Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.

Apple cobbler is always a favorite. Surprise your family with this homemade copycat version of Houston's popular dessert.

Cobbler Topping
1/2 cup chilled butter, cut in bits
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg yolk
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Apple Cobbler Filling
1 can (20 ounce size) sliced canned apples, drained, liquid reserved
1/2 cup canned apple liquid
1 cup coarsely chopped walnuts
1 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons melted butter
1/4 cup corn syrup
1 cup brown sugar
Prepare the cobbler topping by combining the butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg in a mixing bowl and beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until combined and uniform in color. With the mixer running, slowly add the flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix until combined and the mixture forms a doughy ball.
Remove the cobbler topping from the mixer and place between two sheets of waxed paper. Place it in the refrigerator until chilled (about 30-60 minutes).
When chilled, roll the topping out on a lightly floured surface.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease an 8x11-inch baking dish.
Combine the apples, apple liquid, walnuts, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, melted butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar in a bowl. Mix well. Add additional water as needed if the filling is too dry.
Place the apple filling in the greased baking dish. Top with the cobbler topping.
Place the cobbler in the oven and bake at 375 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is browned.
To serve, scoop the cobbler from the pan using a large spoon. Invert the cobbler into individual bowls or plates so it is crust-side down. Serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, as desired.
Try different spices like cardamom or ginger for unique flavors.
Add a handful of oats or granola to the cobbler topping for extra crunch.
Serve apple cobbler warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Try adding a splash of rum or brandy to the filling for an extra layer of flavor.
For a caramel apple version, drizzle caramel sauce over the cobbler before serving.
Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor in the filling.
Add a sprinkle of coarse sugar on top of the cobbler before baking for a sweet, crunchy finish.
You can use fresh apples instead of canned apples. Replace 1 can (20 oz size) with 2.5 to 3 lbs of fresh apples. Peel, core, and slice them, then simmer in a light syrup (1 cup sugar to 4 cups water) or water for 5–10 minutes until slightly tender. Reserve 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid for the recipe. The best apples to use are Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts make great alternatives to walnuts in this recipe.
To make this recipe nut-free, simply omit the walnuts altogether. You may want to add additional spices or a sprinkle of oats on top for extra texture.
Yes, maple syrup can be used instead of corn syrup in the filling for a different flavor. Keep in mind that it may slightly alter the sweetness and texture of the cobbler.
Chilling the cobbler topping helps to firm up the butter in the dough, making it easier to roll out and shape on top of the apple filling.
Leftover apple cobbler can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
You can freeze apple cobbler. Make sure it's completely cooled, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing for up to 3 months.
Electric Mixer: For combining the butter, sugar, vanilla, and egg in a mixing bowl until uniform in color. Either an electric hand mixer or stand mixer can be used.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring the ingredients such as flour, brown sugar, corn syrup, and spices.
Mixing Bowls: At least two bowls are needed - one for the cobbler topping and another for the filling.
Rolling Pin: To roll out the chilled cobbler topping between sheets of waxed paper.
8x11-Inch Baking Dish: For baking the cobbler.
Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For mixing and thoroughly combining the ingredients in the bowl, as well as for spreading the cobbler topping over the apple filling.
Waxed Paper: Serving as a surface to roll out the cobbler topping without it sticking.
Large Spoon: For scooping and serving the cobbler once it is baked, inverting it onto individual bowls or plates for presentation.
Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic accompaniment that provides a creamy contrast to the warm, spiced cobbler.
Whipped Cream: Offers a light, airy texture that complements the richness of the cobbler and balances its sweetness.
Caramel Sauce: A drizzle of caramel adds an extra layer of sweetness and depth.
Salted Caramel Sauce: The saltiness cuts through the sweetness of the cobbler, giving it a more sophisticated flavor balance.
Cinnamon Sugar: A light dusting over the top can boost the flavor and add a bit of extra sweetness and spice.
Bourbon Sauce: A splash of bourbon sauce can add warmth and sophistication.
Zest of Lemon: A garnish of lemon zest can brighten the dish, providing a refreshing contrast to the sweetness.
Sour Cream: A small amount of sour cream can add a tangy touch that offsets the sweetness of the cobbler.
Toasted Coconut: A sprinkle of toasted coconut can add a chewy texture and a hint of tropical flavor.
Creme Fraiche: A dollop of creme fraiche can add a tangy creaminess that pairs nicely with the flavors of the cobbler.
Wine Pairings
Chardonnay: A creamy, oaky Chardonnay will bring out the richness of the buttery cobbler topping while complementing the apples' sweet and tart notes.
Sauvignon Blanc: This white wine has crisp acidity and bright citrus flavors that can really lift the sweet, spiced apple filling. Look for one with grassy or herbal notes to add a little contrast.
Gewurztraminer: With its floral aroma and hints of spice, this wine will match well with the cinnamon and nutmeg in the cobbler.
Other Alcohol Pairings
Hard Cider: A refreshing hard cider, especially one made from bittersweet apples, will echo the apple flavors while providing a nice bubbly contrast to the rich cobbler.
Apple Brandy: This spirit offers a deep, rich apple flavor that ties right into the cobbler's filling. Its warmth and sweetness can mirror the spiced notes for a smart pairing.
Whiskey Sour: The tartness from the citrus in a whiskey sour can cut through the sweetness of the cobbler, while the whiskey adds a little warmth.
Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Apple Juice: Simple and sweet, apple juice can highlight the main ingredient of this dessert and its fresh flavor can balance the spices nicely.
Chai Latte: The warm spices in a chai latte will match well with the flavors in the cobbler.
Cream Soda: This fizzy treat, with a touch of vanilla, brings a fun sweetness that can complement the apple and cinnamon in the dish.
Not to be confused with evaporated milk, sweetened condensed milk is very sweet (and very sticky) and used primarily in desserts.
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reviews & comments
September 9, 2022
Not sure why people say too much liquid. It's fine. Dough is not too buttery, filling doesn't need more butter. People are weird with the changes they make! It's very good as is.
I agree too much liquid. Some adjustments I made: I used only a bit more than 1/2 cup of apple juice I used aprox. 2 sticks of butter for the filling (That's just preference we like things buttery) Substitute the corn syrup for maple syrup, and added less than a teaspoon of molasses (optional) Mixed, brown sugar, maple syrup, molasses, butter, apple juice, cinnamon and nutmeg; in a pan until the sugar was dissolved. On very low, and stirred constantly. Set aside and mixed a bit of the nuts (I aded 1/2 cup more) Once ready to build it. Placed apples first on the buttered baking pan with the rest of the nuts, poured the (already cooled) mixture on top of the apples, and then the pie dough on top to cover it.
February 14, 2014
there is WAY too much liquid in the filling and WAY too much butter in the topping. will be more constructive when i make adjustments with a pastry chef friend :)
November 19, 2012
This recipe is SO GOOD! I wanted to try something new and came across this. The only thing I add is warm caramel on too after baking the cobbler. Great dessert for holidays. My family and guest love it. Enjoy!