This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a sweet treat that uses leftover sourdough starter, making it a great way to reduce waste! With juicy apples and a crumbly topping, it’s super cozy.
Honestly, the smell of this baking will make you feel like a chef in a fancy bakery. I love enjoying a warm piece with some ice cream on top—talk about a yummy combo!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Discard: This is what gives the cobbler a unique, tangy flavor. If you don’t have discard, you can substitute with plain yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tangy effect.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their tartness. If you prefer sweeter apples, Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too. You can mix different varieties for added flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of your dish. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, coconut oil or non-dairy butter can be used easily.
Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the batter while brown sugar adds a hint of caramel flavor to the apples. You can replace some or all of the sugars with coconut sugar or alternative sweeteners if you’re watching sugar intake.
How Do I Get a Perfectly Crumbly Topping?
A great topping is essential for a cobbler! It should be golden brown and not gummy. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Keep your butter cold. It helps create that perfect crumb when mixed in.
- Avoid overmixing the batter. Stir until it’s just combined. This keeps the topping light and fluffy.
- Leave gaps when dolloping the batter over the apples. This lets the heat circulate and creates a nice texture.
Following these steps will give you that ideal cobbler topping that every dessert deserves!
How to Make Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Cobbler:
- 2 cups sourdough discard (unfed starter)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
For The Apple Filling:
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Optional:
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Vanilla ice cream for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful apple cobbler will take about 15 minutes to prep and then 40-45 minutes to bake. After that, allow it to cool slightly before serving. Perfect for a cozy dessert any night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—let’s get that oven warming up! Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a small baking dish or a few individual ramekins to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a mixing bowl, toss the chopped Granny Smith apples together with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Make sure the apples are well-coated and set the mixture aside for a moment. The apples will release their juices as they sit, which is perfect for flavor!
3. Make the Cobbler Batter:
In a separate large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Now add in the cold, cubed butter. Using your fingers or a pastry cutter, mix until it feels like coarse crumbs. This is the secret to a crumbly topping!
4. Combine with Sourdough Discard:
Gently stir in the sourdough discard until just combined, making sure not to overmix. You want a soft batter that’s workable but not too mushy.
5. Assemble the Cobbler:
Spoon the apple mixture evenly into your prepared dish(es). Then, dollop or spread the sourdough batter over the top of the apples. It’s okay to leave some bits of apple peeking through.
6. Bake Away:
Pop the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is nice and golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the cobbler comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s ready, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly. This helps everything set better. If you like, dust a little powdered sugar on top and serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy this rustic delight with the unique tang from the sourdough discard!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples for This Cobbler?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, you can use any apples you like. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or even a mix of different varieties will work beautifully!
Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just make sure the blend contains xanthan gum to help with the structure. The texture might vary slightly, but it will still taste delicious!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, just warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through. Adding a scoop of ice cream on top restores the dessert’s charm!
Can I Freeze the Cobbler?
Yes, you can freeze the cobbler! Allow it to cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating in the oven.