Apple Crisp

8 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 30 m Total: 40 m Beginner
5.0/5 (2)
A quick, easy and delicious apple crisp made with Granny Smith apples, yellow cake mix, cinnamon sugar, and butter. This simple shortcut dessert bakes in 30 minutes and serves 8—perfect when you want homemade apple dessert without the fuss of making pie crust or crumble topping from scratch.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 5-6 Granny Smith Apples
  • 1/2 box dry yellow cake mix
  • 1/2 cup cinnamon and sugar mixed together
  • 1 stick butter

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
  2. Peel and slice the apples about a 1/2 inch thick.
  3. Spray a pie dish lightly with Pam. Line the bottom with the apple slices and then pour the dry cake mix over top. Cut the butter into pats and spread over top of the cake mix, then sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over top.
  4. Bake at 350°F for 25 to 30 minutes until golden brown and apples are tender.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my topping not getting crispy?

A: Make sure you're using dry cake mix straight from the box (don't add any liquid), and distribute the butter pats evenly across the top so the cake mix gets properly moistened and can crisp up in the oven.

Q: Can I use a different type of apple?

A: Granny Smith apples are recommended because they hold their shape and provide tartness that balances the sweet topping. Other firm baking apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn will work, but avoid soft apples like Red Delicious that turn mushy.

Tips and Techniques

Slice the apples uniformly so they cook evenly, and don’t skip the cinnamon sugar layer—it creates a delicious spiced coating on the apples that seeps down during baking.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • yellow cake mix: white cake mix or spice cake mix
  • Granny Smith apples: Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or a mix of tart and sweet apples

Equipment Needed

  • pie dish or 9x9 baking dish
  • vegetable peeler
  • knife and cutting board