This Apple Cobbler Cake recipe combines the warmth of spiced cake, the richness of apple cobbler filling, and the creamy delight of cream cheese frosting!

Discover how easy it is to create this delicious treat with simple ingredients and step-by-step instructions. 🍏🥧🍰

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When the crisp autumn air begins to settle in, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of warm spices and baked apples wafting through the kitchen.

This Apple Cobbler Cake is the perfect marriage of two beloved desserts: a classic cake and a cozy cobbler.

It’s a show-stopping treat that’s easy enough for a weeknight dessert yet impressive enough for any holiday gathering. 🍎

Why You’ll Love This Apple Cobbler Cake

A Fusion of Flavors & Textures: Imagine the tender crumb of a spiced cake, the rich and gooey apple cobbler filling, the tangy cream cheese frosting, and the buttery, crisp crumble topping all in one bite. This cake is a sensory delight that captures the essence of fall in every slice.
Effortlessly Elevated: Using a box cake mix as the base, this recipe is simple to prepare yet delivers a bakery-quality dessert. The added spices, apple filling, and homemade crumble topping take it to the next level without requiring advanced baking skills.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, attending a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, this Apple Cobbler Cake is versatile and universally loved. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, making your life a little easier.

How to Make This Apple Cobbler Cake

Equipment You’ll Need:

9x13-inch baking pan
Parchment paper (optional, for easy removal)
Mixing bowls
Electric hand mixer
Skillet (for the apple filling)
Pastry cutter or your hands (to mix the crumble topping)
Offset spatula (for spreading the frosting)
Toothpick (for testing the cake’s doneness)
Oven thermometer
Wire cooling rack

Instructions:

Prepare the Cake:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or line with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, instant pudding, cinnamon, pumpkin spice, eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed for about 2 minutes until the batter is smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Place on a wire rack and let the cake cool in the pan completely.

Make the Apple Cobbler Filling:

Peel, core, and dice 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well in this recipe).
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
Cook the apples for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender.
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Pour the slurry into the apple mixture and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens.
Remove from heat and let the filling cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Soft Crumble Topping:

In a medium bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
Add the cold butter cubes and use a pastry cutter or your fingers to work the butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture resembles coarse sand.
Spread the crumble on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or non-stick aluminum foil.
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until lightly golden. Let cool completely.

Make the Cream Cheese Frosting:

In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese and butter together until smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating until well combined.
Mix in the vanilla extract. If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to reach your desired consistency.

Assemble the Sheet Cake:

Once the cake has cooled completely in the pan, spread the apple cobbler filling evenly over the top of the cake.
Frost the top of the cake with the cream cheese frosting, spreading it evenly over the apple filling with an offset spatula.
Sprinkle the soft crumble topping generously over the frosting.

Serve & Enjoy:

Chill the cake for 30 minutes before slicing to allow the flavors to meld together.
Serve slices of the cake as is, or with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgence.

This Apple Cobbler Sheet Cake is perfect for feeding a crowd, combining the cozy flavors of apple cobbler with the simplicity of a sheet cake. Enjoy!

How to Store Your Apple Cobbler Cake

To keep your Apple Cobbler Cake fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cake will stay moist and delicious for up to 4 days.
If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze the cake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight and bring it to room temperature before serving.

How Long This Recipe Lasts

This cake is best enjoyed within 2-3 days of baking for the freshest flavor, but it can last up to 4 days if stored properly in the refrigerator. The crumble topping may lose a bit of its crispness after the first day, but the flavors will continue to meld beautifully.

Ingredient Substitutions/Variations

One of the great things about this Apple Cobbler Cake is its versatility. Here are some possible substitutions and variations to suit your preferences:

Cake Mix: You can substitute the vanilla or yellow cake mix with a spice cake mix for an extra kick of flavor.
Milk: If you don’t have whole milk or buttermilk on hand, you can use almond milk or another non-dairy milk. Buttermilk adds a nice tang, but the cake will still be delicious with these alternatives.
Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are recommended for their tartness and firmness, you can use other apple varieties like Fuji or Gala if that’s what you have available.
Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add a pinch of cloves or allspice to the apple filling for a deeper flavor profile.
Topping: If you’re a fan of oats, you can add 1/4 cup of rolled oats to the crumble topping for a more traditional cobbler feel.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?

A: Yes! This cake can be made a day in advance. Simply store it in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before serving. If you prefer a crisp topping, you can prepare the crumble separately and add it just before serving.

Q: What’s the best way to serve this cake?

A: This cake is delicious when served slightly chilled or at room temperature. For an extra indulgent treat, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.

Q: Can I make this cake gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Substitute the cake mix with a gluten-free cake mix and ensure all other ingredients (like the flour for the crumble) are also gluten-free. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still be incredibly tasty.

Q: How do I prevent the crumble from getting soggy?

A: To keep the crumble topping crisp, make sure it cools completely before adding it to the cake. If you’re making the cake ahead of time, you might want to add the crumble just before serving.

Tips & Tricks for the Best Apple Cobbler Cake

Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your cream cheese and butter are softened at room temperature before making the frosting. This will help you achieve a smooth, creamy texture.
Cool Completely: Allow the cake and apple filling to cool completely before assembling. This will prevent the frosting from melting and ensure the layers stay intact.
Customize the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, reduce the sugar in the apple filling or opt for a less sweet apple variety.
Presentation Tip: For a cleaner presentation, chill the cake in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before slicing. This will help the layers set and make it easier to cut clean slices.

Join the Conversation!

I hope this Apple Cobbler Cake brings a little extra warmth and sweetness to your kitchen this season.

If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment below to let me know how it turned out or share your own tips and variations.

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If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it on social media with #chynabsweets — I’d love to see your creations! Let’s spread the love of baking together.

Happy Baking, Xoxo Chyna B! 🍎🍏🥧🍰

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