Oh my goodness, you have to try this Easy Apple Cobbler! It’s the kind of dessert that makes people think you slaved away in the kitchen, when really it comes together in about 10 minutes. I’ve been making this recipe for years—ever since my sister-in-law introduced me to its magic during a hectic Thanksgiving when I needed a last-minute dessert. Now it’s my secret weapon for potlucks, weeknight treats, or when those apple cravings hit. The combination of buttery cake mix and spiced apple filling creates this cozy, comforting dessert that everyone goes crazy for. And the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry right now!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Cobbler
Listen, I get it—some days you just need dessert to be simple, delicious, and ready in a flash. That’s why this recipe is my go-to. Here’s what makes it so special:
- Almost no prep time: Seriously, 10 minutes from pantry to oven. I’ve made this half-asleep when surprise guests arrived!
- Pantry staples only: Cake mix, canned filling, butter—no fancy ingredients means you’re always ready to whip this up.
- Foolproof baking: No worrying about crusts or layers—just dump, sprinkle, and bake. Perfect for new bakers.
- Crowd-pleaser magic: That buttery cake mix topping soaks up the apple juices while baking, creating this heavenly texture my cousins literally fight over.
It’s the dessert equivalent of your favorite cozy sweater—simple, warm, and always hits the spot.
Ingredients for Easy Apple Cobbler
Here’s the beautiful thing about this recipe – you only need six simple ingredients to create magic! I always tell my friends, “If you can open cans and slice butter, you’re halfway there.” Here’s exactly what you’ll need:
- 15.25 ounces butter cake mix (1 box): This is your golden ticket – that classic yellow cake mix works wonders. Don’t grab the “extra moist” kind though – we want that perfect crumbly topping!
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (2 cans): My little secret? I give the cans a gentle shake before opening to distribute those apple chunks evenly. Some brands have bigger slices than others – pick your favorite!
- 8 tablespoons salted butter (1 stick): Cold butter straight from the fridge is perfect for slicing. I like to cut it into thin pats – they melt into the cake mix so beautifully.
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (fresh recommended): That little squeeze of brightness makes all the difference. I keep a lemon in my fruit bowl just for this recipe!
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: The good stuff, please! It adds that warm, cozy depth that makes people say “Mmm, what’s in this?”
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or ½ teaspoon cinnamon + ½ teaspoon nutmeg): My grandma’s trick – if you don’t have premixed spice, this combo works just as well. Sometimes I add a pinch of cardamom when I’m feeling fancy.
See? Nothing complicated here. Just honest ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Now let’s get baking!
How to Make Easy Apple Cobbler
Okay, let’s dive in! This is where the magic happens – and trust me, it’s easier than you think. I’ve made this recipe so many times I could probably do it in my sleep (and honestly, I might have once during a midnight snack craving). Here’s exactly how to create that perfect apple cobbler:
Preheat and Prepare the Apple Filling
First things first – crank that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating up, grab your favorite baking dish (I use a 9×13 inch pan, but anything similar works). Dump those two cans of apple pie filling right in – no need to grease the pan first! Use a spatula to spread it evenly. Now sprinkle that fresh lemon juice over the top – just tilt your measuring spoon and let it drizzle across like you’re painting with flavor. Same with the vanilla – that heavenly scent means you’re doing it right! Finally, dust your apple pie spice or cinnamon-nutmeg combo over everything. I like to pretend I’m a fancy chef at this point.
Add the Cake Mix and Butter
Here comes the fun part! Open your cake mix and gently shake it over the apple filling like you’re dusting powdered sugar on French toast. No need to press it down – just let it sit fluffy on top. Now grab that cold butter and slice it into thin pats (about 1/4 inch thick). Arrange them evenly across the cake mix – think of it like placing tiles on a roof. The butter will melt into golden pools of deliciousness as it bakes. Pro tip: leave a little space between slices so the magic can spread!
Bake and Serve
Pop that beauty in the oven and set your timer for 40 minutes. Around the 30-minute mark, your kitchen will start smelling like autumn heaven. When the top turns golden brown with little bubbling apple juices peeking through, it’s done! Let it cool for about 10 minutes – I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but trust me, those bubbling juices need time to thicken slightly. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting over the top… and prepare for compliments!
