The 30 Best Apple Cobblers and Crisps To Make After a Trip to the Orchard

Krista Marshall

July 28, 2022 at 3:30 AM·5 min read

I would venture to say that apples are only second to pumpkins when we think of autumn produce. We have several orchards just outside our city that you can go and pick your own apples, and it's such a fun, memory-making fall activity for the family.

Once you've done that though, you better be ready with some amazing apple recipes to put them to good use! Sure, the obvious is the all-American apple pie, but there is so much more you can do with apples. Two of my favorite choices are apple cobbler and apple crisp, so I rounded up the 30 best apple cobbler recipes (and crisps) to inspire you to start baking as soon as the seasons change.

Related: 55 Best Fall Salads

How To Make Apple Cobbler

A traditional apple cobbler is made from fresh apples that are cooked in a cinnamon sauce with a biscuit-like topping, that's usually dropped on before baking. Once cooked, it has the appearance of a "cobbled" road, hence the name. It tends to be a denser dessert than its cousin, apple crisp.

How To Make Apple Crisp

An apple crisp is made with a streusel-like topping consisting of butter, sugar, flour, cinnamon, and sometimes nuts or oats too. It is sprinkled on top of the apple mixture and then baked. The terms crisp and crumble are used interchangeably, because they are basically the same dessert.

Related: 30 Scrumptious Fall Desserts

What Kind Of Apples Do I Use For Apple Cobbler or Crisp?

When it comes to baking with apples, no matter what the end product, a firm, tart apple like the Granny Smith is the go-to apple for most bakers. My grandma always used Golden Delicious and I know others that prefer Honeycrisp. You definitely want a firmer apple, so it can stand up to the sauce and baking without turning mushy. A combination of any of these would work too.

How To Make Apple Cobbler With Cake Mix

The idea of using a boxed cake mix to make any fruit cobbler has become so popular in the last few years. These "dump cakes" as they are sometimes called are super simple too. You start with a fruit filling base, sprinkle with the dry cake mix add melted butter and bake. The topping turns very cobbler like, making it a great shortcut hack! Before you ask, yes there is a recipe for Apple Dump cake included here.

Best Apple Cobbler and Apple Crisp Recipes

Within these easy apple cobbler recipes, The Bisquick Apple Cobbler is another great shortcut recipe using something most of us have in the pantry. And the Apple Blackberry Cobbler is a great way to combine a summer favorite berry with a fall classic. I can't wait to try the Cinnamon Roll Apple Cobbler—with only 2 ingredients it couldn't be easier!

Apple Crisp just got a major upgrade because it can be made in both the Crock Pot and Instant Pot. Or if you are like us and don't put away the propane tank once autumn arrives, the Grilled Apple Crisp is a great treat for your bonfire party.

If you like a little store help, there is a Crock Pot Apple Cobbler that uses pie filling to save yourself a little time, and probably money too.

Apple desserts are one of fall's most beloved traditions. This year, don't just stop at the pie, add some cobblers and crisps to your must-bake list and enjoy every bite apple season has to offer.