Easy Apple Cranberry Cobbler Recipe: Your Perfect Fall Dessert with a Cake Mix Shortcut
As the leaves begin to change and a crispness fills the air, our thoughts naturally turn to the comforting flavors of fall. And what embodies autumn more perfectly than the delightful pairing of apples and cranberries? While we certainly enjoy a classic apple cobbler all year round, there’s something truly special about reserving this vibrant Apple Cranberry Cobbler for the enchanting autumn months. It’s a dessert that not only tastes incredible but also captures the essence of the season in every bite.
You might associate elaborate desserts with hours spent baking from scratch, perhaps a multi-layered cake with frosting. However, sometimes the best recipes are the ones that come together effortlessly, especially when life gets busy. That’s precisely why we adore this easy apple cranberry cobbler. It leverages a simple boxed cake mix to deliver a “homemade” taste without all the fuss, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply a cozy treat on a cool day.
The Irresistible Charm of Apple Cranberry Cobbler
Growing up, I honestly don’t recall cobbler being a regular feature on our dessert menu. Cakes and pies were the norm, often requiring significant time and effort in the kitchen. But fast forward to today, and cobblers have firmly established themselves as one of my absolute favorite sweet treats. There’s an undeniable rustic charm and comforting simplicity to a fruit cobbler that just hits differently, especially when it’s warm from the oven.
This Cranberry Apple Cobbler, particularly when topped with a generous scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream, stands out as a true delight. My life has become quite hectic lately, which means baking from scratch as often as I used to is simply not feasible. That’s where smart shortcuts come into play! This recipe, designed for convenience, utilizes a boxed cake mix to create a delicious and satisfying fall dessert that doesn’t compromise on flavor or that comforting homemade feel. It’s perfect for when you crave something sweet and seasonal but are short on time, allowing you to enjoy more moments with family and friends rather than being tied to the kitchen.
RELATED: If you’re a fan of warm fruit desserts, you might also love this recipe – Crockpot Cinnamon Apples. They’re equally comforting and easy to make!
Essential Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Cranberry Cobbler
One of the beauties of this recipe is its straightforward ingredient list, many of which you probably already have in your pantry. We’re keeping things simple, yet the flavor profile is anything but basic. Here’s what you’ll need to create this amazing fall dessert:
- 2 cans of your favorite apple pie filling: Canned apple pie filling is the ultimate shortcut here, saving you loads of time on peeling, coring, and slicing apples. Choose a good quality brand for the best results. The pre-cooked and seasoned apples ensure a consistently delicious fruit base for your cobbler. While this recipe focuses on convenience, you could technically use fresh apples if you cooked and spiced them first, but that defeats the “easy” purpose!
- A box of yellow cake mix (white will work too): This is the secret weapon for an incredibly simple yet delicious cobbler topping. Yellow cake mix lends a rich, buttery flavor and a lovely golden hue to the crust, perfectly complementing the fruit. A white cake mix can be substituted if that’s what you have on hand, offering a slightly milder flavor. Make sure you’re using the dry mix only – do not prepare it according to the box instructions!
- Unsalted butter that’s been softened (not melted): Softened butter is crucial for achieving that wonderfully crumbly texture in the topping. If it’s too cold, it won’t combine properly; if it’s melted, the topping will be dense and cake-like instead of light and tender. Simply leave it on the counter for about 20 minutes before you start, and it should be perfectly pliable.
- Dried cranberries, like Craisins: These jewel-toned berries add a delightful tartness and chewiness that cuts through the sweetness of the apple filling. They also contribute a beautiful autumnal color to the cobbler. Look for sweetened dried cranberries to balance the tartness.
- Cinnamon: For this recipe, I stick to classic cinnamon to keep it simple and highlight the natural flavors of apple and cranberry. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, feel free to add other warming spices like a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger for an extra layer of fall flavor.
- Milk: Any type of milk will work fine here. I typically use 1% milk, but whole milk, 2%, or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or oat milk will do the trick, providing the necessary moisture for the cake batter portion of the topping.
Helpful baking tools: Having the right tools makes any baking project smoother. For this Apple Cranberry Cobbler, these items will come in handy:
- 13×9 baking pan: The perfect size for a family-sized cobbler.
- Mixing bowls: Essential for combining your ingredients.
- Hand mixer: Makes quick work of combining the cake mix and butter.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.
- Ice cream scoop: Ideal for serving warm cobbler with a dollop of ice cream.
