Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you click on the link and make a purchase.
This Easy Apple Cobbler recipe has a super fluffy, deliciously sweet topping. The apples are perfectly sweet and spiced. This is a simple, quick and easy dessert using the fresh fruit of fall! An absolute must is a scoop of ice cream on top.

Iโm going to scream this from the rooftops but this is an Easy Apple Cobbler โฆthatโs also fluffy and perfectly spiced and WAY easier than any apple pie you might not have time to make.
This season is all about pie, I will admit that. And of course, I have my favorite apple pie recipe that I think is a sure-fire winner. But letโs be honest, thereโs not always time for pie crust-making, rolling out, crimping, etc.
I love a cobbler. But before we dive in. Letโs discuss semantics:
Whatโs the difference between Crisp vs. Cobbler?
Crisp, crumblers, cobblers. What’s the difference? Theyโre incredibly similar. Basically theyโre sliced, diced or whole fruit at the base of a baking dish. Usually tossed with a thickener (either flour or corn starch or tapioca starch), sugar, lemon juice and other flavorings. And then theyโre topped with something and then baked.
- Crisps – typically have something that makes itโyepโcrisp on top. Think rolled oats, diced nuts, butter, and flour. Crisps are usually topped with a streusel like topping. (If you love a crisp, be sure to try my Brown Butter Apple Crisp.)
- Cobbler – some cobblers are topped with drop biscuits, other times theyโre topped with more of a looser batter. I make this batter to also make my Peach Cobbler. It’s so good!
- This is obviously the latter. And weโre not making drop biscuits, instead weโre making a looser-type batter that resembles more of a pancake batter. But with a strong butter flavor. Lol.
What Kind of Apples for Apple Cobbler
Whenever you bake an apple dessert–whether it be for an apple pie or apple cobbler–you want baking apples. My favorite, easy-to-find apples are honey crisp apples and gala apples.
Ingredients for Apple Cobbler
This recipe is like a cake-like batter poured on top of thinly sliced apples that are tossed in spices and sugar. Here are the ingredients you’ll need for the filling:
- Apples. I used a combo of gala apples and honey crips. Any baking apples would be great!
- Brown Sugar + granulated sugar. These two sugars are great for this baked apple recipe. If you wanted to do ALL brown sugar, that works too.
- All-purpose flour. This thickens the baked apple mixture. They’re not super juicy so flour vs. cornstarch is what we’re using.
- Lemon juice. This adds a lovely tartness to this recipe. It balances out the warm spices and sweet apples.
- Warm spices. I like to use a balanced combination of ground cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves. None of these spices are prominent; you don’t really notice any one flavor–instead it’s a balanced flavor of spices.
- For the topping, you’ll be making a simple cake-like topping. You’ll need flour, vanilla, melted butter, some leavening, sugar and milk.
How to Make Apple Cobbler
What I love about this recipe is how simple it is to come together. Hereโs how to make it:
- Mix the filling together. I used a mix of honey crisp and gala apples. Other apple combinations will totally work. And then add the brown sugar, sugar, flour, lemon juice, vanilla and spices.
- The topping couldnโt be simpler: In a medium bowl goes the flour, baking powder and salt, sugar, milk, melted butter and vanilla.
- And then the topping goes on top of the filling in a baking dish.
- In the oven and boom! done!
As much as I wish this was a one-bowl recipe, itโs a two-bowl recipe. But itโs simple, simple!
Recipe Tip
Here are some questions, I’m sure you’re asking yourself!
- Using different fruits: If you want to use berries in place of apples, be sure to add a few teaspoons of cornstarch. For peaches, make my easy Peach Cobbler.
- Add some richness. If I’m feeling like I want it to be even richer (this is a pretty light dessert), I’ll sometimes layer a few tablespoons of butter (cubed up) in between the two layers of apples. This just makes it a bit saucier, which I love!
Recipe FAQs
Yep! I think it is; the cooked apples, along with sugars and lemon juice help make it very juicy.
The apples should be bubbling, the top should be a beautiful golden brown color and it should engulf your house with amazing smells of spices and apples.
What to Serve with this Apple Cobbler
If you tried this Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the 📝 comments below. Thanks for visiting!
Easy Apple Cobbler Recipe
Equipment
- 1 (8×6-inch) baking dish
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 honey crisp apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 2 gala apples, peeled, cored and cut into 1/4-inch slices
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- Juice from 1 small lemon, about 1 tablespoon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- Teeny pinch of ground cardamom
- Teeny pinch of ground cloves
Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla paste or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
Prep:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease or butter a baking casserole dish thatโs 9×6 or something comparable. Use what you have! And then set it aside.
To Make the Filling:
- In a large bowl, add the sliced honey crisp apples, gala apples, brown sugar, sugar, flour, juice from 1 lemon, vanilla and spices (cinnamon, ginger, cardamom and cloves). Toss it all together until combined. Add the filling to your prepared baking dish.
To Make the Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt and sugar. Add the milk, butter and vanilla; mix until combined. Pour the topping on top of the filling. Itโs ok if some of the filling is peaking through or itโs not a totally perfect on top. I like it when some of the filling shows through. And then transfer to the oven to bake for about 40 to 45 minutes, until the filling is bubbling and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and serve warm with cold vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
GM Always looking for new recipes on old classics and this one is a WINNER….My oldest Son THINKS he is a CHOPPED JUDGE.. He Loved this recipe VERY MUCH .AFTER making it.. it was gone as fast as I made it ..Ty for great memories Already in my house and looking forward to making it again very soon God BLESS. You Are Appreciated
I already made apple pie filling to al dente, so how long would I need to bake the topping properly?
I would say it needs the entire time. I think it’ll be ok!
My first time trying an apple cobbler and I am obsessed! Thank you ๐
Hi Phylis, Thanks so much for the feedback – so glad you loved it! ๐
Made this tonight and it was delicious. I added one additional apple and tbsp of flour because I just wanted to use up my apples! I will definitely be making it again.
Delicious, beautiful and easy-peasy. I liked the addition of vanilla extract to the filling n topping. Never tried that before.TY!
so glad you loved it, lisa! ๐
Can I make this I’m advance and reheat?
Yes this should work great! I would reheat in a warm 200F oven.