Apple Cobbler Using Cake Mix
This Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix transforms fresh apples into a bubbling, cinnamon-spiced filling topped with a golden, buttery crust made from cake mix. Simple yet impressive, it’s the perfect balance of tart apples and sweet, tender topping.
Ingredients
- 6-7 medium apples preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled, cored and sliced
- 1 box yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch optional, for thicker filling
- 1/3 cup chopped nuts walnuts or pecans, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Prepare the apple filling by combining sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and salt in a large bowl. If you prefer a thicker filling, add the cornstarch. Toss until all apple slices are evenly coated.
- Transfer the apple mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. The dish will look quite full, but the apples will cook down during baking.
- Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the apple layer, creating a complete blanket over the fruit. Do not mix the cake powder into the apples.
- Pour the melted butter evenly over the cake mix, trying to cover as much of the powder as possible. Some dry spots are okay—they’ll create a nice texture contrast.
- If using nuts, scatter them over the top for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbling around the edges. If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
- Allow to cool for at least 15 minutes before serving to let the filling set slightly. This cobbler is delicious warm, at room temperature, or even cold from the refrigerator.
Notes
- For the best texture and flavor balance, use a mix of apple varieties—some tart (like Granny Smith) and some sweet (like Honeycrisp or Gala).
- The filling can be adjusted to your preference: increase cinnamon for a spicier flavor or add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for complexity.
- Vanilla, butter, or spice cake mixes all work wonderfully—each provides a slightly different flavor profile.
- For a caramel-apple variation, drizzle 1/4 cup of caramel sauce over the apples before adding the cake mix.
- The cobbler keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and actually develops deeper flavors overnight.