Simplified Apple Cranberry Cobbler (Recipe Card)
Below is the detailed recipe card for this wonderful Apple Cranberry Cobbler. This section provides precise measurements and a summary of the steps, making it easy to print or follow along as you bake.
Apple Cranberry Cobbler
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 42 ounces apple pie filling two 21-ounce cans
- 15 ounce yellow cake mix UNPREPARED, dry mix only
- ¾ cup unsalted butter softened
- ⅔ cup dried cranberries
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
Things You’ll Need
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13×9 baking dish
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Mixing bowls
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Hand mixer
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Ice cream scoop
Before You Begin
- 2 cans of your favorite apple pie filling
- a box of yellow cake mix (white will work too)
- unsalted butter that’s been softened (not melted, leave it on the counter for 2o minutes, that’s it)
- dried cranberries, like Craisins
- cinnamon is all I use to keep it simple, but you can add other spices if you like
- I use 1% milk, but any type will work fine
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375 F.
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Combine dry cake mix and butter in a mixer bowl. Beat at low speed for about a minute, until crumbly. There may be large pieces of butter in the mixture, that’s okay. Remove 1 1/2 cups of the cake mixture to a medium bowl and stir in cranberries and cinnamon, use your fingers to toss the mixture if you need to.
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To the remaining cake mixture in the mixer bowl, add the milk and beat on low until all dry mixture is moist. use a spoon to bring it all together. Again, there will be visible pieces of butter, you don’t want to overheat this mixture.
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Heat pie filling in a large bowl in the microwave until bubbly, about 4-5 minutes, covered. Pour hot filling into a 13×9 baking pan. Top pie filling with dollops of cake batter then sprinkle with the cranberry topping mixture.
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Bake 30-35 minutes or until topping is golden brown and cracks appear dry. Cool 30 minutes.
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Serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Apple Cranberry Cobbler
Making this apple cranberry cobbler is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a warm, bubbling, and utterly delicious dessert ready to enjoy in no time. The key is to prepare the topping correctly and combine it with the warm fruit filling for a perfect bake.
Before you begin, make sure your oven is preheated to 375 degrees F (190 C). This ensures the cobbler starts baking immediately and the crust turns golden brown evenly. Also, have your 13×9 baking pan ready, lightly greased if desired, though often with fruit cobblers, it’s not strictly necessary as the fruit will prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Crumbly Topping Base: In a large mixer bowl, combine the dry yellow cake mix (remember, *unprepared*!) and the softened unsalted butter. Begin beating them together at a low speed. You want to mix just until the butter is incorporated and the mixture forms a crumbly texture, resembling coarse sand with some larger pea-sized butter pieces. This usually takes about a minute. Don’t overmix; those small pieces of butter are what will create a wonderfully tender and flaky topping as the cobbler bakes.
- Create the Cranberry-Cinnamon Topping: Carefully remove about 1 1/2 cups of this crumbly cake mixture and transfer it to a separate medium bowl. To this portion, add the dried cranberries and cinnamon. Use your fingers to gently toss the mixture, ensuring the cranberries and cinnamon are evenly distributed and coated by the cake mix crumbs. This will become your flavorful, tart-sweet streusel-like topping.
- Finish the Cake Batter Layer: Now, return to the remaining cake mixture in the mixer bowl. Pour in the milk and continue beating on low speed until all the dry cake mix is moistened and forms a soft, thick batter. Use a spoon or spatula to scrape down the sides of the bowl and bring everything together. Again, it’s okay if you still see small visible pieces of butter; you don’t want to overheat this mixture by overmixing. The consistency should be spreadable but not too thin.
- Heat the Apple Filling: In a large, microwave-safe bowl, empty both cans of apple pie filling. Cover the bowl and heat in the microwave until the filling is bubbly and warm, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes, depending on your microwave’s power. Heating the filling beforehand ensures that the entire cobbler cooks more evenly and prevents a cold center, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Assemble the Cobbler: Carefully pour the hot apple pie filling into your prepared 13×9 baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Next, take the cake batter (from step 3) and drop dollops of it over the hot pie filling. Don’t worry about spreading it perfectly; the dollops will melt and spread as they bake, forming a delightful cake-like layer. Finally, generously sprinkle the cranberry and cinnamon crumb topping (from step 2) over the dollops of cake batter. This creates a beautiful, textured top that will bake up golden and delicious.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the baking pan into your preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is beautifully golden brown and firm, and cracks appear dry. The fruit filling underneath should be bubbling vigorously. If you see the topping browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cobbler from the oven and let it cool for at least 30 minutes. This cooling time is important; it allows the filling to set slightly and prevents it from being too runny when you scoop it. Serve warm, with the ultimate accompaniment: a big scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the warm, spiced fruit, the tender cake-like topping, and the cold, melting ice cream is pure bliss!
