This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a cozy dessert that uses up leftover sourdough starter, making it super easy and resourceful! Sweet apples, warm spices, and a buttery topping create pure comfort.
It’s like a warm hug on a plate! I love making this whenever I have sourdough discard. It’s a fun way to sneak in some apples and enjoy a delicious treat without wasting any food!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: A mix of Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp apples gives a great balance of tartness and sweetness. You can swap them for any firm apples you have, like Braeburn or Gala. Just make sure they hold their shape when cooked!
Sourdough Discard: You’ll need unfed sourdough starter here. If you don’t have any, you can use regular all-purpose flour mixed with a bit of yogurt or buttermilk to mimic the tanginess, but it won’t be quite the same!
Milk: Whole or 2% milk works best, but if you need a dairy-free option, almond milk or oat milk can be good substitutes. Just make sure they’re unsweetened to keep the flavors balanced.
Butter: Unsalted butter is my go-to, but you can use coconut oil or a dairy-free butter substitute if you want to make this dairy-free. Just know that it may change the flavor profile a bit!
How Do I Get the Best Textures in This Cobbler?
To achieve that perfect cobbler texture, focus on both the apples and the batter. Here’s how to do it right:
- Apples: Make sure to slice them evenly and not too thin. Toss them well with sugar, spices, and lemon juice. This prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Cobbler Batter: Mix the batter until just combined. Over-mixing can make it tough. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; it’ll be fluffy once baked.
- Baking: Bake it until the top is golden brown and the apples are bubbling. This ensures the batter cooks through while keeping the apples tender.
Let it cool slightly before serving; this helps it set up better for slicing and serving!
Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples; a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji or Honeycrisp works well)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (optional, for thickening apple filling)
- 1/4 tsp salt
For the Cobbler Batter:
- 1 cup sourdough discard (unfed, 100% hydration)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/4 cup (half stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Turbinado sugar or coarse sugar, for optional topping
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 40-50 minutes to bake, so you’ll have a total cook time of just under an hour. Once it’s baked, let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Perfect for a cozy dessert after dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Apples:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples with granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, cornstarch (if using), and salt. Toss everything together so the apples are nicely coated with the sweet and spicy mixture.
2. Prepare the Cobbler Batter:
In another bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Add in the milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix until everything is just combined! The batter should be a bit thick, but that’s just fine.
3. Assemble Cobbler:
Pour the prepared apple mixture into a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or a similar oven-safe dish. Using a spoon, dollop the sourdough batter evenly over the apples; it’s perfectly okay if some apple slices peek through here and there!
4. Add Topping Sugar:
For that delightful topping, sprinkle a bit of turbinado or coarse sugar over the batter. This will create a sweet, crunchy crust when baked. Yum!
5. Bake:
Place the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for about 40-50 minutes. You’re looking for a golden brown topping, and for the apples to be tender and bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
6. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your cobbler cool for about 10 minutes so it can set a little. Then, scoop yourself a warm portion and enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream if you’d like! It’s cozy, delicious, and perfect for any occasion.
Enjoy your warm, delightful Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler!
Can I Use Other Fruits in This Cobbler?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. You can substitute apples with other fruits like peaches, berries, or even pears. Just adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose!
Can I Make This Cobbler Gluten-Free?
Yes! To make a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for the best results!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the microwave or oven, covered with foil to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
You can prepare the apple filling and the batter ahead of time, but I recommend assembling and baking it the day you plan to serve it for the best texture. If you want to prep the night before, keep the apple mixture and batter stored separately in the fridge and combine them before baking.