Cozy Apple Cobbler for the Holidays

Ready in: 1 hour · Serves: 8 · Technique: Baking · Storage: Refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Quick Answer

Cook up a comforting apple cobbler with spiced apples and a rustic topping, perfect for celebrating the season.

Apple cobbler has a special place in my heart, especially as the crisp autumn air starts to envelop New York City. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm, spiced apples wafting through my kitchen, reminding me of both Thanksgiving gatherings and cozy winter evenings. When I served this apple cobbler last fall at a friend’s holiday potluck, it was a hit—disappearing before my eyes. Whether you’re whipping this up for Thanksgiving or a festive Christmas family gathering, this dish is a splendid way to celebrate the season with a sweet twist.

A Cozy Holiday Treat

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Warm, spiced apples that evoke the essence of autumn.
• A crowd-pleaser that disappears quickly at gatherings.
• Easy to prepare, making it perfect for holiday celebrations.
• Customizable with spices or toppings for a unique twist.
• Delicious served warm, especially with a scoop of ice cream.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create a delightful apple cobbler:

For the Filling:

• 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites)
• 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 cup of granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness of apples)
• 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon of cornstarch (to thicken)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons of baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup of whole milk

How to Make Apple Cobbler (Step-by-Step)

This apple cobbler is simple to make, and the warm aromas will fill your kitchen with seasonal delight.

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). The anticipation builds as the warmth starts to envelop the kitchen.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss until every piece is coated evenly, releasing that sweet, fruity aroma.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Make sure to spread it out evenly for even cooking.

Step 4: Mix the Topping

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, add the melted butter and whole milk, stirring until just combined. The mixture should be slightly lumpy—this adds delightful texture to the cobbler.

Step 5: Apply the Topping

Spoon the topping over the apples. Don’t worry about covering every inch; it’s rustic, and those little gaps will turn into pockets of gooey goodness during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the icing is golden brown and the apples bubble enthusiastically beneath the surface. The nutty fragrance of the melted butter and baked apples will have your mouth watering in no time.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Once baked, cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Trust me; it’s simply heavenly when the cool ice cream meets that warm, spiced apple filling.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using overly ripe apples: Stick to firm varieties like Granny Smith to maintain texture.
• Skipping the cornstarch: This step is crucial for thickening the juices. Don’t omit it!
• Not letting it cool: It’s tempting, but cooling helps the juices thicken properly, making for a less soupy cobbler.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture.
• If you desire a crunchier topping, consider adding rolled oats or chopped nuts to the mix.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. Reheat in the oven for the best taste, or pop in the microwave for a quick treat.

Variations

• Swap out Granny Smith apples for Fuji or Braeburn for a different flavor profile.
• Use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a deeper caramel effect.
• Add dried cranberries or raisins for an additional layer of sweetness and texture.

How to Serve

• Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream for a light touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

• Make Ahead: Prepare the apple filling and topping separately, refrigerate them, and assemble just before baking.
• Storage: Cover and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven to maintain texture, or use the microwave for a quick option.
• Freezing: Not recommended, as the texture may suffer upon thawing.

Recipe Notes / What I Learned

While testing this recipe, I discovered that the combination of tart and sweet apples yields the best flavor balance, enhancing the overall experience. Plus, the warmth emanating from the oven as it bakes creates an irresistible atmosphere, perfect for gatherings during this joyous season.

Yield and Serving Size

Yield: 10 · Serving Size: 1 slice

Nutrition Snapshot

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving: ~250 calories · 2g protein · 37g carbs · 10g fat

Amberly Vahn

Cozy Apple Cobbler for the Holidays

A comforting apple cobbler with spiced apples and a rustic topping, perfect for celebrating the season.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Group: Filling

• 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar adjust based on sweetness of apples
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 Tbsp. cornstarch to thicken

Group: Topping

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup whole milk

Equipment

• Baking dish 9×13 inch
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Measuring Cups
• Measuring spoons

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples with lemon juice. Sprinkle in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss until evenly coated.
3. Pour the apple mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and spread it evenly.
4. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Add the melted butter and whole milk, stirring until just combined.
5. Spoon the topping over the apples. It’s okay to leave some gaps for a rustic look.
6. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
7. Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving warm, optionally with ice cream.

Notes

This cobbler is best enjoyed warm, especially with ice cream or whipped cream.

FAQs