Apple Cobbler

This old-fashioned Apple Cobbler is pure Southern comfort, with tender cinnamon-spiced apples tucked beneath a buttery, golden topping. Serve it warm from the oven with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for a dessert that’s downright irresistible.

Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe

How do you make Apple Cobbler? This is the same simple batter my Mom used when she made cobblers for our family, making it a recipe that’s especially close to my heart. The apple filling is made from scratch by simmering sliced apples with butter, sugar, and cinnamon on the stovetop until fork-tender. That extra step makes all the difference, creating a cozy, cinnamon-kissed filling that’s perfect for Sunday supper, holiday gatherings, or any time you want an old-fashioned Southern dessert.

Key ingredients you’ll need to make Southern Apple Cobbler Recipe: (Scroll down for full printable recipe card and quantities.)

• Apples – Large Granny Smith Apples peeled, cored and cut into 1/4 inch slices.
• Flour – Self-rising flour has leavening included so there’s no need to add more.
• Sugar – Granulated sugar and light brown sugar for sweetness.
• Butter – Salted butter or unsalted butter for a rich flavor.
• Spices – Ground cinnamon and apple pie spice.
• Lemon – Lemon juice gives the apples a bright flavor.
• Liquid – Whole milk or buttermilk for the batter.
• Whole Eggs – Large eggs stabilize the cobbler batter.
• Flavoring – Vanilla extract balances the flavor.
• Cornstarch – Cornstarch to thicken plus apple juice for stewing the apples.

How to Make Apple Cobbler Recipe

• Cook the Apples – Cook apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, apple pie spice and salt in melted butter just until softned.
• Thicken the Sauce – Mix cornstarch with apple juice until dissolved, stir into the apples. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool.
• Heat Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish – Preheat the oven and melt butter in 13×9-inch baking dish OR 12 inch cast iron skillet and into the oven to melt while it preheats.
• Make Batter – Whisk together the self rising flour, sugar, milk, eggs and vanilla extract until fully combined.
• Pour into Pan – Remove the dish from the oven and swirl to coat the bottom and sides with butter. Pour the batter evenly into the dish. Spoon the apples and dollop all over batter.
• Cinnamon-Sugar Topping – Sprinkle on top.
• Oven – Bake in preheated oven per the recipe until golden brown and puffed.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Homemade Apple Cobbler

• Large skillet to cook the apples.
• 13×9-inch baking dish or 12-inch cast iron skillet.
• Vegetable peeler or apple corer.
• Large bowl.
• Balloon whisk.
• Measuring cups and measuring spoons.
• Knife and cutting board for slicing the apples.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Sweet Apples – What variety of apples are best for cobbler? I use Granny Smith apples in this recipe since the tart apple flavor balances the sweetness and they’re a great baking apple. They also tend to hold their shape well. That said, you could use Gala apples, Braeburn apples, Mcintosh apples or Honeycrisp apples or your favorite kind of apples.
• Self-Rising Flour – Adapt the batter for this recipe using 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder and 1/2 teaspoon baking soda plus 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• Make-Ahead Tip – The apple filling can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept chilled in the refrigerator until assembling the cobbler.
• Serving Option – I really like serving this cobbler with a scoop of ice cream and a generous drizzle of warm salted caramel sauce. It’s delicious with or without it, so the choice is completely yours.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Apple Cobbler covered with plastic wrap, foil or transfer to an airtight container, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating – Reheat in single serving portions in the microwave or in a 350°F oven.
• Freezer – You can freeze leftover cobbler for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat just before serving in a preheated 350°F oven.

More Southern Style Apple Dessert Recipes to Make

Apple are readily available year-round so an apple dessert, cake, muffin or pie is always a possibility for your dessert menu. More apple sweets you may also like to try:

• Apple Pie Bars are a handheld dessert suited for any occasion.
• Glazed Apple Fritters are like a fluffy doughnut filled with chunks of fresh apples.
• Apple Crumb Pie is topped with a buttery streusel that takes it over the top.
• Start your morning with these Apple Muffins and a cup of coffee or tea
• My recipe for Southern Fried Apples is the only one you’ll ever need.
• Apple Cider Glazed Doughnuts are impossible to resist.
• Apple Chutney from Food Network.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Stand Mixer
• Cooling Racks
• Measuring Set
• 13×9-inch Pan