Apple Cobbler (Gluten-Free)
This gluten-free apple cobbler combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a soft, golden biscuit topping. The apples bake until juicy and tender, while the topping turns lightly crisp on top and stays soft and fluffy underneath.
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Easy gluten-free apple dessert
This simple Apple Cobbler comes together quickly and easily, making it a delicious favorite for fall. If you love fruit desserts, you might also enjoy its Pear Cobbler sibling.
The spiced apple filling is perfectly sweetened and baked under a soft, buttery topping that complements the tender apples beautifully. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an irresistible dessert. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holiday dinners, or any time you’re craving a comforting apple dessert.
What goes in: ingredient notes
Some NOTES about the main ingredients of this recipe:
- Apples: Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they hold their shape when baked and their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the cobbler. Pink Lady is also good options.
- Flour: gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
- Butter: unsalted butter cold helps create a tender texture in the cobbler topping.
- Milk: whole milk for the best flavor and cosnistency.
- Ground cinnamon: complements the fruit and gives the classic apple-cinnamon flavor.
How to make Easy Apple Cobbler
Whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and the milk, and mix until incorporated.
Let rest covered in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
Place the peeled and sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the softened apples to a baking dish. Keep in mind that apples shrink when cooked.
Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
Drop spoonfuls of the chilled dough evenly over the apples, leaving a few small spaces between them.
Bake for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
Serve warm with a scoop of ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for several days. Reheat gently before serving.
Good to know: baking tips
- Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady work especially well because they hold their shape during baking. Honeycrisp also works.
- Don’t overmix the topping: Mix just until the ingredients come together for a tender biscuit-like texture.
- Chill the dough: Resting time makes the topping easier to scoop and helps it hold its shape while baking.
- Pre-cook the apples: Cooking the apples briefly before baking gives them a head start and helps prevent the topping from overbaking while the fruit softens. Don’t cook the apples until completely tender—they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
- Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness of the apple filling to taste.
- Baking: the cobbler is ready when the topping is golden and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges.
You might wonder: FAQ
Can I make this gluten-free apple cobbler ahead of time? Yes, prepare the apple cinnamon filling and biscuit-like topping separately. Store them in the refrigerator, and assemble just before baking. The cobbler is best served warm from the oven.
What’s the best thickener for the apple filling? Cornstarch is the best thickener for this apple cobbler. It helps absorb the juices released by the apples as they bake, creating a thick, spoonable filling and don’t affect the flavor. If needed, you can substitute tapioca starch, although the texture may be slightly more glossy.
Make it your own: serving options
- Individual ramekins: Bake the dessert in individual ramekins. The smaller portions will need less time in the oven, so start checking them earlier.
- Ice cream: Served warm from the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a simple finishing touch.
For more gluten-free fruit dessert recipes
Easy Apple Cobbler (Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
For the crust:
- 1 and ¼ cups gluten-free all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- Pinch of salt
- ⅔ cup milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
- 7 Granny Smith Apples, peeled and sliced
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Whisk together the gluten-free all-purpose flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a medium bowl. Add the melted butter and the milk, and mix until incorporated.
- Let rest, covered, in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
- Place the peeled and sliced apples, sugar, lemon juice, and cornstarch in a saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring, for about 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer the softened apples to a baking dish.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Drop spoonfuls of the chilled dough evenly over the apples, leaving a few small spaces between them.
- Bake for 40 minutes or until the crust is golden brown and the filling is bubbling.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream if desired.
Notes
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