This traditional Pennsylvania Dutch apple cobbler features three delicious layers: a base of tender baked apples, a moist cake-like batter made with sour cream, and a crunchy brown sugar and cinnamon crumble on top. It’s a comforting dessert best served warm.

Author

J. Town


Recipe

MeasurementsIngredients
For the Apple Layer:
8Apples
1 cupSugar
1 tablespoonCornstarch
For the Cobbler Layer:
1/2 cupButter, softened
1 cupBrown Sugar
2Eggs
2 cupsSelf-rising Flour
1 cupSour Cream
2 teaspoonsRum (optional)
For the Crunchy Baked Topping:
1/2 cupBrown Sugar
2 tablespoonsButter
2 tablespoonsFlour
1 teaspoonCinnamon
For the Cream Cheese Topping (Optional):
8 ouncesCream Cheese
1 cupCream
1 teaspoonVanilla
1/2 to 1 cupSugar

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.
  2. Apple Layer: Peel and slice the apples. Spread them in a 9x13 inch glass casserole dish. Sprinkle with 1 cup of sugar and the cornstarch. Place the dish in the oven to bake while you prepare the rest of the cobbler.
  3. Cobbler Layer: In a large bowl with an electric mixer, mix the softened butter and 1 cup of brown sugar. Add the eggs and mix well. Add the rest of the cobbler layer ingredients (flour, sour cream, optional rum) and mix to combine.
  4. Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon to create a crumble topping.
  5. Assemble: Carefully remove the hot casserole dish from the oven. Dollop the cobbler batter over the hot apples. Sprinkle the cinnamon crumble topping over everything.
  6. Bake: Return to the oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The cobbler is done when the cake part is brown and firm.
  7. Serve: Serve warm with the optional Cream Cheese Topping.

A photo of the Pennsylvania Dutch Apple Cobbler Recipe Card