Warm apples bubbling under a buttery cake topping, this cozy dessert feels like pure comfort straight from the oven.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 10 min
Cook: 45 min
Total: 55 min
Ingredients
4 cups apples, peeled and sliced
½ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
1 box yellow cake mix
¾ cup unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a baking dish so the cake releases easily after baking.
Spread the sliced apples evenly in the dish, then sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, tossing gently so the fruit is well coated.
Pour the dry cake mix evenly over the apples, making sure it covers the surface without stirring.
Drizzle the melted butter slowly over the cake mix, aiming to moisten as much of the dry mix as possible.
Bake uncovered until the top turns golden and the apple filling bubbles around the edges, then rest 10 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts (approx)
Calories: 380 | Protein: 3g | Carbs: 52g | Fat: 18g
Quick Facts
• one-pan baked dessert
• cold weather comfort
• family approved
• beginner friendly
• pantry staples
Tips
- Slice the apples evenly so they soften at the same rate and create a consistent filling.
- If some cake mix stays dry on top, gently drizzle a little extra melted butter before baking finishes.
- Let the cake rest briefly after baking so the filling thickens and slices cleanly.
Variations
Lean into a deeper caramel note by swapping half the sugar for brown sugar, which melts into the apples and adds a richer, molasses-like warmth. If that warm and gooey flavor is what you’re after, you might also love the Hot Chocolate Pudding Cups, which turn a winter classic into a spoonable treat.
For extra texture, scatter chopped nuts over the cake mix before adding the butter. They toast in the oven and give each bite a gentle crunch. If you enjoy desserts with contrast and crispness, check out the Quick Alpine Potato and Cheese Bake. It’s savory, but the golden baked topping delivers the same kind of satisfying finish.
Turn this into a holiday-style dessert by adding a pinch of cloves and a handful of dried fruit, creating a more spiced and festive apple layer. You can take that seasonal feeling even further with the Creamy Pumpkin Soup on the side. It’s silky, warming, and perfect for a cozy holiday meal.