramel sauce and chopped pecans
  • A dollop of freshly whipped cream with cinnamon dusted on top
  • A scoop of cinnamon ice cream for double the spice

Pro tip: Serve it straight from the baking dish at the table – that rustic, homespun look is part of the charm!

Storing and Reheating Apple Cobbler

Here’s the good news – this apple cobbler keeps beautifully! Let it cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh in the fridge for 3-4 days (if it lasts that long!). For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months.

When reheating, I pop single servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm. For larger portions, cover with foil and bake at 300°F for 15-20 minutes. Pro tip: Add a splash of apple juice before reheating to keep everything moist!

Apple Cobbler Variations

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how easily you can mix it up! Here are some delicious twists I’ve tried over the years:

  • Crunchy topping: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking
  • Berry boost: Toss in a handful of fresh or frozen berries with the apples
  • Oatmeal delight: Replace 1/4 cup flour with oats for a heartier texture
  • Caramel apple: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the batter

The possibilities are endless – have fun making it your own!

Nutritional Information

Just so you know, these numbers are estimates – your exact counts will vary based on apple sweetness and ingredient brands. For one serving (about 1/6 of the cobbler), you’re looking at roughly:

  • 320 calories
  • 35g sugar (mostly from those sweet apples!)
  • 12g fat
  • 3g fiber – not bad for dessert!

Remember, portion size is everything – but let’s be real, who stops at just one serving when it’s this good?

Frequently Asked Questions

I’ve gotten so many questions about this apple cobbler over the years – here are the ones that pop up most often:

What apples work best for cobbler?

Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape beautifully, but don’t be afraid to mix varieties! My grandma swore by a combo of tart and sweet – try half Granny Smith and half Honeycrisp for perfect balance.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Absolutely! If your apples are super sweet, you can cut the sugar by 1/4 cup. For a healthier twist, I sometimes use coconut sugar – it gives a lovely caramel note.

Does this freeze well?

You bet! Cool completely, then wrap individual portions tightly in foil. They’ll keep for 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, just pop in a 350°F oven until warmed through – about 20 minutes.

Dutch apple cobbler vs regular?

The main difference is the topping! Dutch versions usually have a streusel topping, while ours bakes up more like a soft biscuit. Both are delicious – it just depends what texture you’re craving.

Can I make this in a skillet?

Oh yes! A 10-inch cast iron skillet makes the most gorgeous rustic cobbler. Just watch the baking time – it might cook a bit faster in cast iron.

Share Your Apple Cobbler

I’d love to see your beautiful creations! Tag me @SophiasKitchen on Pinterest or Instagram when you make this apple cobbler – nothing makes me happier than seeing your twist on this family favorite. Happy baking!

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Easy Apple Cobbler

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A warm and comforting fall dessert with baked apples under a cinnamon biscuit topping. Perfect with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

  • Author: Sophia Collins
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups peeled and sliced apples
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup milk

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Mix apples, 1/2 cup sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl. Spread in a greased baking dish.
  3. Combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder, and salt in another bowl.
  4. Stir in melted butter and milk until smooth.
  5. Pour batter over apples.
  6. Bake for 45-50 minutes until golden brown.
  7. Serve warm with ice cream.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best results.
  • Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
  • For extra crunch, sprinkle coarse sugar on top before baking.
  • Find more recipes on our Pinterest account.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 35g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 7g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

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