Cake Mix Apple Cobbler
This super easy Cake Mix Apple Cobbler recipe is loaded with tender apples mixed with sweet brown sugar and spices, then topped with a buttery cake mix topping. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
With the arrival of fall, everyone is all about the pumpkins. But honestly, I’m over here like HEY APPLES! This was the first time I’ve ever made a cobbler with apples. It did not disappoint!
As a kid, I loved the baked apples from Cracker Barrel (who am I kidding, I still do!). The filling reminds me of those baked apples but with a buttery, sweet and flaky crust. It’s so good, I may or may not have eaten this cobbler for breakfast one or two days last week.
Looking for more apple dessert ideas? Check out Cinnamon Apple Brownies, Old-Fashioned Baked Apples, Red Hot Cinnamon Apples, or Apple Dapple Cake.
“Excellent and easy to bake. Anyone can be a Star in the kitchen with this recipe.”
-Andrea
Recipe at a glance
If you are looking for more fall baking ideas, you will love Honey Cake, Butter Pecan Cookies, and Praline Pecan Pumpkin Crunch Cake.
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What are the best apples for baking?
When it comes to baking, not all apples are created equal. The best ones hold their shape, have a balanced flavor, and don’t turn mushy in the oven. Here are some top picks:
- Granny Smith: Tart, firm, and reliable — perfect for balancing sweet desserts like cobblers and pies.
- Honeycrisp: Naturally sweet with a crisp texture that holds up beautifully when baked.
- Braeburn: Offers a nice balance of sweet and tart with a firm bite.
- Fuji: Sweet, juicy, and great when mixed with a more tart variety like Granny Smith.
- Jonagold: A blend of Jonathan and Golden Delicious apples — slightly tart with a honeyed flavor.
- Pink Lady (Cripps Pink): Firm and tangy with a hint of sweetness; excellent for adding depth to baked dishes.
Pro Tip: For the best flavor and texture, try combining two or more varieties — like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp — to create a perfect balance of tart and sweet in your baked desserts.
Ingredients you will need
No surprise that this simple recipe is made from pretty basic ingredients, many of which you may already have stocked in your kitchen. To make this apple cobbler recipe, you’ll need:
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Granny Smith apples (4 cups): Their tartness balances the sweetness of the cobbler beautifully.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a hint of brightness.
- Brown sugar: Deep, caramel-like sweetness that enhances the apples as they bake.
- Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic fall spices that make your kitchen smell amazing.
- Salt: Just a pinch to balance all that sweetness.
- Butter-flavored cake mix (15.25 oz): The secret shortcut for that crisp, golden topping.
- Unsalted butter (1 ½ cups, melted): Soaks into the cake mix for a rich, buttery crust.
Substitutions and Variations
- Different apples: Swap Granny Smith for Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a sweeter twist.
- Cake mix flavor: Try yellow, spice, or vanilla cake mix instead of butter-flavored for a fun flavor change.
- Add nuts: Stir in or sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the top before baking for extra crunch.
- Caramel apple cobbler: Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix for a richer flavor.
- Add oats: Mix ½ cup of old-fashioned oats into the cake mix for a slightly heartier, crumbly topping.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the apple mixture for a deeper, warmer spice profile.
- Fruit variations: Replace some of the apples with sliced pears, peaches, or berries for a unique flavor combo.
- Make it lighter: Use less butter (about 1 cup) and add a few spritzes of nonstick cooking spray on top before baking.
How to make Cake Mix Apple Cobbler
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a large mixing bowl, toss the apples with the lemon juice. Then add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Give the apples another good stir until they appear to be evenly coated with the spices and sugar.
Step 2: Pour the apple mixture into a 9 x 13-inch prepared pan. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
Step 3: Drizzle melted butter evenly across the cake mix, gently stirring to make sure the dry mix is moistened. (Don’t worry if it looks a bit full — the apples will cook down.)
Step 4: Place in the oven for 50–60 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbling around the edges. Cool slightly. Let the cobbler rest for 10 minutes before serving.
Pro Tip: Place the baking dish on a foil-lined baking sheet just in case any buttery juices bubble over while baking.
Edit: This recipe originally instructed readers to use an 8 x 8-inch baking dish. However, many of you have commented an 8 x 8-inch dish can be a little too full once you add the apples, cake mix, and butter. Therefore, I have adjusted the recipe for a 9 x 13-inch dish. If you like you cobbler a little thicker, you can use a 2.5-quart baking dish.
Serving suggestions
This cobbler is best enjoyed warm, topped with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of homemade whipped cream. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle a few chopped pecans over the top.
Storage, Freezing and Reheating Instructions
Storage. Cover the cobbler or transfer it to a container with a lid within two hours of baking. Eat within five days.
Freezing. This cobbler can be frozen baked or unbaked. If freezing unbaked, follow the recipe through adding the cake mix. Skip the melted butter for now. Cover with foil and freeze for up the three months. Allow the cobbler to thaw completely in the refrigerator. Then add the melted butter and follow the directions as instructed.
Allow a baked cobbler to cool completely, then cover with foil and freeze for up to three months. Please keep in mind that freezing a cobbler – either baked or unbaked — will slightly change the texture of the apples.
Reheating. Individual servings can be reheated for 1-2 minutes in the microwave, or baked for 10 minutes at 350 until heated through.
For a whole cobbler, let it stand at room temperature for about 15 minutes to take the chill off. Then bake at 350 degrees for approximately 20-30 minutes until the filling is heated through and the crust is crisp again.
Cake Mix Apple Cobbler FAQ’s
Yes. Substitute two cans of filling for the fresh apples. Omit the lemon juice, spices and salt.
While I have not tried this cobbler using a different type of fruit, I do think the recipe as written would work well.
Yes. If doubling, I would use two 9 x 13 inch baking dishes.
Yes. The recipe as written would fit in a round slow cooker. Spread the apples on the bottom and top with the cake mix and butter as instructed. Cook on low for four hours or high for two hours. If you are using an oval shaped slow cooker, I recommend doubling the recipe.
Tried This Recipe? Let Me Know!
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If you made Cake Mix Apple Cobbler, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Your ratings and reviews help others find the recipe and give me great feedback too.
Cake Mix Apple Cobbler
Ingredients
- 4 cups cored and sliced Granny Smith apples roughly four medium sized apples
- ¼ lemon juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- 1 (15.25 ounce) box butter flavored cake mix
- 1 ½ cups unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the apples with the lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
- Transfer the apples to a greased 9 x 13 inch baking pan. Sprinkle the cake mix evenly over the top of the apples.
- Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix. Carefully stir the butter around to make sure all the cake mix is coated with the butter. If the dish seems a little full, don’t worry. The apples will cook down and the cake mix will not rise during baking.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes until the crust is golden brown. Allow the cobbler to sit for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Serve the cobbler hot with ice cream or whipped cream.
Video
Notes
- You can use other apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor.
- For a little crunch, add a handful of chopped nuts or oats before baking.
- Want more spice? Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple mixture.
Thank you so much, Andrea! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe. Thank you for coming back and leaving a comment and review.
Excellent and easy to bake. Anyone can be a Star in the kitchen with this recipe
Everyone listen to Marta’s advice.. you surely do need a BIGGER pan, unless you want your oven to be a mess like mine.
Sorry you feel that way, Marta.
Needs a bigger dish.