Apple Cobbler is a classic fall dessert. Cobblers where I’m from usually involve a pie crust topping, but earlier this year, I realized we were missing out on cobblers made with cake mix! A $2 cake mix (because inflation is real!) simplifies the process, making it accessible for beginner bakers and people who don’t have a lot of time to spare.
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Ingredients for Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
- 1 15.75 oz yellow cake mix: This will form the crumbly, sweet topping for the cobbler.
- 12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cold: Cold butter helps create the perfect crumbly texture for the topping.
- 2-20 ounces cans of apple pie filling: The star of the show, providing that luscious apple flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon, to taste: Adds warmth and enhances the apple flavor. I used it in both the cake mix and the filling for extra oomph.
- Kosher Salt, to taste: Balances the sweetness of the store bought apple pie filling and enhances the overall flavor.
- 1-2 tablespoons bourbon (optional): Because why not? I know we’re not baking strictly from scratch. But other people don’t need to know that.
These ingredients are easy to find and work together to create a deliciously comforting dessert.
Essential Equipment for Making Apple Cobbler
Here's what y’all will need:
- Medium Stainless Steel Bowl: For mixing the cake mix and grated butter.
- Cheese Grater: To grate the cold butter into the cake mix.
- 9x9 or 9x13 Baking Pan: Depending on your preference, either size will work. Just note that the baking times will vary based on the pan.
- Spatula: To stir and spread the ingredients evenly.
How to Make Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
Prepare the Cobbler Topping
Most dump cake recipes have you literally dump the cake mix on top of the pie filling and then pour melted butter over the top. When I tried that method, I ended up with lots of spots with dry cake mix and no crunch. So I tried again, using a technique I picked up learning how to make buttermilk biscuits: by grating the butter into large pieces and then chilling the butter, you essentially create a more flaky/crisp topping. And the best part is that the butter is more evenly distributed eliminating those dry pockets of cake mix.
Pour the cake mix into a medium bowl. Grate the cold butter using the large side of a cheese grater into the bowl with the cake mix. Use a spatula to coat the butter pieces with the cake mix. The mixture should resemble a coarse crumb. Set the bowl in the freezer while the oven preheats (10 to 15 minutes).
Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350ºF. This temperature is perfect for baking the cobbler, ensuring the topping becomes golden brown and the filling bubbles beautifully.
Make the Apple Filling
In a 9x9 or 9x13 baking pan, stir together the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, kosher salt, and bourbon (if using). Ensure the spices and bourbon are evenly distributed for a consistent flavor throughout the filling.
Assemble the Apple Cobbler
Take the cake mix topping out of the freezer and cover the apple pie filling with it. Make sure the cake mix creates an even layer across the apples. This will ensure that every bite has a perfect balance of apples and topping.
Bake the Apple Cobbler
Place the baking pan in the preheated oven. If using a 9x13 pan, bake for 30-40 minutes. If using a 9x9 pan, bake for 45-55 minutes. The top of the cobbler should be golden brown, and the filling should be bubbling. This indicates that the cobbler is perfectly baked and ready to be enjoyed.
Storing Your Apple Cobbler
If you have leftovers (which is rare because it's so delicious!), you can store the apple cobbler in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you're ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in the oven or microwave until warm. You can also freeze the cobbler for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Questions and Answers About Apple Cobbler
Absolutely! Simply use a gluten-free cake mix in place of the regular cake mix. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! Some delicious options include chopped nuts, oats, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. These additions will add texture and flavor to your cobbler.
Yes, you can! If y’all prefer using fresh apple pie filling, click here for a recipe that comes together very quickly, featuring apples, brown sugar, lemon juice, vanilla extract, cinnamon and a cornstarch slurry. Allow the stovetop apple pie filling to cool before adding the topping.
More Pies and Cobblers Recipes
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Recipe
Apple Cobbler with Cake Mix
- Total Time: 45 to 70 minutes
- Yield: Serves 8-10 1x
Description
Make a classic fall apple cobbler, simplified by using a cake mix and canned apple pie filling.
Ingredients
1 15.75 oz yellow cake mix
12 tablespoons (1 ½ sticks) unsalted butter, cold
2- 20 ounces cans of apple pie filling
Ground Cinnamon, to taste
Kosher Salt, to taste
1-2 tablespoons bourbon, optional
Instructions
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Make the Apple Cobbler Topping: Pour the cake mix into a medium bowl. Grate the butter butter using the large side of a cheese grater, into the bowl with the cake mix. Use a spatula to coat the butter pieces with the cake mix. The mixture should resemble a coarse crumb. Set the bowl in the freezer while the oven preheats (10 to 15 minutes).
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Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
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Enhance the Apple Pie Filling: In a 9x9 or 9x13 baking pan, stir together the apple pie filling, ground cinnamon, kosher salt and bourbon.
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Assemble the Apple Cobbler: Cover the apple pie filling with the cake mix topping – making sure the cake mix creates an even layer across the apples.
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Bake. If using a 9x13 pan, Bake the Apple Cobbler for 30-40 minutes. If using a 9x9 pan, bake for 45-55 minutes. The top of the cobbler should be brown and the filling should be bubbling.
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or cool whip.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-55
- Category: Pies and Cobblers
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