Tips for the Best Apple Cranberry Cobbler
- Don’t Overmix the Topping: For a tender, streusel-like topping, be careful not to overmix the cake mix and butter. A crumbly texture is exactly what you’re aiming for.
- Softened Butter is Key: Ensure your butter is properly softened, not melted. This allows it to incorporate evenly and creates the right texture.
- Warm the Filling: Pre-heating the apple pie filling helps the cobbler bake more evenly and quickly, ensuring a consistently warm and delicious dessert.
- Customize Your Spices: While cinnamon is wonderful, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to the cranberry topping mixture for a more complex spice profile.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond vanilla ice cream, consider serving with a dollop of fresh whipped cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added crunch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
- Storing Leftovers: Any leftover Apple Cranberry Cobbler should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, scoop individual portions into microwave-safe bowls and warm for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. For a crispier topping, reheat larger portions in an oven preheated to 300°F (150°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until warm.
- Freezing: You can freeze baked and cooled cobbler. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil, or place in an airtight freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: While this cobbler is best enjoyed freshly baked, you can prepare the topping mixtures a day in advance and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, heat the pie filling and assemble as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Cranberry Cobbler
Here are some common questions you might have when making this delightful cobbler:
- Can I use fresh apples instead of canned pie filling? Yes, you can, but it will no longer be a “shortcut” recipe. You’d need about 6-8 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced. Cook them with sugar, cinnamon, and a thickener (like cornstarch) on the stovetop until tender and slightly saucy before adding them to the baking dish.
- What if I don’t have a hand mixer? You can still make this cobbler! For the crumbly topping base, you can use a pastry blender or your fingertips to cut the softened butter into the dry cake mix until it reaches the desired texture. For the cake batter portion, a sturdy spoon or spatula will work to combine the milk.
- Can I use other dried fruits? Absolutely! While dried cranberries are fantastic, you could experiment with dried cherries, blueberries, or even a mix of dried fruits for a different flavor profile.
- Is it necessary to heat the pie filling in the microwave? Heating the filling beforehand helps ensure the cobbler bakes more evenly and faster. If you skip this step, your baking time might be slightly longer, and the center might not be as warm.
- Can I add nuts to the topping? Yes, a sprinkle of chopped pecans or walnuts in the cranberry topping mixture would add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor. Add them during step 2.
- How do I know when the cobbler is done? The cobbler is ready when the topping is golden brown, appears dry with some cracks, and the fruit filling underneath is bubbly around the edges. A toothpick inserted into the cake-like dollops should come out mostly clean.
More Delightful Cobbler and Crisp Recipes to Explore
If you thoroughly enjoyed this easy Apple Cranberry Cobbler recipe and are looking for more comforting, fruit-filled desserts, you’re in luck! I’ve hand-picked some other fantastic recipes that I think you’ll adore. From classic apple variations to unique fruit combinations, there’s something here for every taste and season:
- Crockpot Apple Cobbler: Perfect for hands-off cooking, this slow cooker version is a fan favorite.
- Rhubarb Crisp: A tart and sweet classic, ideal when rhubarb is in season.
- Apple Cranberry Crisp: Similar flavors to this cobbler, but with a satisfyingly crunchy oat topping.
- Pear-Peach Crisp: A wonderfully aromatic combination of tender pears and sweet peaches.
- 3 Ingredient French Vanilla Peach Cobbler: For ultimate simplicity, this recipe is a must-try.
- Whole Berry Cranberry Sauce: While not a cobbler, this homemade sauce is a fantastic way to utilize cranberries and can even be a delicious topping for plain cobblers or ice cream!
I hope this Apple Cranberry Cobbler becomes a cherished addition to your fall baking traditions. Its ease, seasonal flavors, and comforting warmth make it an instant hit with anyone who tries it. Happy baking!
This post originally appeared here on Aug 4, 2014, and has been updated and expanded for clarity, additional tips, and improved reader experience.