As the leaves turn vibrant shades of orange and gold, there’s nothing quite like the cozy comfort of a warm dessert to celebrate the fall season. If you’re looking for a delightful treat that combines the rich flavors of apple pie with the gooey goodness of caramel and the simplicity of a cobbler, look no further. This Easy Caramel Apple Pie Cobbler recipe is the perfect blend of all these elements, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a special weekend treat. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, this recipe is a sure-fire way to impress your guests or simply indulge yourself.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
For the Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cut into small pieces
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples with granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and flour. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out evenly.
- Make the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and salt until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble.
- Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Drizzle half of the caramel sauce over the apples in the baking dish.
- Prepare the Cobbler Topping:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
- Cut the cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined. The batter will be lumpy, and that’s perfectly okay.
- Assemble and Bake:
- Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler batter over the apple filling, covering as much of the surface as possible. It’s fine if some of the apples are still visible.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cobbler comes out clean.
- Add the Finishing Touch:
- Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
- Drizzle the remaining caramel sauce over the top of the cobbler just before serving. For an extra touch of indulgence, you can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips for Success
- Apple Variety: Choose apples that hold their shape well during baking, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonathan. These varieties provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Caramel Sauce: Make sure to keep the caramel sauce at a gentle simmer to prevent it from burning. If it becomes too thick, you can stir in a little more cream to reach your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestions: This cobbler is delicious on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for added texture.
This Easy Caramel Apple Pie Cobbler is a delightful dessert that captures the essence of fall with its warm, comforting flavors and easy preparation. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Enjoy the taste of autumn with every delicious bite!