When the weather cools and apples are plentiful, one of my favorite desserts to serve is this apple cobbler recipe with cake mix. It’s warm, cozy, and full of those fall flavors that make the house smell amazing as it bakes. I love it for hosting because it only takes a few simple ingredients, comes together quickly, and feels like a special treat when you bring it to the table with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Whether it’s a weeknight dinner with family or a fall gathering with friends, this easy apple cobbler with cake mix is always a hit.

A plate with apple crumble topped with whipped cream sits on a green checkered cloth, next to green apples and cinnamon sticks. The plate text reads, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!.
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  Apple Cobbler Recipe With Cake Mix 🍏

This recipe is all about making a comforting dessert without stress. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a cobbler that tastes like it’s been made from scratch. It’s the kind of dessert that’s easy enough for busy weeknights but impressive enough for holiday gatherings. I especially love that it works as a 3 ingredient apple cobbler if you use pie filling and cake mix for a shortcut, or you can go all out with fresh apples for extra flavor. Either way, it’s a stress-free way to bless your family and guests with a homemade dessert that feels special. If you love apple desserts, you’ll also enjoy these Cozy Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls Bake (5-Minute Prep)for a fun fall breakfast treat.

A flat lay of baking ingredients includes green apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, butter, lemon juice, salt, ground nutmeg, ground cinnamon, and a box of yellow cake mix. Each item is labeled.

Ingredient Notes

Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  • Apples: Granny Smiths are my go-to for baking since their tartness balances the sweet topping. Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn also work well. (Keyword: best apples for cobbler)
  • Brown Sugar: Adds depth and a caramel note. You can swap with coconut sugar if preferred.
  • White Sugar: Keeps the filling balanced. Reduce slightly if using very sweet apples.
  • Cornstarch: Helps thicken the apple filling so it doesn’t get soupy.
  • Cinnamon & Nutmeg: Warm fall spices that make this dessert smell like heaven.
  • Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and keeps apples from browning.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: A classic choice for cobblers. You can also try spice cake mix for extra warmth.
  • Butter: Melted butter gives the topping a golden, crisp texture. Only use real butter for this recipe.
What are the best apples for cobbler?

Granny Smith apples are classic because they hold their shape and add tartness, but Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn are also delicious choices.

How To Make Apple Cobbler With Cake Mix

Prep Apples

Peel and core your apples. Toss them in lemon juice as you work.
In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add sliced apples and stir to coat them with the butter.

A blue bowl filled with peeled and sliced green apples sits on a white surface.
Sliced green apples cooking in a large blue-handled skillet on a stovetop.

Cook and Season Apples

Add both sugars, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg, salt. Cook 3–5 minutes until the mixture starts to bubble and the sugars dissolve. Pour apples into the prepared baking dish.

Sliced green apples in a blue pan on a stove, topped with brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, and cornstarch, ready to be cooked.
Sliced apples cooking in a blue cast iron skillet with a brown sugar and cinnamon sauce on a stovetop.

Make The Topping

In a medium bowl, mix the cake mix with melted butter until crumbly. I like to use my hands to make it into a fine crumble that sprinkles nicely over the apples.

A white mixing bowl containing a pile of flour next to a pool of melted butter, viewed from above on a white background.
A white bowl filled with a crumbly, pale yellow dough mixture sits on a white surface.

Spread Topping and Bake

Spread the topping evenly over the apples. Bake 35–40 minutes, until golden brown and crisp on top.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with an even layer of yellow, crumbly mixture, resembling a crumble topping, on a light background.

Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips

Dietary Modifications: Use a gluten-free cake mix for a gluten-free version, or dairy-free butter for a dairy-free option.

Flavor Enhancements: Try adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for crunch, or drizzle caramel over the apples before baking.

Add-In Options: Berries, peaches, raisins, or even pears can be mixed with the apples for a twist. You can also swap yellow cake mix for spice cake to bring extra warmth.

Simple Substitutions: Short on time? Swap the fresh apples for canned apple pie filling to make this recipe even simpler. That shortcut makes it a true three-ingredient cobbler.

Tips for Recipe Success: Don’t overmix the topping; lumps are good! Sprinkle it evenly over the apples so it bakes up golden. Let the cobbler rest at least 10 minutes before serving so the filling can set.

