This easy apple cobbler is one of those simple desserts that tastes cozy, sweet, and homemade without needing a lot of extra steps. It uses canned apple pie filling and a boxed cake mix, so it comes together quickly and bakes into a warm apple dessert with a golden, buttery topping.
If you need an apple cobbler with cake mix easy enough for a weeknight, a fall gathering, or a last-minute dessert, this is such a good recipe to keep on hand. It’s great to serve with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a little caramel drizzle. It’s simple, cozy, and perfect for anyone who wants an easy apple cobbler without making a homemade biscuit or pie crust topping.
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Ingredients for Cake Mix Apple Cobbler
- 2 cans apple pie filling, about 20 to 21 ounces each
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, optional
- 1 to 2 tablespoons brown sugar, optional
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, optional
- Coarse sugar or extra brown sugar, optional for topping
How to Make Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Add the apple pie filling directly to the prepared baking dish. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and brown sugar if using.
3. Spread the apple mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
4. Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Try to cover the apples as evenly as possible without pressing the cake mix down into the filling.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as you can so the topping bakes evenly. It is okay if there are a few small dry spots, but the butter should be spread out as evenly as possible.
6. If you are using chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the top. You can also add a little coarse sugar or brown sugar for extra texture.
7. Bake the cobbler for 30-40 minutes and check on your topping. If you see dry spots of cake mix still on top, melt some more butter and pour it over the dry spots.
8. Continue baking another 10-20 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is all golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
9. Serve this easy apple cobbler warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a dusting of cinnamon.
Pro Tips
- Do not drain the liquid from the apple pie filling. The cake mix topping needs some moisture from the filling underneath so it bakes properly and does not turn out too dry.
- If your apple pie filling looks very runny, you can spoon out 2 to 4 tablespoons of extra thin syrup, but do not remove too much. A little syrup helps create that warm, gooey cobbler texture.
- Spread the cake mix evenly, but do not pack it down. Keeping it loose helps the topping bake up more tender and cobbler-like.
- For a classic flavor, use yellow cake mix or butter cake mix. For a more fall-inspired easy apple cobbler, you could use spice cake mix.
- Let the cobbler cool for a few minutes before serving. The filling will be very hot right out of the oven, and cooling helps it thicken slightly.
FAQs
Do I have to use a 9×13 baking dish?
A 9×13 dish works best for the full recipe because it gives the cake mix enough surface area to bake evenly. If the topping layer is too thick, it may stay powdery in some spots or turn gummy underneath.
Can I make this in an 8×8 pan?
Yes, but you should make a half batch. Use 1 can of apple pie filling, half a box of cake mix, and 6 tablespoons of melted butter. Bake until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling.
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Sort of, but really, you would end up cooking the apples so that they become what canned apple pie filling is in the end. You would need to peel, slice and cook them in sugar, cinnamon, etc. Canned apple pie filling keeps this recipe extra quick and easy.
How do I know when the cobbler is done?
The cobbler is done when the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top is browning too quickly but still looks dry in spots, you can drizzle on a bit more melted butter, loosely cover it with foil and keep baking for a few more minutes.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftover apple cobbler covered in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within 3 to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm a larger amount in the oven until heated through.
Can I make this ahead of time?
This easy apple cobbler tastes best fresh from the oven, but you can make it earlier in the day and reheat it before serving. For the best texture, bake it first and then reheat, rather than assembling it too far in advance.
This easy apple cobbler is a cozy, simple dessert that is perfect when you want something warm and sweet without a lot of work. With canned apple pie filling, cake mix, and melted butter, it comes together quickly and bakes into a golden, bubbly dessert everyone will love.
If you need an apple cobbler with cake mix easy enough for busy days, or just want something cozy for a holiday dessert table, this recipe is a great one to save. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for the easiest apple dessert ever, and enjoy!
Cake Mix Apple Cobbler
Ingredients
- 2 cans apple pie filling about 20 to 21 ounces each
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg optional
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp lemon juice optional
- 1 to 2 Tbsp brown sugar optional
- 1 box yellow cake mix or white or spice
- 3/4 cup butter melted
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- Coarse sugar or extra brown sugar optional for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Add the apple pie filling directly to the prepared baking dish. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and brown sugar if using.
- Spread the apple mixture into an even layer across the bottom of the dish.
- Next, sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple filling. Try to cover the apples as evenly as possible without pressing the cake mix down into the filling.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the dry cake mix. Try to cover as much of the surface as you can so the topping bakes evenly. It is okay if there are a few small dry spots, but the butter should be spread out as evenly as possible.
- If you are using chopped nuts, sprinkle them over the top. You can also add a little coarse sugar or brown sugar for extra texture.
- Bake the cobbler for 30-40 minutes and check on your topping. If you see dry spots of cake mix still on top, melt some more butter and pour it over the dry spots.
- Continue baking another 10-20 minutes, or until the apple filling is bubbling around the edges and the topping is all golden brown. Let it cool for about 10 to 15 minutes before serving.
- Serve this easy apple cobbler warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, caramel sauce, or a dusting of cinnamon.
