Pin A cozy dessert featuring spiced gingerbread topping, tender caramel-coated apples, and a hint of warmth that's perfect for fall or winter gatherings.
I first made this Gingerbread Caramel Apple Cobbler for a chilly autumn potluck, and it instantly became a seasonal favorite in our family. The aroma of baking gingerbread and caramelized apples fills the kitchen with sweetness and nostalgia.
Ingredients
- Large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): 6, peeled, cored, and sliced
- Granulated sugar: 1/2 cup
- Light brown sugar: 1/4 cup, packed
- All-purpose flour (filling): 1/4 cup
- Ground cinnamon (filling): 1 tsp
- Ground nutmeg (filling): 1/4 tsp
- Salt (filling): 1/4 tsp
- Caramel sauce: 3/4 cup, jarred or homemade
- Lemon juice: 2 tbsp
- Unsalted butter (filling): 2 tbsp, diced
- All-purpose flour (topping): 1 1/4 cups
- Light brown sugar (topping): 1/2 cup, packed
- Baking powder: 1 tsp
- Baking soda: 1/4 tsp
- Salt (topping): 1/2 tsp
- Ground ginger: 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon (topping): 3/4 tsp
- Ground cloves: 1/4 tsp
- Ground nutmeg (topping): 1/4 tsp
- Unsalted butter (topping): 1/4 cup, melted and slightly cooled
- Molasses: 1/3 cup
- Whole milk: 1/2 cup
- Large egg: 1
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Dish:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish.
- Prepare Apple Filling:
- In a large bowl, toss apple slices with granulated sugar, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Add caramel sauce and lemon juice. Mix well to coat. Transfer apple mixture to the prepared baking dish and dot with diced butter.
- Mix Gingerbread Topping (Dry):
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg.
- Mix Gingerbread Topping (Wet):
- In a separate bowl, mix together melted butter, molasses, milk, and egg until smooth. Pour wet mixture into dry ingredients and stir until just combined (do not overmix).
- Assemble Cobbler:
- Drop spoonfuls of gingerbread batter evenly over the apples. Gently spread to cover as much as possible. It's fine if a few gaps remain.
- Bake:
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the topping is firm and a skewer inserted into the gingerbread comes out clean and the apples are bubbling.
- Serve:
- Cool for at least 15 minutes before serving. Serve warm, ideally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Pin This cobbler is always a hit, especially when we gather together for weekend dinners. Watching my kids scoop big spoonfuls and share laughs over dessert is one of my absolute favorite moments.
Required Tools
9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish, mixing bowls, whisk, spatula or spoon, peeler and corer, knife
Notes
For extra depth, add 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling. Swap caramel sauce for salted caramel for a bolder flavor. Best served warm, but also delicious at room temperature. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Calories: 380, Total Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 71 g, Protein: 3 g
Pin A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top takes this cozy cobbler to another level. Enjoy warm, straight from the dish for true comfort.
Recipe Questions
- → Can I use different apple varieties?
Yes, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are recommended, but Fuji or Braeburn work well for flavor and texture.
- → How do I make homemade caramel sauce?
Simmer butter, sugar, and cream until thick and golden, then cool before using in the apple layer.
- → Is the cobbler best served warm or cold?
Serving warm brings out the gooey caramel and spiced gingerbread flavors; room temperature is tasty too.
- → Can nuts be added to the filling?
Yes, add chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple mixture for extra crunch and a deeper flavor profile.
- → What is a suitable topping beside ice cream?
Whipped cream pairs wonderfully; a drizzle of extra caramel sauce also elevates the dessert.
- → How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Store tightly covered in the refrigerator up to three days; reheat to restore texture and warmth.