Cast Iron Apple Cobbler- A Simple, Warm Dessert

This Cast Iron Apple Cobbler is a perfect dessert for weeknights, holidays or really anytime you want a simple family style dessert. Made with simple pantry ingredients, this apple cobbler recipe comes together quick and always make the whole house fill with the sweet smells of cinnamon, butter, and baked apples.

Love fruit desserts? Check out my other recipes for Mixed Berry Crisp or Fruit Pizza.

Skillet Apple Cobbler Recipe

You are going to love this easy apple cobbler recipe made in a cast iron skillet.

• Easy, apple dessert recipe made with simple ingredients
• Bakes right in a cast iron skillet
• Soft, spiced apples with a soft, cake like cobbler topping
• Perfect for a simple dessert, holidays, or family parties
• Can be ready in under an hour

⭐️ If you loved this apple cobbler recipe, check out my other apple recipes like this Puff Pastry Apple Pie, Apple Skillet Cake, or this Apple Pie Cinnamon Rolls.

Why I Like Baking in a Cast Iron Skillet

Cast iron skillets are for more than just cooking the perfect burger or homemade steak. Cast iron skillets are great for making simple desserts like this chocolate lava cake, toasted marshmallow Rice Krispies, or this strawberry oatmeal crisp.

Cast iron is famous for its heat-retaining abilities, kind of like its superpower, which helps cook foods evenly, helping the apples in this recipe to get soft and juicy while baking.

⭐️ What if I don’t have a cast iron skillet?

No problem! This recipe can be made in a 9 X 13 inch baking dish in place of the cast iron skillet. Just follow the recipe as instructed, but use a greased 9 X 13 inch baking pan.

Apple Cobbler Ingredients

Made with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, this recipe will easily become a fam favorite. This is what you will need:

For the topping:

• butter– I prefer unsalted butter for baking 
• sugar
• egg– best at room temperature
• sour cream– Greek yogurt can be used as a substitute
• milk
• vanilla
• all purpose flour
• baking powder
• salt

For the Apple Filling:

• apples– Fuji, Gala, Honeysuckle or Granny Smith work great
• brown sugar
• cinnamon
• nutmeg
• lemon juice
• cornstarch
• salt– just a pinch for flavor

How to Make Cast Iron Apple Cobbler

1. Preheat and Prepare– heat your oven to 350º F and lightly grease a 12 inch cast iron skillet.
2. Make the Apple Filling– peel and slice apples into about 1/2 inch pieces, then place into the prepared cast iron skillet. Add in the brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch, and pinch of salt. Toss until all the apple pieces are coated. Bake the apples for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the topping.

3. Make the Cobbler Topping– in a mixing bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, egg, sour cream, vanilla, and milk until well combined together. Add in the dry ingredients, flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix with wooden spoon until a thick batter is formed. It will be like a cross between cookie dough and cake batter.

4. Assemble– spoon the topping over the cobbler, then spread out with a spatula. It’s okay if it doesn’t fully cover the apples and there are gaps, this adds to the rustic look! Add an additional sprinkle of cinnamon and course sugar if desired, totally optional.
5. Bake– bake for 35-40 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the apples are soft and bubbling.
6. Serve Warm– allow the cobbler to cool for about 10 minutes for the liquid to thicken and so you won’t burn yourself when you take a bite. Scoop out some vanilla ice cream for the top or maybe even just add a dollop of whipped cream.

Tips for the Best Apple Cobbler

• Precook the apples while you make the topping so they get nice and soft
• Let it rest in the pan for at least 10 minutes so the filling thickens
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor, if desired
• Don’t overmix the topping batter
• If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover with a piece foil

Best Apples for Cobbler

To get the best texture and flavor like these apple pie bars, use apples that hold their shape while baking:

• Granny Smith-a classic choice for baked apple recipes because it is tart and firm
• Honeycrisp– a sweet and crisp apple
• Fuji or Gala– I used Fuji apples for this recipe, but I also like to use Gala like in this apple crisp recipe. These are also sweet and crisp.

Recipe FAQs

Check Out These Other Easy Cast Iron Desserts: