This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a tasty way to use up extra sourdough starter! With sweet apples and a crumbly topping, it’s cozy and inviting.
Nothing beats the smell of this cobbler baking in the oven! I love serving it warm with a scoop of ice cream on top. It’s a treat I can’t resist! 🍏🍰
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: This is the heart of your recipe, giving unique flavor and texture. If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use buttermilk or yogurt for a similar tanginess and moisture.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness. If you prefer sweeter apples, Honeycrisp or Fuji are great choices. You can even mix different varieties for extra flavor.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the sweetness in the cobbler. Feel free to substitute with coconut oil or a dairy-free margarine for a vegan option.
Milk: I used whole milk, but almond milk or oat milk work perfectly as dairy alternatives. Adjust the amount based on the consistency you like.
How Do You Achieve the Perfect Cobbler Topping?
The topping should be thick but still spreadable. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Mix the batter until no dry flour is visible; don’t overmix.
- Use a spatula to gently spread the batter over the apples. It’s okay if some apples peek through.
- Don’t worry about covering every apple – the batter will puff up and create a lovely crust while baking.
Baking time is key. Keep an eye on it towards the end, and if the top is browning too fast, you can cover it with foil to prevent burning. Enjoy the delicious aroma filling your kitchen while it bakes!
Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cobbler:
- 2 cups sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or similar tart apples preferred), peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For Serving (Optional):
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce for drizzling
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful cobbler will take about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 45-55 minutes of baking time. So, in about 1 hour, you’ll have a warm and delicious dessert ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish (approximately 8×8 inches, or an oval dish as shown in the image).
2. Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, add the sliced apples. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Toss everything together until the apples are well coated. Then, pour the apple mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
3. Make the Batter:
In another bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, milk, and melted butter. Whisk everything together until you have a smooth, thick batter.
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Using a spoon, carefully spread the batter over the apple layer in the baking dish. The batter will be thick, so take your time to cover as much of the apples as possible.
5. Bake:
Put the cobbler into the oven and bake for about 45-55 minutes. It’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into it comes out clean. Keep an eye on it in the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, take the cobbler out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve it warm, and for an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. You can also drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with powdered sugar if desired.
Enjoy your delicious warm Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler! The blend of sweet, spiced apples and tangy sourdough makes for a delightful dessert experience.
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, you can use any variety you prefer. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples also work well. Mixing different types can enhance the flavor, too!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or in the microwave for a quick treat.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the apple filling and batter separately a day in advance. Keep them stored in the refrigerator, then assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve for a fresh dessert.
What Can I Substitute for Sourdough Discard?
If you don’t have sourdough discard, you can use buttermilk or plain yogurt. Both will add moisture and a slight tang to the batter, though the flavor may differ slightly from the original recipe.
