Can I use canned apple pie filling instead of fresh apples?

While fresh is definitely best for this recipe, you can use canned filling in a pinch. Skip the pre-cooking step and reduce the sugar in the topping slightly as canned filling is usually quite sweet. The texture and flavor won't be quite the same, but it'll still be tasty.

Why is my cobbler topping too wet/gummy?

This usually happens if your oven temperature is too low or the cobbler is underbaked. Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don't rush the baking time. Another cause could be measuring the flour incorrectly - use the spoon and level method for accurate measurements.

Can I make this cobbler without refined sugar?

Yes! You can substitute coconut sugar for the brown and white sugar. The flavor will have more caramel notes, but it works beautifully with apples. You could also use honey in the filling (about 2-3 tablespoons), though the topping works best with a granulated sweetener.

My apples turned mushy - what happened?

Some apple varieties break down more during cooking. For firmer texture, stick with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Jazz apples. Also, make sure not to slice them too thin or pre-cook them too long.

The best Apple Cobbler Recipe

Description

This Apple Cobbler is the ultimate comfort dessert, featuring tender, spiced apples topped with a golden, slightly crisp yet soft layer of cake-like topping. Perfectly sweetened yet slightly tangy, it’s a treat best enjoyed warm, especially with a dollop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce. Whether served after dinner or at a potluck, this cobbler is sure to please every palate.

Ingredients

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Apple Filling

2 tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
8 cups (about 1kg) peeled and sliced apples (1/4-inch slices; about 7 apples)
3 tablespoons (37g) packed light or dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Topping

6 tablespoons (85g) unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 3/4 cups (219g) all-purpose flour (spooned & leveled)
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: 1 tablespoon granulated sugar + 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon for sprinkling

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Instructions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a 3–4-quart baking dish.
Pre-Cook the Apples
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the apple slices, brown sugar, lemon juice, flour, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Cook the mixture while stirring for about 5 minutes until the apples are coated and start softening. Transfer the apple filling to the greased baking pan.
Prepare the Topping
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the melted butter and granulated sugar until combined. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, flour, baking powder, and salt, and whisk until the mixture is smooth, allowing for small lumps. Pour this batter over the apples evenly. If desired, sprinkle the optional cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Use a butter knife to gently swirl the batter with the apple mixture.
Bake the Cobbler
Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 48–55 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling begins bubbling along the edges. Loosely cover with aluminum foil halfway through baking if the top is browning too quickly.
Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for at least 5 minutes. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold. Enjoy it as is, or pair it with vanilla ice cream and/or salted caramel sauce.
Store Leftovers
Cover tightly and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or bake, covered, in a 300°F (149°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Notes

Make Ahead: Prepare just the apple filling and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Avoid mixing the topping ahead of time, as baking powder activates once mixed with wet ingredients.
Freezing Tip: Although best consumed fresh, you can freeze the baked and cooled cobbler for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as described above.
Apple Choice: Using a mix of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweet ones like Honeycrisp yields the best results.
Serving Suggestion: Enhance this dessert with vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Alternative Ingredients: Pears can substitute apples; just reduce the pre-cooking time slightly to 3 minutes if using softer pears.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 290
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 170mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 33mg