Now, who doesn’t love a dessert that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious? This apple crumble recipe with cake mix is your ticket to a heavenly dessert that combines the juicy tenderness of apples with the crispy, buttery goodness of a cake mix topping. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
Why This Recipe Works
- It’s incredibly easy to make, thanks to the cake mix shortcut that saves you time without sacrificing flavor.
- The combination of juicy apples and crispy topping creates a perfect texture contrast that’s simply divine.
- It’s versatile; you can customize it with different fruits or spices to suit your taste.
- The recipe uses simple, pantry-staple ingredients, making it accessible anytime the craving hits.
- It’s a fantastic way to use up leftover apples, reducing waste while treating yourself.
Ingredients
- 4 cups of peeled, cored, and sliced apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 box of yellow cake mix (15.25 oz)
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of water
Equipment Needed
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Peeler and knife
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Instructions
Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats, peel, core, and slice your apples into thin, even slices. This ensures they cook uniformly. Toss the apple slices with sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl until they’re evenly coated. Spread the apples evenly in the bottom of your baking dish. Tip: For an extra flavor boost, let the apples sit with the spices for about 10 minutes before baking.
Prepare the Topping
In another bowl, combine the cake mix with the melted butter. Stir until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This will be your crumble topping. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples in the baking dish. Don’t press it down; you want it to stay light and crumbly for that perfect texture. Tip: If you prefer a nuttier flavor, you can add 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping mixture.
Add the Final Touch
Pour the water evenly over the top of the crumble. This might seem odd, but it helps to create a saucy layer beneath the crumble as it bakes. It’s the secret to getting that perfect consistency where the apples are tender but not dry.
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apples are bubbling around the edges. The aroma filling your kitchen will be your first clue that something amazing is happening in there.
Serve and Enjoy
Let the crumble cool for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm, ideally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Tip: For an extra special touch, drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
Tips and Tricks
For those looking to elevate their apple crumble game, consider these advanced tips. First, mixing different types of apples can add depth to the flavor; try combining Granny Smith with Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet. Second, toasting the cake mix with the butter before sprinkling it over the apples can add a deeper, more complex flavor to the topping. Lastly, if you’re making this ahead of time, you can prepare the apple mixture and the topping separately, storing them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This can help save time when you’re entertaining.
Recipe Variations
- Berry Crumble: Swap the apples for a mix of your favorite berries, like strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, for a summer twist.
- Peach Crumble: Use sliced peaches instead of apples and add a dash of vanilla extract to the fruit mixture for a Southern-inspired dessert.
- Pumpkin Spice Crumble: Incorporate pumpkin puree into the apple mixture and add pumpkin spice to the topping for a fall favorite.
- Chocolate Crumble: Mix cocoa powder into the cake mix topping for a chocolatey version that’s perfect for chocoholics.
- Gluten-Free Crumble: Use a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of cake mix?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is classic, feel free to experiment with spice cake mix for a warmer flavor or even white cake mix for a lighter topping. The key is to ensure the mix complements the fruit you’re using.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover crumble can be covered and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving to bring back that just-baked texture and warmth.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative and use a vegan cake mix. Just be sure to check all ingredient labels to ensure they meet vegan standards.
Summary
This apple crumble recipe with cake mix is a delightful dessert that’s easy to make and endlessly customizable. With its juicy apple base and crispy topping, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
