Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Butter a round ceramic pie plate or an 8x8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
Make the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of sugar, flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Gently whisk in the melted butter until the batter is silky and lump-free.
Prepare the Apples:
If desired, toss the sliced apples with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves for a spiced flavor. This step is optional but adds a warm, cozy touch to the cobbler.
Assemble the Cobbler:
Pour the batter into the buttered baking dish. Arrange the apple slices evenly over the top of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of sugar over the apples for a sweet, caramelized topping.
Bake:
Bake the cobbler in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
Serve:
Let the cobbler cool for 10-15 minutes before serving. Top each portion with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra-special treat.