Easy Cake Mix Apple Cobbler (3-ingredient recipe)

If you love baked fruit desserts but don’t have the time, Cake Mix Apple Cobbler is a recipe you’ll love! All the flavors of apple cobbler in an easy dessert recipe you can whip up in minutes! One of the easiest recipes for a perfect dessert.

Some argue cobbler should only be made from scratch with fresh ingredients. We don’t dispute that; we love our slow cooker Peach-Blueberry Cobbler, slow cooker Cherry Cobbler and our three berry cobbler too. But WE argue you can have these ingredients on hand at all times and whip up a delicious dessert with no effort. 

That makes this cake mix recipe a win! Similar to a dump cake, cake mix cobbler recipes are just so easy. And this apple cobbler is a perfect fall dessert.

This fruit cobbler is one of the easiest dessert recipes you can make. And it’s great any time of the year since it uses canned pie filling.

Jump to:

• Why we love this Cake Mix Cobbler recipe
• Recipe Ingredients Notes
• How to make it
• Variations
• Storing Leftovers
• Frequently Asked Questions
• More recipes you’ll love!
• Recipe

Why we love this Cake Mix Cobbler recipe

1. Time-Saving: Using a cake mix speeds up the baking process significantly. It eliminates the need to measure and mix dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and leavening agents, saving time and effort.
2. Convenience: Cake mix provides a consistent base for the cobbler topping. It’s a simple solution for those who may not have all the necessary baking ingredients on hand or want to avoid the hassle of measuring and sifting.
3. Consistent Results: Cake mix often yields a consistent and reliable outcome, making it a suitable choice for both novice and experienced bakers. The cake mix ensures that the cobbler topping will have a consistent texture and flavor.
4. Variety: Cake mixes come in various flavors, such as vanilla, yellow, or spice, allowing for some customization in the cobbler’s flavor profile. You can choose a cake mix that complements the apples and spices used in the cobbler filling.
5. Texture: Cake mix creates a fluffy and slightly crispy topping when baked, which contrasts nicely with the soft and gooey apple filling. This combination of textures can be very appealing.
6. Kid-Friendly: Cake mix apple cobbler can be a fun and simple baking project to involve children in the kitchen. It’s an easy recipe that kids can participate in, helping to mix and sprinkle the topping.
7. Last-Minute Dessert: If you need to whip up a dessert quickly for unexpected guests or a potluck, cake mix apple cobbler is a reliable option that doesn’t require extensive preparation.

Recipe Ingredients Notes

Canned apple pie filling. You’ll use 2 20-ounce cans of apple pie filling. 

Box of cake mix. A 15-ounce box of yellow cake mix creates the fast, easy, delicious topping for this cake mix cobbler. Regular cake mix or gluten-free cake mix can be used (we’ve made it with both).

Unsalted butter. One half cup melted unsalted butter blends the cake mix into a a crispy sweet topping.

How to make it

Full details in printable recipe card at the end of this post.

STEP 1. Preparation

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

STEP 2. Make the topping

In a medium mixing bowl, stir together the cake mix and melted butter until pea sized crumbles begin to form (photos 1-2).

STEP 2. Assemble the cobbler

Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of a 9-inch by 13-inch baking dish (photo 3). If desired, the apples can be cut into bite-sized pieces (kitchen shears work great for this).

Sprinkle the cake mix mixture over the top of the fruit in an even layer (photo 4).

STEP 3. Bake

Bake 50 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the fruit filling is bubbly (photo 5-6). 

STEP 4. Rest the cobbler

Remove from oven and allow the cake mix cobbler to rest for around 30 minutes before scooping and serving.

Scoop servings onto a plate and serve as is or top with a scoop of ice cream (we love a big scoop of vanilla ice cream personally) or a little whipped cream!

Variations

• Try a different cake mix. Spice cake mix for instance would make a delicious topping! White cake mix would be a good swap in too. If a dry cake mix flavor sounds good to you, give it a try!
• Use different pie filling. This basic recipe can be switched up to use any pie filling you want. Use your favorite pie filling: Blueberry, cherry, or peach would be delicious.
• Use homemade pie filling. If you have some homemade pie filling on hand or just prefer it a double batch will work here! Our cherry pie filling would be delicious as cherry cobbler.

Storing Leftovers

After the cobbler has cooled cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil OR place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Frequently Asked Questions

More recipes you’ll love!

Recipe