I adore this warm and comforting Apple Cinnamon Cobbler. It blends tart Granny Smith apples with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg under a tender, buttery topping—perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo on a chilly evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple this cobbler is to prepare. With basic pantry staples, it delivers that irresistible combination of sweet, tart, and spiced flavors. The buttery, sugary topping crisps beautifully in the oven, while the apple filling becomes tender and bubbling. It’s a crowd-pleaser every time!
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Cobbler Filling:
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5 lbs Granny Smith apples (about 9 cups peeled and thinly sliced)
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½ cup all‑purpose flour
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¾ cup packed brown sugar
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¾ teaspoon nutmeg
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1½ teaspoons cinnamon
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¼ teaspoon salt
Cobbler Topping:
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2½ cups all‑purpose flour (spooned and leveled)
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1½ cups granulated sugar
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1 teaspoon baking powder
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ cup buttermilk
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1 egg
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½ cup cold butter, cut into chunks
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2 tablespoons sugar (granulated or mix with demerara for crunch)
Directions
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Preheat oven to 375 °F.
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Peel and thinly slice the apples until you have about 9 cups.
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In a 9×13‑inch baking dish, layer the apples and sprinkle the flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, nutmeg, cinnamon, and salt evenly. Drizzle the vanilla extract and gently stir to coat all apples. Press them down evenly.
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In a large bowl, whisk flour, 1½ cups sugar, baking powder, and salt for the topping. In another bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter (or fork) to cut until the dough is shaggy, with a few dry spots.
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Spoon the topping over the apple layer. Dot with chunks of cold butter across the top. Sprinkle remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar over it for extra crispness.
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Bake for 45–55 minutes until the topping is light brown and the filling bubbles. At the end, I like to broil for 1–3 minutes for a crisp finish—watch it closely!
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Let it cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm.
Servings and timing
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Servings: 12
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Prep Time: 15 minutes
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Cook Time: 45 minutes (plus optional 1–3 minutes broil)
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Total Time: 1 hour
Variations
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I sometimes swap half the Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji to balance tartness with sweetness.
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For a nutty twist, I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
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A splash of bourbon or apple brandy in the filling adds a rich, warm depth.
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For gluten-free, I use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in both filling and topping.
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I love adding a teaspoon of coarse-citrus zest—lemon or orange—for brightness.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: I store any leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: I usually freeze single portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, I microwave a portion for about 60 seconds, or warm it in a 350 °F oven for 10–12 minutes until heated through. To refresh the crunch, broil for a minute or two.
FAQs
What type of apples work best?
I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, but Honeycrisp or Fuji mixed in add pleasant sweetness.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely—I assemble it, refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed. Baking time may increase by 5–10 minutes from the fridge.
How do I make it gluten-free?
I substitute a 1-to-1 gluten‑free flour blend in both the filling and topping. The texture stays lovely and tender.
Is there a dairy-free version?
Sure! I use a non-dairy milk like oat or almond instead of buttermilk, and coconut oil or a plant-based butter in place of dairy butter.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, I double it using two 9×13‑inch pans. Bake them both at 375 °F. If your oven is full, expect the bake time to extend by about 10–15 minutes.
Conclusion
I hope this Apple Cinnamon Cobbler brings cozy flavors and warmth to your table. It’s easy, comforting, and endlessly adaptable. I love serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Let me know how it turns out—I’m always excited to hear about any creative tweaks you try!
