Apple Cobbler

Double Crust Apple Cobbler

I'm excited to share my recipe for a mouthwatering double crust apple cobbler. This dessert features a perfectly flaky crust on both the top and bottom, enveloping a warm, spiced apple filling. It’s the ultimate comfort food, so let's get started!

Fruit cobblers are a classic American dessert, born out of necessity in the colonial era when settlers adapted British puddings using local ingredients. They often consist of a stewed fruit filling topped with a biscuit-like crust, creating a rustic, "cobbled" appearance. Over time, cobblers have become a beloved, versatile dessert, with countless variations reflecting regional flavors and traditions.

Prep time: 30 minutes / Baking time: 70-80 minutes

You will need the following items and utensils: 2 Large bowls, vegetable peeler, kitchen knife, teaspoon, butter knife, pastry cutter (or use your fingers), microplane or zester, juicer, coarse grater, wooden spoon, rolling pin, pastry brush, and a baking or casserole dish.

Ingredients

For the Pastry

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1/2 Cup (125g) unsalted butter, cold and cubed

1/2 tsp (3ml) salt

2 Tbs (30ml) granulated sugar

6-8 Tbs (90-120ml) ice water

For the Apple Filling

7-9 large apples (Granny Smith, Bramley or Pink Lady), peeled, cored, and sliced

3/4 Cup (150g) granulated sugar

1/4 Cup (60g) brown sugar

1 tsp (5ml) cinnamon

1 tsp ground ginger

1/2 tsp (3ml) freshly grated (or ground) nutmeg

1 Lemon (zest and juice)

2 Tbs (30ml) cornstarch

1/2 tsp salt

2 Tbs unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

For Assembly

1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)

1 Tbs (30ml) granulated sugar (optional, for sprinkling on top)

Prepare the Pastry: In a large chilled mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, and sugar. Add the cold, cubed butter. Using a pastry cutter or your fingers, work or rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.

Gradually add the ice water, one tablespoon at a time, mixing just until the dough begins to come together. Shape the dough into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate for 15-30 minutes while you prepare the filling.

Prepare the Apple Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, lemon zest, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. Toss well to coat the apples evenly. Set the mixture aside to allow the flavours to meld and fruit liquor to form while you roll out the pastry.

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

Roll Out the Pastry: Divide the chilled dough. Dust a clean work surface, hands ,and rolling pin. Roll out half of the dough large enough to line the bottom and sides of your baking dish. Fold over and turn the dough occasionally as you shape and roll it. It should be about 1/8 to 1/4 inch in thickness.

Gently transfer the rolled dough into the dish, pressing it into the corners and up the sides. Rub away any excess dough and reserve these cast-offs to add to the filling.

Pour all of the apple filling into the prepared crust, spreading it out evenly. Dot the filling with the small pieces of butter. Add the reserved cast-offs of dough, which will become little dumplings when the cobbler bakes. Use a wooden spoon to gently mix the butter and cast-offs into the fruit filling.

Top and Bake: Roll out the remaining dough to fit over the top of the cobbler. Place it over the apple filling, and fold in any excess dough. Pinch the edges together to seal, and crimp decoratively if desired. Cut a few small slits in the top crust to allow steam to escape.

Brush the top crust with the beaten egg, and sprinkle with sugar if desired.

Bake for 10-15 minutes at 425°F (220°C), then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175/180°C) and bake for an additional 55-70 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.

Serve!

Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, pouring cream, or a dollop of whipped cream!

This cobbler is sure to be a hit, with its flaky crust and sweet, spiced apple filling. Enjoy!