This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a cozy dessert that uses leftover sourdough starter for a tasty twist. Juicy apples and a crumbly topping make it a delightful treat!
I love how this recipe helps me use up that sourdough starter I always have lying around. It’s super easy to whip up, and the smell while it bakes is just heavenly! 🍏
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the star of the show! It’s perfect for adding a unique flavor. If you don’t have any, you can replace it with an equal amount of yogurt or buttermilk for a similar tanginess.
Granny Smith Apples: They are my top choice because of their tartness, which balances the sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter cobbler, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples instead.
Butter: While the recipe calls for melted butter, you can use coconut oil or vegetable oil as a dairy-free alternative. Just make sure they are melted before mixing.
Cornstarch: This thickens the apple juices. If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use all-purpose flour, but increase the amount to 2 tablespoons to achieve the same consistency.
How Do You Prevent the Topping from Getting Too Dense?
To keep the topping light and fluffy, be sure not to overmix the batter. Simply stir until combined, and don’t worry if there are lumps. Also, dropping the batter in spoonfuls ensures small chunks of topping, creating a nice texture as it bakes.
- Make sure the butter is melted and slightly cooled before adding to the sourdough mixture, which helps keep the batter soft.
- When placing the batter over the apples, leave small gaps because the batter will spread while baking.
Lastly, let the cobbler cool slightly before serving. This helps the juices set, giving you the perfect scoop every time!
Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cobbler:
- 1 1/2 cups sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 tbsp butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 3-4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for apple filling)
For Serving:
- Vanilla ice cream (optional)
- Powdered sugar (optional, for dusting)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious cobbler will take about 15 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need around 45-50 minutes for baking. So, in about an hour, you can have a warm, comforting dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a medium-sized baking dish or individual ramekins with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large mixing bowl, take your sliced apples and add the lemon juice, brown sugar, cornstarch, and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Once mixed, transfer the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Make the Batter:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the sourdough discard, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, remaining 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and salt. Combine until you have a smooth mixture.
4. Combine with Butter:
Pour the melted butter into the sourdough mixture and stir until a thick batter forms. It should be well blended but don’t worry about making it too smooth—some lumps are perfectly fine!
5. Assemble the Cobbler:
Using a spoon, drop dollops of batter evenly over the apples. It’s okay if the apples aren’t completely covered, as the batter will spread while baking.
6. Bake the Cobbler:
Put the cobbler in the preheated oven and bake for about 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the topping is golden brown, the apple filling is bubbly, and your kitchen smells fantastic!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This allows the filling to set slightly. Serve the cobbler warm, topped with scoops of vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of powdered sugar, if you like.
This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a delightful way to use up that starter and enjoy a cozy treat. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Other Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness, you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for a sweeter flavor. Just adjust the sugar to taste based on the sweetness of the apples you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Sourdough Discard?
No problem! You can substitute the sourdough discard with an equal amount of yogurt or buttermilk to retain a similar tangy flavor. Just make sure it’s at room temperature for the best results.
How Should I Store Leftover Cobbler?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for a quick treat!
Can I Make This Cobbler Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and batter separately the day before. Keep them in the refrigerator, and then assemble and bake the cobbler right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
