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Caramel Apple Pie Cobbler with Rustic Pecan Topping

caramel apple pie cobbler - featured image

This easy caramel apple pie cobbler combines tender apples, gooey caramel sauce, and a crunchy pecan topping for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert. It’s quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect for fall gatherings or a comforting treat any time.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (or coconut sugar or light brown sugar)
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup caramel sauce (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (swap half for whole wheat if desired)
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and diced
  • 1/2 cup pecans, roughly chopped (toasted for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
  • Optional: 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries
  • Optional: Pinch of cardamom

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss to coat. Drizzle in melted butter and stir again.
  3. Pour apple mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Pour caramel sauce over apples and spread as evenly as possible.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Cut in cold diced butter with a pastry blender or fork until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
  5. Stir in pecans and vanilla extract. Add milk and gently mix until just combined. If too dry, add a tablespoon more milk.
  6. Drop spoonfuls of topping over apple-caramel filling, aiming for rustic clusters rather than a smooth layer.
  7. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until topping is golden brown and apples are bubbling around the edges. Check at 40 minutes and tent with foil if topping browns too quickly.
  8. Remove from oven and let cool for at least 10-15 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Cold butter in the topping creates a tender, crumbly texture. If apples are extra juicy, add an extra tablespoon of flour to the filling. For gluten-free or vegan adaptations, substitute flour, butter, and milk as needed. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple cobbler, apple dessert, pecan topping, fall baking, easy cobbler, rustic dessert, comfort food, holiday dessert, potluck recipe