This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a delightful twist on a classic dessert! Chunks of juicy apples are topped with a fluffy, slightly tangy crust made from sourdough discard.
The best part? It’s super easy to make, and it helps reduce food waste! I love serving this warm with a scoop of ice cream. Perfect for a cozy evening! 🍏🍨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my favorite for this cobbler due to their tart flavor. If you prefer sweeter apples, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji. For a mix, try combining different varieties for depth of flavor.
Sourdough Discard: The sourdough discard adds flavor and moisture. If you don’t have any, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a tangy result. Just keep the measurement the same!
Butter: Unsalted butter is the best choice, as it gives you control over the salt. If you want a dairy-free version, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative instead.
Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the apple filling. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can replace it with all-purpose flour, but use a little more since flour isn’t as strong a thickener.
How Do I Get My Cobbler Topping Just Right?
The cobbler topping should be fluffy and slightly crunchy. Here’s how to nail it!
- Mix dry ingredients and wet ingredients separately before combining, which helps prevent overmixing.
- When dolloping the batter on top of the apples, don’t worry if it doesn’t cover every inch. It will spread and mingle with the apple filling as it bakes.
- Ensure the butter is melted and mixed in last to keep the batter light and airy.
Let your cobbler cool slightly before serving. This helps the topping set and makes for easier scooping. Enjoy your dessert warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (for topping)
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 45-50 minutes to bake, making it a total of around 1 hour to get this delightful treat ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is warming up, butter an 8-inch baking dish or a cast iron skillet to prevent sticking. This is a great time to prepare all your delicious apples!
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a large bowl, toss together the sliced apples, 3/4 cup of sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch. Make sure every apple slice is coated well with the mixture. This will add flavor and help to thicken the juices while baking. Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.
3. Make the Cobbler Topping:
In another bowl, combine the sourdough discard, flour, 1/4 cup of sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir until mixed. Next, pour in the melted butter and milk, then gently mix everything together until just combined. Don’t worry if there are a few lumps; it should be a thick batter.
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Use a spoon to drop dollops of the batter evenly over the apple mixture in the baking dish. You don’t have to cover all the apples completely; the batter will spread a bit as it bakes.
5. Bake Until Golden:
Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown, and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Cool and Serve:
After removing the cobbler from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes to set. Serve it warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for the perfect finishing touch!
Enjoy this cozy, slightly tangy, and warmly spiced apple cobbler with the tender sourdough discard crust—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Cobbler?
Absolutely! While apples are delicious, you can substitute them with pears, peaches, or berries. Just keep in mind that different fruits may require slight adjustments to sugar or cooking time based on their sweetness and juiciness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick treat!
Can I Make This Cobbler Without Sourdough Discard?
Yes! If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even regular milk. If using yogurt or buttermilk, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly, as these alternatives can add some natural sweetness.
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Cobbler?
For a delightful experience, serve your cobbler warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also drizzle it with caramel sauce for an extra treat!
