Introduction

Looking for a no-fuss fall dessert? This Apple Cobbler with cake mix is the epitome of easy baking. Using a boxed mix as the topping, it comes together in minutes for a wonderfully cozy treat. Serve it warm from the oven, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. For another simple cake-based dessert, try these Trisha Yearwood’s Butterscotch Bars Recipe – Easy Dessert Treat.

Ingredients

This cozy dessert comes together with just a handful of simple ingredients, creating a warm, spiced apple filling beneath a buttery, golden crust.

• 4 cups cored and sliced Granny Smith apples (about four medium sized apples)
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1 (15.25 ounce) box butter flavored cake mix
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, melted

Timing

Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	35 minutes
Total Time	45 minutes

Context: This quick and cozy apple cobbler is ready in about 30% less time than many traditional from-scratch recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare Your Apples

Peel, core, and slice about 6-8 medium apples. For the best flavor and texture, use a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.

Toss the apple slices with 1/2 cup of granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This coating will create a delicious, thickened syrup as the cobbler bakes.

Step 2 — Assemble the Base

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread the seasoned apple mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish. Using a deep dish prevents bubbling over in the oven.

For an extra cozy touch, dot the top of the apples with 2 tablespoons of cold, cubed butter before adding the topping.

Step 3 — Create the Cake Mix Topping

Open one box (about 15.25 ounces) of yellow or spice cake mix. Sprinkle the dry mix evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Do not stir it in.

This no-fuss method uses the cake mix as a crumbly, sweet topping that bakes up perfectly with the fruit underneath.

Step 4 — Add the Butter

Take 1/2 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter and slice it into thin pats. Arrange the butter pats evenly across the entire surface of the dry cake mix.

The melting butter will soak into the cake mix, helping it form a golden-brown, crispy crust as it bakes.

Step 5 — Bake to Perfection

Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. The cobbler is done when the topping is a deep golden brown and the apple filling is visibly bubbling around the edges.

You can test the apples for doneness by inserting a knife; they should be tender.

Step 6 — Cool and Serve

Remove the cobbler from the oven and let it rest for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the hot fruit filling to thicken slightly.

This quick and cozy fall dessert is perfect served warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top.

Nutritional Information

Calories	385
Protein	3g
Carbohydrates	72g
Fat	11g
Fiber	3g
Sodium	420mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size.

Healthier Alternatives

• Protein-Packed Cake Mix — Swap the standard cake mix for a protein-enriched variety or a mix made with chickpea flour to add a satisfying protein boost to this cozy fall dessert.
• Lower-Carb Sweetener — Use a granulated monk fruit or erythritol blend instead of the sugar in the cake mix and apple filling for a delicious, lower-carb apple cobbler.
• Dairy-Free Butter — Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter sticks to create a wonderfully dairy-free version of this quick dessert.
• Gluten-Free Cake Mix — Simply use a certified gluten-free yellow or vanilla cake mix to make this easy apple cobbler safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Sodium Option — Opt for a low-sodium or no-salt-added cake mix and unsalted butter to control the salt content while keeping the dessert perfectly cozy.
• Whole Wheat Flour — For a from-scratch alternative, create a topping with whole wheat pastry flour and oats for added fiber compared to the standard cake mix.
• Sugar-Free Pie Filling — Use unsweetened applesauce or fresh apples with a sugar-free sweetener instead of canned pie filling for a less processed, lower-sugar apple base.
• Nutty Topping — Add a crunchy, healthy twist by mixing chopped pecans or walnuts into the cake mix topping for extra nutrients and texture.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this quick and cozy apple cobbler warm from the oven with a generous scoop of high-quality vanilla ice cream for the classic pairing.
• For a brunch-friendly option, top individual servings with a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream or Greek yogurt.
• Elevate this no-fuss fall dessert for a holiday gathering by drizzling each plate with a warm caramel or butterscotch sauce.
• Pair it with a sharp cheddar cheese slice for a delightful sweet and savory contrast that highlights the spiced apples.
• Serve it in individual ramekins for an elegant presentation at a dinner party, making it easy for guests to enjoy.
• For a cozy weeknight treat, enjoy it straight from the baking dish with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea.

This apple cobbler with cake mix is incredibly versatile, making it the perfect quick dessert for any autumn occasion.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using overly juicy apples, which can make the cobbler filling soupy. Fix: Opt for firmer baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape.
• Mistake: Not mixing the dry cake mix with melted butter thoroughly, leading to a floury, dry top layer. Fix: Use a fork to combine the mix and butter until it resembles coarse crumbs for the perfect texture.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of dotting the apples with butter before adding the topping. Fix: Adding small pats of butter over the apples adds richness and helps the fruit caramelize.
• Mistake: Overbaking the cobbler, which can result in a burnt topping and mushy apples. Fix: Bake just until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly, usually around 35-45 minutes.
• Mistake: Forgetting to add a pinch of spice like cinnamon or nutmeg to the apples. Fix: A little spice enhances the cozy, fall flavor profile of this quick dessert.
• Mistake: Using a baking dish that’s too small, causing the cobbler to bubble over in the oven. Fix: Use a 9×13-inch dish to give the apples and topping enough space to cook evenly.
• Mistake: Serving the cobbler straight from the oven, when it’s too hot and runny. Fix: Let it rest for 15-20 minutes; this allows the filling to thicken for the perfect scoop with ice cream.
• Mistake: Not tasting the apple mixture for sweetness before baking. Fix: Taste a slice and add a tablespoon of sugar if your apples are particularly tart.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Cool the cobbler completely, then cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap the cooled cobbler securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
• Reheat: For a single serving, microwave on high for 60-90 seconds. To reheat the entire dish, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through to an internal temperature of 165°F.

This easy apple cobbler with cake mix is a fantastic make-ahead dessert. Whether you’re looking for a no-fuss fall dessert to enjoy later in the week or want to have a cozy treat ready in the freezer, these storing tips ensure it stays delicious.

Conclusion

This Apple Cobbler with cake mix is the ultimate no-fuss fall dessert, delivering cozy comfort with minimal effort. It’s the perfect quick treat to enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Give this simple recipe a try and share your thoughts in the comments below! For another easy fall favorite, try This easy Pumpkin Bread is incredibly delicious, moist, and simply bursting with fall flavors.

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FAQs

Can I use a different type of cake mix for this apple cobbler?

Yes, you can use yellow, white, or even a spice cake mix. The spice cake mix adds a wonderful warmth that makes this a particularly cozy fall dessert.

Do I need to peel the apples before making this cobbler?

Peeling the apples is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the peels on if you prefer. This is part of what makes this apple cobbler with cake mix such a no-fuss fall dessert.

What is the best way to serve this easy apple cobbler?

This cobbler is best served warm. For the ultimate experience, top it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, quick cobbler and the cold ice cream is perfect.