Warm, golden, and filled with tender apples, this apple cobbler is the ultimate Thanksgiving dessert. It’s simple to prepare, bakes beautifully, and tastes amazing with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Apple Cobbler
Classic comfort dessert with simple ingredients
Apple cobbler brings together soft baked apples with a golden, fluffy topping. You only need pantry staples like flour, sugar, cinnamon, and butter. The result is a comforting dessert that tastes homemade without being complicated.
Perfect for Thanksgiving or fall gatherings
This cobbler is a crowd-pleaser at any holiday table. The spiced apples smell amazing as they bake, making your kitchen feel warm and festive. It pairs wonderfully with savory dishes and finishes off your Thanksgiving meal on a sweet note.
Difference between apple cobbler and apple crisp
Cobblers feature a soft, cake-like topping poured over the fruit before baking. Crisps, on the other hand, use a crunchy oat topping. This apple cobbler gives you a tender, moist layer with just a hint of crispness on top.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the apple filling
You’ll need fresh apples, brown sugar, warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, plus a splash of lemon juice and vanilla. These create a sweet and tangy filling that’s never too heavy.
For the cobbler batter
Simple baking staples like flour, sugar, milk, butter, and baking powder come together for a light topping. Sprinkle with cinnamon for a golden, fragrant finish.
Recommended apples for best flavor and texture
Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape and balance the sweetness. Golden Delicious adds natural sweetness. A mix of both makes the cobbler more flavorful.
How to Make Apple Cobbler Step-by-Step
Prep the apples and filling
Peel and slice six medium apples. In a saucepan, combine sugar, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, spices, and water. Add apples and cook for 3–5 minutes until slightly tender.
Mix the cobbler batter
In a bowl, stir flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter, mixing until just combined. The batter should be smooth but not overworked.
Assemble and bake
Pour the apple filling into a greased 9×13 pan. Spread the batter evenly on top. Lightly sprinkle with cinnamon for extra flavor. Bake at 350°F for about 40 minutes until the top is golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and serve
Let the cobbler cool for at least 15 minutes so the filling sets. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for the perfect finish.
Expert Tips for the Best Apple Cobbler
To peel or not to peel apples
Peeled apples give a softer texture, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer more fiber and chew. Just cut slices thin for even baking.
How to get a golden topping
Make sure to sprinkle cinnamon before baking and avoid overmixing the batter. The butter in the mix helps the top bake into a golden, slightly crisp layer.
Serving suggestions (ice cream, whipped cream)
Cobbler shines when served warm. Add vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even caramel drizzle for a festive touch.
Make Ahead and Storage Instructions
Preparing the apple filling in advance
You can cook the apple filling up to three days ahead and store it in the fridge. This saves time when you’re busy with holiday cooking.
Freezing and reheating baked cobbler
Baked cobbler freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat in the oven until warmed through.
How to store leftovers
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat single portions in the microwave or the oven for best flavor.
Other recipes you may enjoy
- creamy apple cheesecake bars perfect for Thanksgiving
- classic apple pie recipe for the holiday dessert table
- easy caramel apple cheesecake dip for fall gatherings
- buttery herb stuffing for your Thanksgiving menu
Conclusion
This apple cobbler is warm, comforting, and perfect for your Thanksgiving table. With tender spiced apples and a golden topping, it’s a dessert that makes everyone smile. Try it this season, and don’t forget to share your creations on Pinterest.
Apple Cobbler
Equipment
- Saucepan For cooking apple filling
- Mixing bowl For preparing cobbler batter
- 9×13-inch baking pan For baking cobbler
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, or similar), peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick
- 1 cup water or apple juice
- ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup milk
- 5 tablespoons melted butter
- ground cinnamon, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, water, cornstarch, lemon juice, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add apples and cook over medium heat for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Pour apple mixture into the prepared baking pan.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add milk and melted butter; stir until just combined.
- Pour batter over apples, then sprinkle lightly with cinnamon.
- Bake for 38–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the topping comes out clean.
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with ice cream if desired.
