Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler

You’ve never had a cobbler like an apple cobbler. Where cobblers are usually summer treats filled with summer berries, this is fall in a dish, filled with cinnamon apples. Warm, delicious, simple, and meant to be topped with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream! This is made with sourdough discard and results in a soft, cake-like biscuit that forms a golden crust over the apples.

❤️ Why You’ll Love Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler

Cobbler is one of my favorite desserts, and I bet this isn’t the cobbler that you’re used to. This topping is much more cake than crumble and has been deemed the “simplest sourdough cobbler” that anyone could make. It is also super versatile and can be adapted to suit various dietary needs and taste preferences. Enjoy experimenting with different combinations!

🍲 Ingredients

Sourdough Discard – This is just inactive sourdough starter that hasn’t been fed. It is equal parts flour and water that has already risen and fallen and now can be added to a multitude of recipes.

Flour – All-purpose flour, which I have learned is not only a kitchen staple, but a kitchen necessity.

Apples – In almost every apple dessert I make, I prefer a combination of apples. I used gala and granny smith for this recipe, so just use what you have.

Sugar: Granulated sugar, or brown sugar for a richer flavor.

Baking Powder: Provides leavening for the topping.

Butter: Unsalted butter is typically used, but you can use coconut oil or vegan butter for a dairy-free option.

Salt: This is important and enhances the flavor of the cobbler. I use Pink Himalayan salt but use what you have on hand.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler

• Melt 1 stick of butter and let cool.
• Cut your apples into long slices, toss with 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Transfer the coated apples into a large cast iron pan.
• In a mixing bowl add your flour, sugar, apple pie spice, and baking powder. Mix well.
• Add in your eggs, sourdough discard and butter, and mix until all combined.
• Scoop the batter directly on top of your apples and gently spread evenly.
• Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.
• Sprinkle with a bit more cinnamon sugar right on top as soon as it comes out of the oven.
• Serve warm with ice cream and enjoy!!

🪄 Tips and Tricks

Mix Different Varieties: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Popular options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn.

Freshness Matters: Fresh apples will yield better flavor and texture compared to older, softer ones.

Add Oats or Nuts: For a heartier topping, consider mixing in rolled oats or chopped nuts to the biscuit or streusel mixture.

You can sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before or after baking for crunch and flavor. 

Feel free to use active sourdough starter or sourdough discard.

🗒 Variations

This cobbler topping is so versatile, you can top berries or peaches and make this a delightful summer treat with a more crumble like texture on top. Or mix and match between your favorite fillings and toppings, the possibilities really are endless.

• Sourdough Discard Peach Cobbler – Acts Of Sourdough
• Sourdough Discard Peach and Blackberry Crumble – Acts Of Sourdough

🗒 Substitutions

• Spices: Other spices like cardamom or allspice can add warmth.
• Add-ins: Nuts (like walnuts or pecans), oats, or chocolate chips can be included for added texture and flavor.
• Flour Alternatives: Whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour blends can be used, but may alter the texture slightly.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar can substitute granulated sugar. Adjust the amount based on sweetness preference.
• Sugar Substitute: Stevia or erythritol for a low-calorie option.
• Other Fruits: Pears, peaches, or mixed berries can be used, or a combination of fruits.
• Canned Apples: If you don’t have fresh apples, canned apple pie filling can work in a pinch, though you may need to adjust the sugar.

🗒 Best Served With

• Warm with a heaping scoop of ice cream
• A drizzle of salted caramel
• A fall get together

👝 How to Store Leftovers

15. Store Properly: Store any leftover cobbler covered in the fridge for up to a few days. It can be reheated in the oven for best results.
16. Freeze for Later: Apple cobbler can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, thaw in the fridge and bake directly without defrosting, though you may need to adjust baking time.

🤔 Common Questions

5 from 3 votes

Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler

Print recipe

You’ve never had a cobbler like an apple cobbler. Where cobblers are usually summer treats filled with summer berries, this is fall in a dish, filled with cinnamon apples. Warm, delicious, simple, and meant to be topped with your favorite ice cream.

Prep Time:10 minutes mins

Cook Time:45 minutes mins

Total Time:55 minutes mins

Equipment

• 1 Large cast iron pan
• mixing bowl
• dough whisk
• Measuring cups
• Spatula

Ingredients

• 6-8 Apples Honey crisp
• 1 cup Sourdough discard
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• ½ cup Butter melted
• 2 Eggs
• 2 tsp Baking powder
• ¾ cup Granulated sugar
• ½ cup Brown sugar
• 1 tsp Cinnamon
• ½ tsp Salt

Instructions

• Melt 1 stick of butter and let cool.
• Cut your apples into long slices, toss with 1 tsp cinnamon and 1/2 cup brown sugar. Transfer the coated apples into a large cast iron pan. (you can peel your apples, but I usually leave the skin on because we like the texture).
• In a small mixing bowl, whisk together your flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together your eggs, butter, sourdough discard, granulated sugar, and mix until fully combined.
• Mix your dry ingredients into your wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Over mixing will lead to a denser topping.
• Bake at 375 for 35 – 40 minutes, until the top is golden brown.
• Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream and enjoy!

Notes

Mix Different Varieties: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor. Popular options include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Braeburn.

Freshness Matters: Fresh apples will yield better flavor and texture compared to older, softer ones.

Add Oats or Nuts: For a heartier topping, consider mixing in rolled oats or chopped nuts to the biscuit or streusel mixture.

You can sprinkle the top with cinnamon sugar before or after baking for crunch and flavor. 

Feel free to use active sourdough starter or sourdough discard.

 

Nutrition

Calories: 266kcal | Carbohydrates: 46g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 48mg | Sodium: 243mg | Potassium: 134mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 326IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 62mg | Iron: 1mg

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Keyword: apple, Cobbler, discard, Sourdough

Servings: 12

Calories: 266kcal

Cost: 5