There’s nothing quite like the smell of warm apples baking in the oven. When I want to whip up a dessert that feels cozy, comforting, and homemade—but without spending hours in the kitchen—I reach for this apple cobbler with cake mix.
It’s my favorite shortcut to a classic dessert. The top comes out golden and buttery, while the apples bubble underneath with that perfect touch of cinnamon. I love how easy it is, and honestly, no one ever guesses how simple it was to make.
This is the kind of dessert I crave when the weather cools down or when I just need a little bite of nostalgia.
❤️ Why You Will Love This Recipe?
This apple cobbler with cake mix is the kind of dessert that makes life easier and sweeter at the same time. I love how I can throw it together in just minutes, with ingredients I usually already have in my pantry.
It’s rich, buttery, and filled with warm, spiced apples that make the whole kitchen smell like comfort. The cake mix creates a crisp, golden topping without any mixing or fuss.
Whether I’m making it for guests or just treating myself, it always hits the spot. If you want something easy, cozy, and downright delicious—this is your recipe.
How To Make Apple Cobbler Recipe With Cake Mix
🕒 Recipe Overview
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Super Easy
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Yield: Serves 6 to 8
🍽 Equipment Needed
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowl
- Can opener (if using canned apples)
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups
- Oven
🍏 Ingredients
- 2 cans (21 oz each) apple pie filling (or 4 cups cooked spiced apples)
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- ½ cup butter (1 stick), melted, salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional, but I love the flavor boost)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
- ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional topping for crunch)
- Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream (for serving – optional but highly recommended)
👩🍳 How To Make Apple Cobbler With Cake Mix
Step 1: Preheat the oven
I start by setting my oven to 350°F (175°C). That gives me time to assemble everything while it warms up.
Step 2: Layer the apples
I spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of my greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If I want a little spice, I sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg right on top of the apples and stir gently.
Step 3: Add the cake mix
I pour the dry yellow cake mix right over the apple layer. I don’t mix it—just spread it out evenly.
Step 4: Add melted butter
I slowly drizzle the melted butter across the entire cake mix. It’s okay if there are some dry spots; they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven.
Step 5: Optional nut topping
When I’m feeling fancy, I add chopped pecans or walnuts on top. They add a lovely crunch.
Step 6: Bake to golden perfection
I pop the cobbler into the oven and bake it for about 45 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
🥄 Serving Suggestions
I always serve this apple cobbler warm, straight from the oven. That buttery, golden topping paired with the tender spiced apples makes it perfect on its own, but I love taking it up a notch.
A scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the warm cobbler is my go-to—it’s classic for a reason. Sometimes I add a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra sweetness, or a generous dollop of whipped cream when I want something light and airy.
On cozy mornings, I’ve even had it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for breakfast. However I serve it, this cobbler never disappoints.
🔢 Nutrition Facts Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 320
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Sugar: 26g
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 360mg
💡 Tips and Variations
- Use different fruit fillings: This recipe works great with peach, cherry, or blueberry pie filling too. I just swap it in the same amount.
- Make it from scratch: If I have extra time, I cook down fresh apples with sugar and cinnamon instead of using canned filling.
- Add spice to the cake mix: Sometimes I mix a teaspoon of cinnamon into the dry cake mix before layering.
- Want more crunch? Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or granola on top after baking.
🍎 Health Benefits
While this is a dessert, it still has some perks:
- Apples are rich in fiber and antioxidants. They help support digestion and heart health.
- Cinnamon has anti-inflammatory properties and can help regulate blood sugar.
- Using fresh or no-sugar-added apple filling reduces the overall sugar content. I do this when I want a slightly healthier version.
📝 Note
If you prefer a more gooey and moist texture, I recommend using ¾ cup of butter instead of ½ cup. I’ve tried both, and the extra richness really makes it feel indulgent. Just be sure to pour it evenly.
🧊 How to Store Apple Cobbler
Once the cobbler has cooled to room temperature, I transfer any leftovers into an airtight container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil. I store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I reheat individual servings in the microwave for about 30–45 seconds or warm the entire dish in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10–15 minutes.
If I want to keep it longer, I freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. I always let it thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat it in the oven to bring back that crisp topping. It tastes just as good the second time around!
FAQ
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
Yes, I often do when I have fresh apples on hand. I slice about 5–6 medium apples, cook them down with a bit of sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until soft, then use them in place of the canned filling.
Which cake mix works best for this recipe?
I usually use a classic yellow cake mix, but white or spice cake mix also works great. Each one gives a slightly different flavor, and I change it up based on what I’m craving.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling?
No, I don’t stir the cake mix. I layer it dry right over the apples and drizzle the butter on top. That’s how I get that crumbly, golden topping.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often bake it a day in advance and just reheat it before serving. It holds up well in the fridge and still tastes amazing the next day.
How do I know when it’s done baking?
I look for a golden brown top and bubbling edges. That’s my sign it’s perfectly baked. It usually takes about 45 minutes at 350°F.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes! I’ve made this with peaches, cherries, blueberries—even mixed berries. The process stays the same; just switch out the fruit filling.
🔚 Conclusion
This apple cobbler with cake mix is one of my favorite go-to desserts when I want comfort without the fuss. It’s warm, sweet, spiced just right, and perfect for any season.
Whether I’m hosting friends or just craving something cozy after dinner, this easy recipe never lets me down. I hope you give it a try—you’ll see how simple and satisfying it really is.
Apple Cobbler Recipe with Cake Mix
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I start by setting my oven to 350°F (175°C). That gives me time to assemble everything while it warms up.
- I spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of my greased 9×13-inch baking dish. If I want a little spice, I sprinkle in the cinnamon and nutmeg right on top of the apples and stir gently.
- I pour the dry yellow cake mix right over the apple layer. I don’t mix it—just spread it out evenly.
- I slowly drizzle the melted butter across the entire cake mix. It’s okay if there are some dry spots; they’ll crisp up beautifully in the oven.
- When I’m feeling fancy, I add chopped pecans or walnuts on top. They add a lovely crunch.
- I pop the cobbler into the oven and bake it for about 45 minutes. It’s ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.