How to Make the Best Caramel Apple Cobbler – Simple and Delicious
This Caramel Apple Cobbler recipe is the perfect fall treat that combines juicy apples and a delicious, cookie-like topping. It’s so easy to make – no need to worry about rolling pins, chilling, or making everything look perfect.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked. It’s just that good, especially when you add a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream.
Caramel Apple Cobbler
Equipment
- 13 x 9 baking dish
- Hand mixer
Ingredients
For the filling:
- 9 cups diced Granny Smith apples (7-9 apples, depending on size)
- ⅔ cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ⅓ teaspoon allspice
For the topping:
- 1 cup softened butter (salted, 2 sticks)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 egg
- 1 cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- pinch salt
For serving
- vanilla ice cream
- 1 jar prepared caramel sauce
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) with the rack in the center. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil.
- Prepare the apples. Peel, remove the core and cut 7-9 Granny Smith apples into small pieces to get 9 cups.
- Make and pre-bake filling. In a large mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, cloves, and allspice. Pour the mixture into a 13×9 baking dish. Cover with foil, place on the prepared baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, until the filling is juicy and the apples are soft.
- Make the topping. While the filling is baking, beat the butter and sugar in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat for 1 minute. Gradually add the flour, baking powder, and salt, and beat on low until just combined.
- Assemble and bake. Remove the filling from the oven and discard the foil. Drop the topping by heaping tablespoons onto the hot filling, spacing them evenly. Bake, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly. Immediately pour 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the hot cobbler.
- Serve. Allow the cobbler to cool for 20 minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.
Notes
More Tips:
Make sure your oven is completely heated before baking. The accurate temperature helps the filling cook properly and the topping to turn golden brown.
When adding flour to the topping mixture, mix it just enough until combined. Over-mixing can make the topping heavy instead of light and fluffy.
Covering the baking sheet with aluminum foil catches spills and makes cleaning up easier. The filling may spill over, and this step saves you from scrubbing the oven.
Pour the caramel sauce over the cobbler right after it comes out of the oven. This allows the caramel to mix with the hot filling, giving it a rich, gooey texture.
Let the cobbler cool for at least 20 minutes before serving. This helps the filling to set and makes it easier to serve.
A fully baked cobbler can be made a day ahead and warmed in an oven, but it doesn’t work well to prepare and bake it ahead of time.
The topping might seem strange if you haven’t tried any of my cobbler recipes. Just trust me, it’s the best.
Key Ingredients and Tools
Here are some important items and ingredients you’ll need for making this dessert.
- Granny Smith Apples: These apples are sour and hold their shape well during baking, making them perfect for this cobbler.
- Cornstarch: This thickens the apple filling, giving it the right texture. You can find it in the baking aisle of most grocery stores.
- Softened Butter: Make sure your butter is softened (not melted) for the topping to have a fluffy, cookie-like texture.
- Electric Mixer: An electric mixer is useful for beating the butter and sugar to the right consistency. If you don’t have one, a hand mixer works, too.
- 13×9 Baking Dish: This size dish ensures even cooking and the right thickness for the filling and topping.
You’ll be ready to make a delicious cobbler with these items and ingredients.
Here are some alternative ingredients you can use for this recipe:
- Granny Smith Apples: You can use Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples, but you may need to reduce the sugar slightly.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute it with white sugar and a tablespoon of molasses.
- Cornstarch: Use an equal amount of all-purpose flour instead.
- Salted Butter: You can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt to the topping mixture.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Try caramel or cinnamon ice cream for a different flavor.
These substitutions may slightly alter the recipe’s outcome, but feel free to experiment and find what works best for you.
Remember to gather around and enjoy this delightful Caramel Apple Cobbler with your loved ones. It’s the perfect treat for any gathering and will bring joy and comfort to everyone at your table.
Whether you pair it with a scoop of ice cream or savor it on its own, this cobbler is bound to be a crowd-pleaser.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.