Alton Brown Apple Cobbler Recipe is made with Granny Smith apples, sugar, lemon juice, all-purpose flour, baking powder, cream, and vanilla extract. This recipe creates a warm, comforting dessert with sweet-tart apples and a golden, biscuit-style topping. It takes about 55 minutes to prepare and serves 6 to 8.
Alton Brown Apple Cobbler Recipe Ingredients
- 8 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thin (Granny Smith works great)
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 ounces unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
For the Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- Pinch salt
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 ounces unsalted butter
- 8 tablespoons light cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
How To Make Alton Brown Apple Cobbler Recipe
- Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Apple Filling: Combine apples, 1/2 cup sugar, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss well. Pour into a 3- to 4-inch deep baking dish and dot with butter.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine flour, 3 tablespoons sugar, salt, and baking powder.
- Cut in Butter: Using your fingers, cut in 2 ounces of butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs with pea-sized pieces.
- Add Cream and Vanilla: Slowly stir in the cream and vanilla just until the batter comes together.
- Top the Apples: Drop the batter in mounds over the apple mixture.
- Finish and Bake: Drizzle the top with a little melted butter and sprinkle with sugar. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and cooked through.

Recipe Tips
- Use Tart Apples: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the topping.
- Don’t Overmix Dough: Stop mixing once the dough just comes together to keep the topping tender.
- Dot with Butter Generously: Adds flavor and helps caramelize the fruit.
- Check for Doneness: Cobbler is ready when the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Serve Warm: Best enjoyed fresh from the oven, optionally with ice cream or whipped cream.
What To Serve With Apple Cobbler
This apple cobbler pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, crème anglaise, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s also excellent alongside spiced tea or hot apple cider for a cozy dessert.
How To Store Apple Cobbler
Refrigerate: Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and warm before serving.
Apple Cobbler Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 310
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Sugar: 29g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 180mg
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn work well too, but Granny Smith holds shape best.
Can I make this ahead?
You can prep the apple mixture and topping separately a few hours ahead, then assemble and bake when ready.
How do I know when it’s done?
The topping should be golden and a toothpick inserted in the dough comes out clean.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust baking time as needed.
Is it okay to use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but cream gives a richer texture and flavor to the topping.
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Alton Brown Apple Cobbler Recipe
Description
A classic apple cobbler with tart Granny Smith apples and a sweet, buttery biscuit topping.
Ingredients
Topping:
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Mix apples with sugar and lemon juice. Pour into a deep baking dish and dot with butter.
- Combine flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder. Cut in butter until crumbly.
- Stir in cream and vanilla just until combined.
- Drop dough mounds over apples. Drizzle with melted butter and sprinkle with sugar.
- Bake 35–45 minutes until golden brown. Serve warm.