Tips for the Best Easy Apple Cobbler
After making this cobbler more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that take it from good to “Oh my gosh, can I get the recipe?” good:
- Fresh is best: That squeeze of real lemon juice makes all the difference – it brightens up the sweetness perfectly. I keep a lemon in my fruit bowl just for this recipe!
- Spice it your way: Love cinnamon? Add an extra sprinkle! Not a nutmeg fan? Skip it. This recipe is super forgiving – make it taste like your grandma’s version.
- Watch the butter: If your butter slices are too thick, they’ll pool instead of melting evenly. Thin pats work magic!
- Serve warm: The ice cream melts into those buttery pockets… need I say more? Leftovers (ha!) reheat beautifully with 30 seconds in the microwave.
The biggest tip? Don’t stress – this cobbler practically makes itself!
Easy Apple Cobbler Variations
Oh, the possibilities! Once you’ve mastered the basic version, try these fun twists that keep this recipe exciting:
- Mix up the fruit: Cherry pie filling with almond extract instead of vanilla is divine. Peach filling with a dash of cinnamon? Yes please!
- Add some crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding butter. Toasty perfection!
- Go citrusy: Swap lemon juice for orange and add zest to the cake mix. Sunshine in every bite.
The beauty? Each variation still takes just minutes to throw together. Happy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for Easy Apple Cobbler
Here’s my not-so-secret secret: this cobbler was made for vanilla ice cream. That cold, creamy scoop melting into the warm, buttery topping? Pure magic. For extra pizzazz, drizzle with caramel sauce or sprinkle with cinnamon sugar. If you’re feeling fancy, a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprig of mint makes it dinner-party worthy – though my kids always vote for the ice cream version!
Storing and Reheating Easy Apple Cobbler
Here’s the good news – if you somehow have leftovers (it’s rare in my house!), this cobbler keeps beautifully. Just cover it tightly and pop it in the fridge for 3-4 days. When that craving hits again, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30 seconds, or warm the whole dish in a 300°F oven for about 15 minutes. Pro tip: A quick broil at the end makes the topping crispy again!
Easy Apple Cobbler Nutrition Information
Nutrition values will vary based on your specific ingredients and brands. This cozy dessert is definitely an indulgence – but hey, that’s what makes it so delicious!
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Apple Cobbler
Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! While the canned stuff makes this super quick, homemade filling works beautifully. Just make sure it’s not too watery – you want that thick, syrupy consistency. I’ve used my stovetop-cooked apples before and the results were phenomenal. The baking time might need a few extra minutes since homemade tends to be juicier.
Can this cobbler be frozen?
You bet! Let it cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic and foil. It’ll keep for up to 3 months frozen. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm in a 300°F oven for about 20 minutes. The topping won’t be quite as crisp, but the flavors will still be amazing – perfect for emergency dessert cravings!
What if I don’t have butter cake mix?
No worries! Yellow cake mix works great too. I’d avoid white cake mix though – it’s too sweet and doesn’t give you that perfect buttery flavor. In a pinch, you could even use spice cake mix for extra warmth – just reduce the added spices a bit.
Can I make this in individual ramekins?
Yes! Divide the filling among 6-8 oz ramekins, top with cake mix and smaller butter pieces. Bake at the same temp for about 25-30 minutes. They make adorable personal desserts – just watch out, you might end up eating two!
10-Minute Easy Apple Cobbler
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious apple cobbler made with butter cake mix and apple pie filling.
Ingredients
- 15.25 ounces butter cake mix
- 42 ounces apple pie filling (2 cans)
- 8 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons lemon juice (fresh is best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice (or ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon nutmeg)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread the apple pie filling evenly in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle lemon juice and vanilla extract over the filling.
- Add the apple pie spice or cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Cover the filling with the butter cake mix.
- Slice the butter and place it evenly on top of the cake mix.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until golden brown.
- Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust spices to your taste.
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy apple cobbler, quick dessert, apple pie filling recipe
