Spiced Apple Cobbler with Rosemary Ice Cream

The Best Spiced Apple Cobbler Recipe

Published: November 12, 2021

When autumn rolls around, there’s no dessert more comforting than a warm, fruity cobbler topped with velvety ice cream. This Spiced Apple Cobbler with Rosemary Ice Cream combines the best of fall flavors with an aromatic twist. The tart sweetness of Gravenstein apples, known for their crisp white flesh and tangy honey sweetness, is paired with a subtle, floral rosemary ice cream for an unexpected but delicious balance. If you can’t get your hands on Gravenstein apples, a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples works beautifully. This dessert is perfect for cozy gatherings or a seasonal treat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dessert offers a perfect harmony of flavors and textures. The spiced apple filling is tangy and aromatic, made all the more comforting by the buttery biscuit topping. The rosemary ice cream adds a unique herbal note, creating a delightful contrast to the rich warmth of the cobbler. It’s an elevated twist on traditional apple cobbler that’s sure to impress your guests.

Tips for Making the Best Spiced Apple Cobbler

1. Choosing the Right Apples

Apples are the star of this dessert. For the best results, choose apples that offer a balance of tart and sweet flavors. Gravenstein apples are ideal, but Granny Smith’s tartness paired with the sweetness of Honeycrisp apples also makes a great combination.

2. Avoid Overmixing the Biscuit Dough

When making the biscuit topping, the key is to avoid overmixing the dough. This helps keep the biscuits tender and flaky, which is exactly what you want when topping your cobbler.

3. Infuse the Ice Cream with Fresh Rosemary

Rosemary might seem like an unusual addition to ice cream, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor that complements the spiced apples perfectly. Be sure to let the rosemary infuse in the milk mixture long enough to extract its full aromatic qualities.

4. Serve Warm

For the best experience, serve this cobbler warm with the freshly made rosemary ice cream on top. The contrast between the warm apples and the cold, creamy ice cream will leave everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make Rosemary Ice Cream

Ingredients for Rosemary Ice Cream:

  • 1 1⁄2 cups whole milk
  • 1 1⁄2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 (6-inch) fresh rosemary sprig
  • 1⁄2 cup granulated sugar
  • 5 large egg yolks

Instructions for Rosemary Ice Cream:

  1. In a saucepan, combine the milk, heavy cream, and rosemary sprig. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then remove it from the heat and cover to let the rosemary infuse for about 20 minutes.
  2. While the rosemary is infusing, whisk together the granulated sugar and egg yolks until smooth and well combined.
  3. After the rosemary has infused, strain the mixture and return the milk and cream to the saucepan. Bring it back to a simmer.
  4. Slowly pour the hot milk mixture into the egg yolk mixture, whisking constantly.
  5. Pour the mixture back into the saucepan and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches 180°F.
  6. Strain the mixture again into a bowl, then place the bowl over an ice bath to cool.
  7. Cover and refrigerate the mixture overnight, then churn in an ice cream maker according to the manufacturer's instructions. Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 weeks.

Baking the Spiced Apple Filling

The spiced apple filling is simple yet packed with flavor. Here’s how to make the perfect base for your cobbler:

Ingredients for Spiced Apple Filling:

  • 2 1⁄2 lb apples (preferably Gravenstein)
  • Finely grated zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 teaspoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1⁄2 cup tapioca flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1⁄2 teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions for Spiced Apple Filling:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a half sheet pan with aluminum foil to catch any drips during baking.
  2. Peel, halve, core, and slice the apples into 1/8-inch thick slices.
  3. In a large bowl, toss the apple slices with lemon zest, lemon juice, melted butter, tapioca flour, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
  4. Spoon the apple mixture into a 10-inch cast-iron skillet and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the apples are bubbling and tender.

Making the Sugar Drop Biscuits

These biscuits are the perfect complement to the sweet, spiced apples. The biscuit topping is buttery, flaky, and just slightly sweetened with cinnamon sugar.

Ingredients for Sugar Drop Biscuits:

  • 2 cups pastry flour
  • 1⁄4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1⁄4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3⁄4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 large egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
  • 2 teaspoons organic raw sugar mixed with 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for cinnamon sugar)

Instructions for Sugar Drop Biscuits:

  1. In a stand mixer, combine the flour, both sugars, baking powder, and salt. Mix on low speed to combine.
  2. Add the butter and beat on medium speed until the mixture is fully incorporated.
  3. Add the cream and mix until the dough just comes together.
  4. Once the apple filling is bubbling, remove the skillet from the oven and drop spoonfuls of the biscuit dough on top of the apples, starting from the edge and working toward the center.
  5. Brush the biscuits with the egg wash, then sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
  6. Return the skillet to the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden and cooked through.

Wine Pairing for Spiced Apple Cobbler

1. Chardonnay

A rich, oaked Chardonnay, like those from YourWineStore, pairs beautifully with the buttery biscuit topping and spiced apple filling. The wine’s creamy texture complements the cobbler's richness, while its bright acidity helps balance the sweetness of the apples and the herbal rosemary ice cream.

Why It Works:

  • The creamy texture matches the richness of the cobbler.
  • The acidity cuts through the sweetness and enhances the apple’s natural flavors.
Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay
Best Sellers
Kendall-Jackson
$17
btl 750ml
BROWSING ONLY
Sonoma Coast Chardonnay
Best Sellers
La Crema
$23
btl 750ml
BROWSING ONLY
Yamhill-Carlton Chardonnay
Rated 90+ Points
93
points
Gran Moraine
Willamette Valley, OR
$50
btl 750ml
BROWSING ONLY

2. Pinot Noir

A light-bodied Pinot Noir offers bright red fruit flavors that pair well with the tart apples. The subtle earthiness in Pinot Noir also enhances the rosemary ice cream, creating a balanced, aromatic pairing.

Why It Works:

  • The bright fruit notes mirror the apples’ tartness.
  • The wine’s subtle complexity complements the rosemary in the ice cream.
California Pinot Noir
Rated 90+ Points
90
points
Murphy-Goode
$18
btl 750ml
BROWSING ONLY
Julia's Vineyard Pinot Noir
91
points
Cambria
Santa Maria Valley, Santa Barbara County, CA
$25
btl 750ml
BROWSING ONLY
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Rated 90+ Points
94
points
Copain Wines
$55
btl 750ml
BROWSING ONLY

Say Goodbye to Boring Desserts

This Spiced Apple Cobbler is a perfect dessert for the fall season, combining warm spiced apples, buttery biscuits, and a touch of rosemary ice cream. The balance of sweet and savory flavors makes it a memorable treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or simply treating yourself, this dessert will be a hit!

For those looking to elevate their dining experience with the perfect wine pairing, YourWineStore offers a wide selection of wines to complement every course. From rich Chardonnays to light Pinot Noirs, you'll find the ideal bottle to enhance your dessert. With the convenience of being able to buy wine online, you can easily select and order your wines from the comfort of home. Explore the curated collection today and discover new favorites to pair with your next meal or dessert!