Easy Easy Fruit Cobbler

8 servings Prep: 10 m Cook: 30 m Total: 40 m Beginner
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This recipe is so easy to make, I usually let my children and step-children make it—just canned pie filling, yellow cake mix, butter, and a little cinnamon. My best friend said what she does is melt the butter and mix it with the cake mix along with 2 tablespoons of the filling and then pours it over the fruit mixture.

Ingredients

8 servings
  • 1 can apple pie filling or your favorite fruit filling
  • 1/2 box yellow cake mix
  • 1 stick butter
  • 5 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. In an 8x8 corning or pie pan, spread the pie filling evenly in the bottom of the pan. Sprinkle a mixture of the sugar and cinnamon (optional depending on the filling used) over the pie filling - pour 1/2 of the box of the dried cake mix over the filling.
  2. Melt the butter and pour evenly over the mixture.
  3. Bake at 350 degrees until golden brown, approximately 30 minutes.

Common Problems and Solutions

Q: Why is my cobbler topping soggy instead of crispy?

A: Make sure you're pouring the melted butter evenly over the entire surface of the dry cake mix. The butter helps the cake mix form a crispy, golden crust. Also, don't mix the butter into the cake mix beforehand unless you're using the variation method mentioned.

Q: Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned filling?

A: Yes, but you'll need to add sugar and possibly thicken it with cornstarch or tapioca. Fresh fruit has more liquid than canned filling, so toss it with sugar and let it sit 15 minutes, then drain excess juice or add a thickener.

Tips and Techniques

Don’t be tempted to mix the cake mix into the filling or butter—the magic happens when you layer it. The dry cake mix soaks up butter and moisture from the filling below to create that perfect cobbler texture with crispy bits on top.

Ingredient Substitutions

  • yellow cake mix: white cake mix or spice cake mix
  • apple pie filling: cherry, blueberry, peach, or any fruit pie filling
  • butter: margarine

Equipment Needed

  • 8x8 baking dish or pie pan
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • small bowl for mixing cinnamon and sugar

Historical Context

Dump cobblers or “easy cobblers” became popular in the South during the mid-20th century when cake mixes became a pantry staple. They’re a shortcut version of traditional cobblers that still deliver on the warm, comforting dessert everyone loves.