Southern Skillet Apple Butter Cobbler

Serves 6 · 18 min prep · 40 min cook

Ingredients

• 5 medium Honeycrisp or Gala apples
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp coarse sugar

Instructions

1. 1Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place a 10-inch cast-iron skillet on the stovetop over medium heat and melt the butter until foaming, then remove from heat.
2. 2Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1/4-inch wedges. In a large bowl toss the apple slices with apple butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until every piece is glossy and coated.
3. 3In another bowl whisk the flour, granulated sugar, and baking powder. Pour in the milk and vanilla and stir just until a thick, smooth batter forms with no dry pockets.
4. 4Pour the batter evenly over the melted butter in the skillet; do not stir. Spoon the spiced apple mixture and any juices evenly over the batter.
5. 5Sprinkle the coarse sugar over the top for crunch. Bake on the center rack for 35 to 42 minutes until the batter has risen up the fruit, the edges are deeply golden and bubbling, and a toothpick in the cake portion comes out clean.
6. 6The kitchen will smell like warm spice and caramelized apples; let the cobbler rest 15 minutes so the juices thicken slightly.
7. 7Scoop into bowls while still warm, making sure each serving gets both cake and fruit.
8. 8Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream if desired for the classic Southern finish.