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A freshly baked apple dessert showing the crisp, crumble, and cobbler differences (Focus keyword included: What is the difference between apple crisp, apple crumble, and apple cobbler?)

What Is the Difference Between Apple Crisp, Apple Crumble, and Apple Cobbler?


  • Author: Amy
  • Total Time: TT45M
  • Yield: 68 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Apple Dessert Hybrid blends the finest qualities of crisp, crumble, and cobbler into one delicious dish. A buttery oat-biscuit topping sits over a warmly spiced apple filling for the ultimate comfort dessert.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups sliced apples (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for balance)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup old-fashioned oats
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
  • ⅓ cup milk (or buttermilk if you want extra tang)
  • Optional: ¼ cup chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven
    Initially, preheat the oven to 375°F. This ensures even baking and a nice golden top.
  2. Prepare the Apple Filling
    Place sliced apples in a large bowl. Drizzle lemon juice over them. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Toss gently to coat. Then, arrange the apples in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish or cast-iron skillet.
  3. Combine the Dry Ingredients
    In another bowl, whisk together flour, oats, brown sugar, granulated sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir thoroughly to distribute the ingredients.
  4. Cut in the Butter
    Add cold butter cubes to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or two forks. Work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you choose to add chopped nuts, fold them in now for extra texture.
  5. Stir in the Milk
    Make a well in the center of the crumb mixture. Pour in the milk. Stir just until everything is combined. You should see a slightly sticky dough form. However, avoid overmixing. Overmixing can toughen the dough.
  6. Top the Apples
    Spoon dollops of this dough-like topping over the apples. Spread it gently, but leave a few small gaps for steam to escape.
  7. Bake
    Place your dish or skillet on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges.
  8. Cool and Serve
    Afterward, remove from the oven. Let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps the filling set. Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream, if you’re feeling indulgent. Alternatively, enjoy it plain. It’s delicious either way.

Notes

Use whole wheat flour for a fiber boost.
Substitute some sugar with maple syrup or honey for a natural sweetness.
Enjoy plain or with vanilla ice cream for a cozy twist.

  • Prep Time: PT10M
  • Cook Time: CT35M
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 100 g
  • Calories: 190 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 2 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg

Keywords: apple crisp, crumble, cobbler, hybrid dessert, oat topping, baked apple dessert