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This Apple Cobbler For One is the perfect dessert when you want something sweet without making too much. Made with tender, spiced apples topped with a soft, golden biscuit layer, it’s baked in a single ramekin for a perfectly portioned treat. Quick to prepare and full of homemade flavor, this cobbler is a comforting dessert you can enjoy anytime.
Check out more single serving apple recipes like our crunchy Apple Crisp, fluffy Apple Muffin, hearty Apple Filled Overnight Oats, or rich and satisfying French Toast Casserole.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made from Scratch: Enjoy authentic, homemade flavors you won’t get from store-bought cobblers.
- Simple to Make: This single serve apple cobbler recipe comes together quickly with easy-to-follow steps.
- Perfectly Portioned: Specifically designed for a single serving, there’s no fussing over leftovers.
- Perfectly Portioned: Designed for one serving, so no leftovers to worry about. Want to make apple cobbler for two? Simply double the ingredient amounts.
Apple cobbler is a classic American dessert made with tender, spiced apples baked under a golden, cake-like topping. Simple and comforting, our single serve version delivers all the charm of the traditional dish in a perfectly portioned ramekin.
Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch apple cobbler recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Apple: Use either 2 small apples or 1 medium apple for this recipe. Gala, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious work well, but feel free to mix and match for a variety of flavors. Got extra apples? Try them in Morning Glory Muffins, Apple Pie Oatmeal, or Apple Fritters.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples. Its molasses content is essential for the flavor, so I don’t recommend substituting it. If you’re out, try making your own using my homemade brown sugar recipe.
- Flour: All-purpose flour is used in both the filling and the topping to provide structure and absorb fruit juices, preventing the cobbler from becoming soggy.
- Cinnamon: A warming spice that enhances the apple filling. For variety, you can substitute with nutmeg or allspice.
- Vanilla: Adds aromatic sweetness to the filling. If you’re out of vanilla, almond extract works as a substitute.
- Lemon Juice: A small splash brightens the apple flavors and balances the sweetness.
Topping Ingredients:
- Flour and Sugar: These form the base of the biscuit topping, giving it a soft, cake-like texture. For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour.
- Baking Powder: Ensures the topping rises for a light, fluffy texture.
- Milk: Provides moisture for a tender topping. Use almond or oat milk if you prefer a dairy-free version.
- Cinnamon and Sugar: A quick sprinkle before baking adds extra flavor and a touch of sweetness to the topping.
Recipe Variations
- Apple-Cranberry Cobbler: Mix chopped apples with cranberries for a sweet and tart filling. Add a little orange zest to the topping for a bright citrus twist.
- Peach Cobbler: Replace the apples with peaches and sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg with the cinnamon for a Southern-inspired flavor.
- Tropical Cobbler: Use a mix of pineapple and mango chunks instead of apples, and swap the lemon juice for lime for a tropical spin.
How To Make An Apple Cobbler
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make an individual apple cobbler. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat before baking.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Assemble the Filling: Lightly grease a 10-ounce ramekin with butter, then spoon the apple mixture into the ramekin, spreading it evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk until the batter is smooth.
- Add the Topping: Pour the batter over the apple mixture in the ramekin, spreading it evenly to cover the apples.
- Sprinkle Cinnamon-Sugar: Mix cinnamon and sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the topping.
- Prepare for Baking: Place the ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake: Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the ramekin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Expert Tips
- Preheat for Accuracy: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking. Using an oven thermometer can help guarantee consistent results.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture for a warm, unique twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Prepare the Ramekin: Buttering the ramekin prevents sticking and adds a touch of richness. For extra texture, lightly dust it with sugar for a subtle crunch.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Always place the ramekin on a baking sheet. It makes handling easier and catches any spills, keeping your oven clean.
Serving Suggestions
This single serving apple cobbler is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level with these ideas:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy, cool ice cream melts perfectly over the warm cobbler.
- Whipped Cream: Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light, sweet touch.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for extra flavor.
- Toasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted almonds or pecans for a satisfying crunch.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Double the ingredients and use either two 10-ounce ramekins or one 5×5-inch baking dish.
This recipe is designed for one serving, but if you have leftovers, cover the ramekin tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
You can assemble the apple filling and topping separately, then combine and bake when ready. This is best done within a few hours for the freshest results.