What’s the difference between apple cobbler and apple dump cake?

Cobbler is typically made with a biscuit or cake-like topping, while dump cake is layered with pie filling, dry cake mix, and butter. This recipe works either way: fresh apples for a cobbler or canned filling for a dump cake.

A plate of apple crumble topped with whipped cream and caramel sits on a stack of plates, with a baking dish of more crumble and green apples in the background on a green plaid cloth.
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Hospitality in Action

As you bake this warm apple cobbler, consider inviting neighbors to share a simple dessert after watching a faith-based documentary together. Scripture reminds us in Romans 15:7, “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” By offering your home, your table, and a sweet treat, you create space for meaningful conversation about faith and hope. Ask gentle questions about what stood out to them in the film, listen with care, and let the aroma of apple cobbler remind everyone of the sweetness of Christ’s welcome.

Make it a Meal

For a comforting Southern-inspired dinner, pair this cobbler with a cozy bowl of Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie Soup: Creamy, Cozy Comfort Food and a bag mix salad to keep it all easy.

Almost Homemade Start With A Cake Mix Recipes

This apple cobbler with cake mix is the easiest way to serve up a warm, crowd-pleasing dessert for your family and friends.If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!

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A plate of apple crisp topped with whipped cream sits on a green checkered cloth, surrounded by green apples and cinnamon sticks. The plate is inscribed with the Bible verse, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever!.
by Gina Dickson

Warm Apple Cobbler Recipe With Cake Mix

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 9 servings
This apple cobbler with cake mix is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert made with fresh apples or pie filling topped with a buttery cake mix crumble. It’s simple to prepare, full of warm fall flavors, and perfect for weeknights, holidays, or gatherings.

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Ingredients
 

Apple Filling

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 6 to 8 apples, about 8 cups, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (about 1/2 inch thick)
  • ⅓ cup brown sugar, lightly packed
  • ¼ cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cobbler Topping

  • 15.25 ounces yellow cake mix, boxed
  • ½ cup butter, melted

Instructions
 

Prep the Oven and Pan

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Grease the bottom and sides of a 9 × 13-inch baking dish with butter.

Prep Apples and Cook In Skillet

  • Peel and core the apples. Slice into 1/2 inch thick slices. As you cut the apples, put them in a bowl with lemon juice and toss.
    1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
    2 tablespoons butter
  • Add the apple slices to the skillet and stir to coat the apples in butter.
  • Add brown sugar, white sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
    6 to 8 apples, ⅓ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ⅛ teaspoon salt
  • Stir well and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sugars dissolve and the mixture begins to bubble.
  • Pour the apple mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Make the Topping

  • In a medium bowl, combine the yellow cake mix with 1/2 cup of melted butter. I like to stir it with a spoon to combine and then use my hands to make it into a fine crumble. This way, when you sprinkle it over the apples, it will fall down between the apple slices.
    15.25 ounces yellow cake mix, ½ cup butter
  • Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples.

Bake

  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crisp.
  • Let cool slightly before serving. Serve with whipped cream or ice cream with carmel drizzled on top.

Gina’s Notes and Tips

Mix-In Ideas

I like to mix in 1/2 cup of either berries, peaches, or diced fresh pears with the apples for a twist. Also, 1/3 cup of raisins is a yummy addition. You can also swap yellow cake mix for spice cake to bring a warm Fall flavor. 

Storage and Reheating

  • Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 2 days.
  • Fridge: Keeps 4–5 days in an airtight container.
  • Freezer: Freeze baked cobbler up to 3 months in a tight freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
  • Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat the whole dish in the oven at 350°F for 15 minutes to keep the topping crisp.
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 307kcal, Carbohydrates: 72g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 2g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 2mg, Sodium: 403mg, Potassium: 189mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 48g, Vitamin A: 94IU, Vitamin C: 6mg, Calcium: 137mg, Iron: 1mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Dessert
Author: Gina Dickson
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A plate of apple cobbler topped with whipped cream sits on a green checkered cloth, with whole green apples, cinnamon sticks, and a baking dish in the background. Text above reads, "Warm & Cozy Apple Cobbler Made With Cake Mix.