Ingredients
Cranberry Mix:
- 1 cup (90 grams) Cranberries fresh or frozen
- 1/3 cup (70 grams) Apple Cider or Bourbon or a mix of both (unsweetened apple juice may be used)
- 2 Star Anise
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 Vanilla Bean or 2 tsp vanilla extract
Apple Mix:
- 3 Large Baking Apples (~550 grams total), diced (about 4 cups/400 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon Lemon Zest
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Brown Sugar (light or dark)
- 1/2 tablespoon Ground Cinnamon
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- 4 tablespoons (56 grams) Unsalted Butter, divided
Tender Biscuity Topping:
- 1/4 cup (55 grams) Organic Cane Sugar
- 3/4 cup (115 grams) All Purpose Flour
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Baking Powder
- Pinch of Sea Salt
- 3/4 cup + 2 tablespoons (200 grams) Heavy Whip Cream
- 1 tablespoon Turbinado or Sanding Sugar (optional, for finishing)
Instructions
- Prepare Cranberry Mix: In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, apple cider or bourbon (or their mix), star anise, brown sugar, and vanilla bean or extract. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10-15 minutes until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Prepare Apple Mix: Peel, core, and dice the baking apples into uniform pieces. In a bowl, toss the diced apples with lemon zest, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apple mixture and sauté for 5-7 minutes until the apples start to soften but still hold their shape. Remove from heat.
- Combine Fruit Mixtures: Remove star anise and vanilla bean pod (if used) from the cranberry mixture. Fold the cranberry sauce into the sautéed apple mixture gently to combine the flavors evenly.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Butter a medium-sized baking dish with some of the remaining butter.
- Prepare Biscuit Topping: In a mixing bowl, whisk together organic cane sugar, all purpose flour, baking powder, and a pinch of salt. Add the heavy cream and stir just until combined into a thick batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the topping tender.
- Assemble Cobbler: Pour the combined fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish and dot with the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter cut into small pieces. Spoon the biscuit topping evenly over the fruit, smoothing gently or leaving rustic peaks. Sprinkle turbinado or sanding sugar over the top if desired for extra crunch.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbling around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly for 10 minutes before serving. This dessert is excellent on its own or paired with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Notes
- You can substitute unsweetened apple juice for the apple cider or bourbon if you prefer a non-alcoholic version.
- Ensure not to overmix the biscuit dough to keep the topping light and fluffy.
- The star anise and vanilla bean add complex warm notes; do not skip if possible.
- Use firm baking apples like Jonagold, Gala, or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor.
- For a glossier top, you can brush the biscuit topping with a little melted butter before baking.
- This cobbler can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian