Old-Fashioned Apple Cobbler

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This Old-Fashioned Apple Cobbler brings together tender, spice-infused apples and a buttery, golden-brown topping that’s crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside.

What makes this cobbler truly special is its perfect balance of textures – the apples cook down into a rich, caramel-like sauce while the topping creates a delicate crust that’s just waiting to be broken with your spoon. It’s the kind of dessert that makes everyone at the table fall silent with that first warm, comforting bite.

Ingredients

For the apple filling:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious), peeled and cut into ¼-inch chunks
• 1 cup water or apple juice
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 Tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt

For the topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 3/4 cup milk
• 5 Tablespoons butter, melted
• Ground cinnamon for topping

Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray, ensuring even coverage to prevent sticking.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add apple chunks and cook over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently. The mixture should start to thicken slightly but not become too syrupy.
3. Transfer the warm apple mixture to your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. The liquid should barely cover the apples – this is perfect, as it will create the right consistency during baking.
4. For the topping, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl until well combined. Pour in the milk and melted butter, stirring just until mixed – don’t overmix or your topping will become tough.
5. Pour the batter evenly over the apple mixture – don’t worry if it doesn’t reach the edges, it will spread during baking. Sprinkle additional cinnamon over the top for that classic cobbler look.
6. Bake for 38-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The filling should be bubbling around the edges.
7. Let cool for at least 15 minutes before serving – this allows the filling to set slightly while still remaining wonderfully warm. Serve with vanilla ice cream if desired.
8. Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds before serving.