This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler is a fun and tasty way to use leftover sourdough starter! It combines sweet, tender apples with a crunchy topping that will make your taste buds dance.
Even better, it’s super easy to whip up. Just toss in your apples, mix your topping, and bake! You’ll want seconds, trust me. 🍏🥧
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Sourdough Starter Discard: Using unfed sourdough discard adds a lovely tangy flavor. If you don’t have sourdough starter, you can use plain yogurt or buttermilk to get a similar tang and moisture.
Apples: Granny Smith apples are great for their tartness and firmness. If you prefer sweeter apples, Fuji or Honeycrisp work well too. Mixing different kinds of apples can add depth to the flavor.
Granulated & Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the topping, while brown sugar adds a richer flavor to the apple filling. You can substitute coconut sugar or maple sugar for a healthier option.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices are key to that cozy fall flavor! You can adjust the amounts to suit your taste, or use apple pie spice as an all-in-one alternative.
How Do I Get a Great Crust on My Cobbler?
The topping is crucial for getting that perfect crunchy texture on your cobbler! Here’s how to make it stand out:
- Combine your sourdough discard with the dry ingredients thoroughly. This ensures an even distribution of flavors.
- Don’t worry if the topping is thick; spoonfuls dropped over the apples will create a rustic look and texture.
- Bake until the top is golden. If it browns too quickly, cover with foil to prevent burning.
Let it cool slightly before serving; it helps the filling set a bit more, making it easier to scoop!
Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups sourdough starter discard (unfed)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith apples work well)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening filling)
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler will take about 15 minutes of prep time and 40-45 minutes to bake. That’s roughly an hour for a delicious homemade dessert that makes use of your sourdough leftover!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is important to ensure even cooking for your cobbler.
2. Prepare the Apple Filling:
In a mixing bowl, add the sliced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, lemon juice, and cornstarch (if you’re using it). Give it a good toss until all the apples are coated evenly. Set this mixture aside for a moment to let the flavors meld together.
3. Mix the Sourdough Topping:
In another bowl, combine the sourdough starter discard, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, melted unsalted butter, and vanilla extract. Mix everything together until well combined. You want the mixture to be nice and thick.
4. Assemble the Cobbler:
Take a greased 8×8-inch baking dish and spread the apple mixture evenly across the bottom. Then, using a spoon, drop spoonfuls of the sourdough topping over the apples, covering as much of the filling as possible.
5. Bake the Cobbler:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping turns a lovely golden brown and the apples are tender and bubbly. Keep an eye on it; if the top browns too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly. This will help the filling set a little better. Serve the cobbler warm, and if you want to be indulgent, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
Enjoy your delicious Sourdough Discard Apple Cobbler!
Can I Use Other Types of Fruit?
Absolutely! While apples are a classic choice, you can substitute with other fruits like peaches, pears, or berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Sourdough Discard?
No problem! You can replace the sourdough discard with an equal amount of buttermilk, yogurt, or even a simple pancake batter for a similar consistency. Just keep in mind that the flavor may differ slightly.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover apple cobbler in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or until warmed through, or you can microwave individual portions.
Can I Make This Cobbler Gluten-Free?
Yes! You can easily make this cobbler gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend for the dry ingredients in the topping. Just make sure your sourdough starter discard is also gluten-free if you’re following a strict gluten-free diet.