More Cobbler Recipes
If you love this apple cobbler, try these other delicious single serving cobblers:
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve tried this single serving apple cobbler recipe or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
Also, if you take a picture please tag us on Instagram (@onedishkitchen) we’d love to see it!
Apple Cobbler For One
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 medium apple or 2 small apples – peeled, cored and diced (approximately 4-ounces)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- butter -for greasing the ramekin
For the Cobbler Topping
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- ¼ teaspoon baking powder
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping (optional)
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat before baking.
Make the Filling
- In a mixing bowl, combine the diced apples, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Lightly grease a 10-ounce ramekin with butter, then spoon the apple mixture into the ramekin, spreading it evenly.
Make the Cobbler Topping
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, and milk until the batter is smooth.
- Pour the batter over the apple mixture in the ramekin, spreading it evenly to cover the apples.
Make the Cinnamon-Sugar Topping
- Mix ⅛ teaspoon of cinnamon and ½ teaspoon of sugar in a small bowl, then sprinkle it evenly over the topping.
- Place the ramekin on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any spills.
- Bake: Bake for 25-28 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the ramekin from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Preheat for Accuracy: Ensure your oven is fully preheated to the correct temperature before baking. Using an oven thermometer can help guarantee consistent results.
- Enhance the Flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the apple mixture for a warm, unique twist that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.
- Prepare the Ramekin: Buttering the ramekin prevents sticking and adds a touch of richness. For extra texture, lightly dust it with sugar for a subtle crunch.
- Use a Baking Sheet: Always place the ramekin on a baking sheet. It makes handling easier and catches any spills, keeping your oven clean.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
The filling was good. But the cobbler topping did not rise at all…
I’m glad you enjoyed the filling! As for the topping not rising, there could be a few reasons. Make sure your baking powder is fresh—baking powder can lose its effectiveness over time, which might cause the topping to stay flat. Also, be careful not to overmix the batter, as that can affect the rise too. I hope this helps, and I’d love for you to give it another try!
If you’re looking for a treat that’s not overly sweet this one is for you.
Every one of your dishes I’ve made has been top notch. Thank you so very much for all your hard work. I really love baking without having a gazillion leftovers for just two people. You’re the best!
Thank you!
Wonderful recipe with apples. Tried with blackberries, excellent that way too. Thanks so much for your wonderful recipes!
Hi, Joanie, and I want to say that I love your newsletter and look forward to its arrival in my inbox every week.
Thank you for taking the time to create these recipes.
I have made a number of them, they have all been simple and delicious.
Tending toward batch/freezer cooking for main dishes, I am especially partial this time of year to your small portion desserts.
The apple crisp and pecan pie have become favorites, and now I have this yummy little cobbler.
Thank you.
Hi there! It’s wonderful to hear how much you enjoy the newsletter and the recipes. It’s great to know that the small portion desserts, like the apple crisp and pecan pie, have become your favorites. Delighted you’re enjoying the cobbler too! Your support and feedback are truly appreciated.
If I’m gluten free what can I use instead of flour in some of these recipes???
For gluten-free options, we recommend a gluten-free 1:1 flour blend as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour. You’ll find this suggestion in the Ingredient Notes section of the apple cobbler post. This is actually our go-to substitute in most recipes. For more details on ingredient notes and substitutions, be sure to read through the post.
I made this according to recipe. This is the only recipe I have tried from Joanie that I didn’t like. My cobbler was too runny and had no crust. I thought the cobbler topping would turn in a type of crust.
I’m really sorry to hear that the cobbler didn’t turn out as expected. The topping for this recipe is actually the same as the one we’ve used in our peach and blueberry cobbler recipes, both of which have received numerous positive reviews. It’s puzzling why it turned out runny for you. One possibility could be measurement errors, as slight variations can make a big difference in baking. Regardless, I appreciate your feedback and I’m sorry it didn’t work out this time. Thank you for giving it a try.
Just copied your Apple Cobbler for One….but did not see an amount of time listed for the
actual baking. Thanks…
Bake for 25 to 28 minutes.
Can you make this in a air fryer?
While I haven’t tested this apple cobbler recipe in an air fryer, it should technically work. Just keep in mind that air fryers have different temperature and time settings, so you may need to experiment a bit to get the cobbler to your liking.
Excellent recipe.
Thank you!