Easy Apple Cobbler – Comforting, Cozy, and Quick
There’s something about warm apple cobbler that makes any day feel better. Soft, cinnamon-spiced apples tucked under a tender, buttery topping—simple, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. This version keeps the steps easy and the ingredients familiar, so you can get it in the oven without fuss.
Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving a weeknight treat, this cobbler checks all the boxes. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you’re golden.
Easy Apple Cobbler - Comforting, Cozy, and Quick
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat and prep the dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or a similar 3-quart baking dish.
- Peel and slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Aim for even slices so they cook at the same rate.
- Season the apples: In a large bowl, toss the apples with 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg (optional), and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the cobbler batter: In another bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.Add 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Stir just until combined. The batter will be thick and spoonable.
- Top the apples: Drop spoonfuls of batter over the apples, leaving small gaps.It doesn’t need to cover perfectly; it will spread as it bakes.
- Optional sugar sprinkle: For a lightly crisp lid, sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or coarse sugar) over the batter.
- Bake: Place the dish on the center rack and bake 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean. The apple filling should be bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the juices thicken.Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: You likely have most of what you need already—apples, flour, sugar, butter, milk, and spices.
- No special equipment: A baking dish and a couple of bowls are all you need. No mixer required.
- Forgiving and flexible: Works with different types of apples and allows easy swaps for dietary needs.
- Balanced texture: Juicy apples underneath with a lightly crisp, tender topping that doesn’t go gummy.
- Make-ahead friendly: You can prep the apples ahead and assemble quickly when you’re ready to bake.
Shopping List
- Apples: 6 medium apples (about 2 to 2.5 pounds), such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith (or a mix)
- Granulated sugar: For both apples and batter
- Brown sugar: Light or dark, for deeper flavor in the filling
- All-purpose flour
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground nutmeg (optional)
- Unsalted butter: Melted
- Milk: Whole milk preferred, but 2% works
- Vanilla extract
- Lemon juice: Fresh or bottled, to brighten the apples
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple juices
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat and prep the dish: Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C).Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar 3-quart baking dish.
- Peel and slice the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Aim for even slices so they cook at the same rate.
- Season the apples: In a large bowl, toss the apples with 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg (optional), and 1 tablespoon cornstarch. Spread evenly in the baking dish.
- Make the cobbler batter: In another bowl, whisk 1 cup flour, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.Add 1/2 cup milk, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 6 tablespoons melted butter. Stir just until combined. The batter will be thick and spoonable.
- Top the apples: Drop spoonfuls of batter over the apples, leaving small gaps.It doesn’t need to cover perfectly; it will spread as it bakes.
- Optional sugar sprinkle: For a lightly crisp lid, sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons granulated sugar (or coarse sugar) over the batter.
- Bake: Place the dish on the center rack and bake 40–50 minutes, until the topping is golden and a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean. The apple filling should be bubbling around the edges.
- Rest and serve: Let the cobbler rest for 10–15 minutes. This helps the juices thicken.Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
Storage Instructions
- Room temperature: If your kitchen is cool, you can keep the cobbler covered at room temp for up to 8 hours.
- Refrigerator: Cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.
- Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 325°F until warm and bubbly.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Low effort, big payoff: Minimal chopping and a simple batter bring maximum comfort.
- Budget-friendly: Uses basic staples and seasonal fruit.
- Reliable texture: Cornstarch helps prevent a watery filling, and the sugar sprinkle adds a little crunch.
- Flexible timing: Works for last-minute desserts or make-ahead prep for gatherings.
- Great for sharing: A 9×13 dish feeds a crowd without fuss.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Overly thick apple slices: Thick pieces take longer to soften and can leave the filling undercooked.Keep them around 1/4 inch.
- Skipping the rest time: Cutting in immediately can make it seem soupy. Give it 10–15 minutes to set.
- Too much liquid: Very juicy apples or extra lemon juice can thin the filling. Use the cornstarch and measure liquids.
- Overmixing the batter: Stir just until combined.Overmixing can make the topping tough instead of tender.
- Baking dish size: A smaller, deeper dish may require a few extra minutes. Look for golden-brown topping and bubbling edges.
Recipe Variations
- Oat Crumble Topping: Swap half the flour in the batter for quick oats and add a tablespoon of brown sugar for a heartier, slightly nubbly texture.
- Caramel Apple Cobbler: Drizzle 2–3 tablespoons of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the batter for richer flavor.
- Maple-Spiced: Replace 1/4 cup of the granulated sugar with maple syrup in the filling and add 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your baking powder is gluten-free.
- Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk.Coconut milk adds subtle richness.
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle 1/3 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the batter before baking.
- Bourbon Apple: Add 1 tablespoon bourbon to the apple mixture for warmth and depth.
- Apple-Pear Mix: Use half apples and half ripe but firm pears for a softer, fragrant filling.
FAQ
Which apples are best for cobbler?
A mix works best. Combine a tart, sturdy apple like Granny Smith with a sweeter one like Honeycrisp or Fuji. You’ll get balanced flavor and good texture.
Do I have to peel the apples?
No, peeling is optional.
Peeled apples give a softer, more classic feel. Leaving the skin on adds color, fiber, and a slight chew. If you keep the skins, slice a bit thinner.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes.
Toss the apples with the sugars, spices, and cornstarch up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Make the batter right before baking so the leavening stays active.
My cobbler is watery. What went wrong?
Usually it’s from extra juicy fruit or not enough thickener.
Make sure to include the cornstarch and let the baked cobbler rest 10–15 minutes so the juices set.
How do I reheat without drying it out?
Warm it in a 300°F oven, covered with foil, for 10–15 minutes. For single servings, a microwave works; use 50–70% power to heat gently.
Can I cut the sugar?
You can reduce sugar by 2–3 tablespoons in both the filling and the batter. Keep some sugar for structure and browning, or the topping may bake up pale and less tender.
What if I don’t have cornstarch?
Use 2 tablespoons flour or 1 tablespoon tapioca starch instead.
The texture may vary slightly, but it will still thicken the juices.
Is this the same as apple crisp?
No. Cobbler uses a batter or biscuit-like topping that bakes into a soft, cakey layer. Crisp uses a crumb topping with butter, sugar, and oats or flour that bakes crunchy.
Wrapping Up
This Easy Apple Cobbler is all about comfort without the hassle.
The ingredients are simple, the process is relaxed, and the results feel like a warm hug. Keep it classic with cinnamon and vanilla, or play with the variations to make it your own. When you need a reliable dessert that makes everyone smile, this one delivers—especially with a melting scoop of vanilla on top.
