Brown Butter Apple Crisp Cobbler

This Brown Butter Apple Crisp Cobbler is cozy, buttery, and overflowing with warm cinnamon-sugar apples topped with a golden, crunchy oat crisp. The secret is brown butter, which adds a nutty richness that transforms this classic dessert into something truly unforgettable. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream melting over the top — pure comfort in every bite.

Yield
Serves 6–8

Ingredients

For the Brown Butter Apples

6 cups apples, peeled & sliced (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Golden Delicious)
½ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
¼ tsp salt
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 tbsp unsalted butter (to brown)
2 tbsp cornstarch

For the Crisp Cobbler Topping

1 cup old-fashioned oats
¾ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp salt
½ cup cold unsalted butter, cubed

Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Butter

Place 3 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
Stir continuously as it melts, foams, and turns golden brown with a nutty aroma (about 3–4 minutes).
Remove from heat immediately to prevent burning.

Step 2: Prepare the Apple Filling

In a large bowl, combine sliced apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and cornstarch.
Pour warm brown butter over the mixture and toss to coat evenly.
Transfer apples to a lightly greased 9×9-inch baking dish.

Step 3: Make the Crisp Cobbler Topping

In a mixing bowl, combine oats, flour, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add cold cubed butter.
Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to work the butter into the dry ingredients until pea-sized crumbs form.

Step 4: Layer & Bake

Sprinkle the crisp topping evenly over the apples.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until apples are bubbling and topping is golden brown.

Step 5: Serve

Let cool for 10–15 minutes to thicken.
Serve warm — ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting into the crisp.

Kitchen Tips

• Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor and texture.
• Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
• For softer apples, slice thin; for firmer texture, slice thicker.
• Leftovers reheat beautifully in the oven or microwave.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 of 8)