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Ultimate Apple Cobbler Recipe: Easy Fall Dessert Delight

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Ultimate Apple Cobbler Recipe: Easy Fall Dessert Delight

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Discover the Ultimate Apple Cobbler Recipe for Cozy Autumn Evenings

Whip Up This Simple, Heartwarming Dessert Packed with Seasonal Flavors and Local Harvest Vibes

🔥 Trending

Nothing says fall comfort quite like a homemade apple cobbler recipe bubbling with fresh, juicy fruits straight from the orchard.

 

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisp, folks across neighborhoods are firing up their ovens for treats that celebrate the season's bounty.

 

This year, with 2025 harvest events popping up in community farms and markets, it's the perfect time to dive into baking traditions that bring families together.

 

Imagine the scent of cinnamon-spiced apples filling your kitchen, evoking memories of grandma's timeless desserts.

 

Our take on this classic swaps the hassle of pie crust for a tender, biscuit-style topping that's effortlessly golden and fluffy.

 

Whether you're gathering apples from a local pick-your-own spot or grabbing them at the farmers' market, this dish turns simple ingredients into something magical.

 

Let's break down what makes this apple cobbler recipe a standout for your fall lineup.

 

First, gather your essentials for the filling: about 8 cups of peeled and sliced tart apples like Granny Smith or Braeburn, a cup of white sugar, a dash of flour to thicken, ground cinnamon for warmth, a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten, and a splash of water to create that saucy base.

 

For the topping, you'll need all-purpose flour, baking powder, a pinch of salt, some sugar, cold butter cubed small, buttermilk for tanginess, and vanilla extract to tie it all together.

 

Don't forget a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top for that irresistible crunch.

 

Optional add-ons like vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel elevate it to dessert heaven.

 

Start by preheating your oven to 375 degrees and greasing a large baking dish.

 

Toss those apple slices with sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water until everything's coated and glistening.

 

Spread this mixture evenly in your dish, letting the anticipation build as the flavors meld.

 

Now, for the topping: whisk together the dry ingredients, then cut in the butter until it resembles coarse crumbs.

 

Stir in the buttermilk and vanilla to form a soft dough that's just begging to be spooned over the fruit.

 

Drop dollops across the apples, sprinkle with coarse sugar, and bake until the top is beautifully browned and the filling bubbles with autumnal goodness.

 

Around 45 minutes later, you'll have a dessert that's tender, sweet, and utterly satisfying.

 

Cool it slightly before serving to let the juices set, then scoop it warm with your favorite toppings.

 

Opt for sparkling coarse sugar on top—it holds its shape and adds a sparkly finish that's pure eye candy.

 

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to two days, reheating gently to revive that fresh-baked warmth.

 

Pair it with savory mains like hearty soups or roasted meats for a balanced meal that screams seasonal comfort.

 

Experiment with variations: mix in berries for a tart twist, or pears for subtle sweetness.

 

Add spices like nutmeg or ginger to amp up the cozy factor, or swap in brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.

 

Top with whipped cream, nuts, or even butterscotch for personalized flair.

 

What's the key difference between cobbler and crisp? Cobbler boasts a soft biscuit layer, while crisp features a crunchy oat topping—both delicious, but cobbler feels richer and more indulgent.

 

Which apples work best? Tart varieties hold up well, but sweeter ones like Honeycrisp can star if you dial back the sugar.

 

Do you need to refrigerate it? Yes, after a few hours at room temp, to keep it fresh.

 

This heartfelt dessert captures the essence of fall, blending tradition with easy preparation for moments that linger long after the last bite.

 

Try it soon and make it a staple in your home—your taste buds will thank you.

 

🍏 Fall Favorite: Apple Cobbler

 

🍽️ Apple Cobbler Recipe

Serves: 8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Bake time: 45–50 minutes

 

Ingredients

Apple Filling:

  • 10 cups apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ¾-inch pieces

  • 1 cup granulated sugar

  • 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice

  • 3 tablespoons water

Cobbler Topping:

  • 1⅔ cups all-purpose flour

  • 2½ teaspoons baking powder

  • ¼ teaspoon salt

  • ¾ cup granulated sugar

  • ½ cup cold butter, cut into small cubes

  • 1 cup buttermilk

  • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract

  • 2 tablespoons coarse sugar (for sprinkling)

  • Cooking spray

 


Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly coat a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray.

  2. In a large bowl, combine the apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water. Mix until the apples are well coated, then spread the mixture evenly into the baking dish.

  3. In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar for the topping.

  4. Add the cold butter cubes and cut them into the flour mixture using two forks or a pastry cutter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

  5. Pour in the buttermilk and vanilla, stirring until just combined into a thick batter.

  6. Drop spoonfulls of the batter across the top of the apples. Sprinkle with coarse sugar.

  7. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are tender. If the top browns too quickly, lightly cover with foil.

  8. Let the cobbler cool for at least 20 minutes before serving.


 

🔪 Pro Tips

    • For best texture, use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Braeburn, or Granny Smith.

    • For extra fall flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the filling.

    • Serve warm — this cobbler shines right out of the oven.

    • Leftovers keep well in the fridge and reheat beautifully.

 

Enjoy the warm, cozy fall flavors! 🍂

Missoula Eats and Treats

© 2026 Missoula Eats and Treats.

Missoula Eats and Treats is your weekly bite-sized guide to the best flavors, hidden gems, and local food happenings around Missoula, Montana. From breakfast burritos to brewery pairings and the best spots for dessert, we highlight neighborhood favorites, new openings, seasonal treats, and the people behind the plates. Whether you’re a lifelong local or just hungry for something new, this newsletter serves up the tastiest stories from our city’s culinary scene - straight to your inbox.

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