This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a warm, comforting treat! It brings together tender apples with a delicious topping made from leftover sourdough starter.
What’s better than a dessert that helps cut down food waste? I love serving this cobbler warm with some vanilla ice cream on top. It’s like a hug in a bowl! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I recommend using tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. You can also use Honeycrisp or Braeburn if you prefer a sweeter taste. Just make sure they are firm and good for baking!
Sourdough Starter Discard: The discard adds a unique flavor and texture. If you don’t have any, you can replace it with an equal amount of plain yogurt or applesauce for a different, but tasty, twist.
Butter: For a richer flavor, I suggest unsalted butter so you can control the saltiness. If you need a dairy-free version, you can use coconut oil or a vegan butter substitute.
Milk: Any kind of milk works here—dairy, almond, oat, or soy. If you’re avoiding dairy, I find using almond milk gives a nice nutty flavor.
How Do I Perfectly Cook the Apples for My Cobbler?
Getting the apples just right is key to a delicious cobbler. You want them tender but not mushy. Here’s how I do it:
- Start by melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. This gives the apples a lovely richness.
- Add sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. The lemon juice brightens the overall flavor.
- Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften. Remember, they’ll bake more in the oven.
Don’t rush this step! Allowing the apples to cook slightly first helps them release their juices, enhancing the flavor of the cobbler.
How to Make Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler
Ingredients You’re Going to Need:
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium tart apples (such as Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
For the Cobbler Topping:
- 1 cup sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/4 cup milk
Optional Topping:
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious cobbler will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-40 minutes to bake. All in all, you’ll spend around 1 hour trying not to eat the whole thing while it cools!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This gets everything ready for your cobbler to bake perfectly!
2. Cook the Apples:
In a medium skillet, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples, 1/4 cup sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Stir them gently as they cook for about 5-7 minutes, until the apples start to soften but still hold their shape. Once they’re ready, take them off the heat and set aside.
3. Mix the Cobbler Topping:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, flour, 1/2 cup sugar, baking powder, and salt. Mix these dry ingredients together until it’s well combined.
4. Add Butter and Milk:
Next, cut in the cold cubed butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. Then, stir in the milk just until everything is combined to form a sticky dough.
5. Assemble the Cobbler:
Now, take your cooked apple mixture and transfer it to a greased baking dish (an 8-inch oval or similar works well). Carefully spoon the sourdough dough over the apples, making sure to cover them as evenly as possible to create a nice topping.
6. Bake:
Pop the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and cooked through. Your kitchen will start to smell amazing during this time!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once it’s done, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool slightly. Serve it warm, and if you want to treat yourself, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for an extra delicious touch!
Enjoy the comforting flavors of apples combined with the delightful tang of sourdough in this mouthwatering cobbler!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best for their balance of sweetness and acidity, you can also use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or even a mix of different varieties. Just make sure they’re firm and suitable for baking!
What If I Don’t Have Sourdough Discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or applesauce. Use the same amount, and it will still create a delicious topping with a slightly different but tasty flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Cobbler?
To store leftovers, let the cobbler cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warming them in the oven.
Can I Make This Cobbler Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and the dough separately, then refrigerate them. When you’re ready to bake, assemble them and pop it in the oven—it’s a great way to save time on busy days!