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–+ servings
Very Brown Apple Cobbler from Aunt Olive
This Very Brown Apple Cobbler is a nostalgic, spiced dessert with a rich, warm filling and a tender drop biscuit topping. It’s a classic recipe often made in the fall when apples are in abundance. The name hints at its deeply golden crust and caramelized fruit layer, created by baking uncovered after the apples are partially cooked with sugar and cinnamon. Whether served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this cobbler delivers comforting flavor with simple, pantry-staple ingredients and old-fashioned technique.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 324 kcal

Ingredients
  

Apple Filling:

  • ¾ cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • ½ tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 5 cups sliced apples (peeled)
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tbsp butter

Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 3 tbsp shortening
  • ½ cup milk

Instructions
 

Step 1: Preheat and Mix Filling

  • Preheat oven to 400°F.
  • In a bowl, mix sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt.
  • Add sliced apples and toss to coat.

Step 2: Cook the Apple Mixture

  • Place apple mixture in a baking dish.
  • Add water and dot with butter.
  • Cover with foil and bake for 15 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Topping

  • In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
  • Cut in shortening until crumbly.
  • Add milk and stir until just combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

  • Remove apples from oven and discard foil.
  • Drop topping by spoonfuls over hot apples.
  • Return to oven and bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, until topping is golden brown.

Tips

  • Use tart apples (Granny Smith) for more contrast with the sweet topping.
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves with the cinnamon.
  • Replace shortening with butter for richer flavor.
  • Add ¼ cup brown sugar for deeper caramel notes.
  • Mix in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts.
  • Substitute part of the water with apple cider for stronger apple flavor.
  • Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
  • For a crispier topping, sprinkle sugar on the dough before baking.
  • Add raisins or dried cranberries to the apple mixture.

Nutrition

Calories: 324kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 4gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 178mgPotassium: 179mgFiber: 3gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 91IUVitamin C: 5mgCalcium: 102mgIron: 1mg
Keyword apple dessert, comfort food, fall baking, family recipe, from scratch, heirloom recipe, homemade, vintage
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