A baked apple cobbler in a white dish topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a mint sprig, placed on a plate with a spoon, is the epitome of a classic dessert. Accompanied by apple slices and garnished with mint leaves, this treat is sure to make even Michelle Obama smile. .
A classic recipe, this apple cobbler is topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and garnished with mint leaves in a round white dish.

Michelle Obama’s Classic Apple Cobbler Recipe

A blonde woman in a white suit smiling at a table.Sarah Thompson
Michelle Obama's Apple Cobbler is a warm, spiced dessert that the Obama family cherishes. Made with tart Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg, it is topped with a buttery, golden crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Meal Type Desserts
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 440 kcal
Difficulty Medium
Ingredient Cost $7.50
Shopping Cost$27

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Peeler and corer
  • Baking dish (9×13 inches)
  • Pastry cutter or fork (for topping)
  • Oven

Ingredients
 
 

For the Apple Filling:

  • 7 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced
  • ¾ cup brown sugar
  • ¼ cup granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice to prevent browning
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch for thickening

For the Cobbler Topping:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter cold, cut into small cubes
  • ¼ cup whole milk
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease the 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray.

Prepare the Apple Filling:

  • In a large mixing bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon juice, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cornstarch until well-coated.
    7 Granny Smith apples, 3/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Spread the apple mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.

Make the Cobbler Topping:

  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt
  • Using a pastry cutter or fork, cut in the cold butter cubes until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
    1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • Add milk and vanilla extract, stirring until just combined (be careful not to overmix).
    1/4 cup whole milk, 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Assemble the Cobbler:

  • Drop spoonfuls of the cobbler topping over the apples, spreading gently for an even cover but leaving small gaps for the apples to peek through.

Bake:

  • Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling.

Cool and Serve:

  • Let the cobbler cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Serve warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Notes

Best Apples: Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, which balance well with the sweetness of the topping and hold their shape during baking.
Make Ahead: This cobbler can be made a day in advance; just cover and store in the refrigerator, then reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 440kcalCarbohydrates: 83gProtein: 3gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 217mgPotassium: 250mgFiber: 4gSugar: 63gVitamin A: 475IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 85mgIron: 1mg
Keyword American cobbler, apple cobbler, family dessert, Michelle Obama, Traditional Dessert

Ingredient Costs: Cost of Recipe by Ingredient Measurements

Shopping Costs: Cost of Recipe with Brand New Ingredient Purchases

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Michelle Obama's apple cobbler is a cherished recipe in the Obama household, symbolizing warmth, family time, and tradition. Made with tart Granny Smith apples, brown sugar, and a blend of cinnamon and nutmeg, this cobbler is topped with a buttery, flaky crust that brings all the flavors together beautifully. Michelle notes that the family bakes it "like Barack likes it," making it a beloved dessert that has seen many family dinners and holiday gatherings. This recipe is perfect for those seeking comfort food with a twist of home and nostalgia.

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