Like a classic tarte Tatin, this cobbler begins with apples being caramelized in a rich mix of butter and sugar, but we've upped the ante by adding apple brandy and raisins. Tender biscuit rounds take the place of traditional pastry to create a true home-style dessert. (And a drizzle of cream never hurts.)
Cobbler is best when freshly made but can be baked 3 hours ahead and reheated in a 350°F oven.
Recipe information
Total Time
2 hr (includes cooling to warm)
Yield
Makes 8 servings
Ingredients
Preparation
Step 1
Simmer raisins and Calvados in a small saucepan over medium heat until liquid is reduced to 3 tablespoons, about 4 minutes. Remove from heat and let macerate, covered, 30 minutes.
Step 2
Meanwhile, preheat oven to 425°F with rack in middle.
Step 3
While raisins macerate, peel and core apples, then cut into 1-inch pieces. Toss with lemon juice.
Step 4
Melt butter in skillet and sprinkle granulated sugar evenly over it. Add apples along with raisins and Calvados (skillet will be full). Cook apples over medium-high heat, without stirring, until juices are deep golden and bubbling, 18 to 23 minutes (don't worry if juices color unevenly). Transfer skillet to oven and bake, uncovered, 20 minutes.
Make biscuit topping while apples bake:
Step 5
Stir together flour, baking powder, and salt, then add 3/4 cup cream and stir just until a dough forms. Gather dough into a ball and transfer to a lightly floured surface. Gently knead 6 times, then pat dough into an 8-inch round. Cut out as many rounds as possible with lightly floured cutter. Gather scraps and pat out, then cut out more rounds. (You will have about 12.)
Assemble and bake cobbler:
Step 6
Arrange biscuits on apples about 1/2 inch apart and brush tops with remaining tablespoon cream. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar and bake until biscuits are puffed and golden, about 15 minutes. Cool in skillet 20 minutes before serving.
