This easy baked dessert is a fun, old-fashioned style treat that turns a few pantry staples into something sweet and comforting for a Labor Day gathering. Using dry lasagna noodles in place of a more traditional pastry layer gives the dessert a simple, homespun feel, and once baked with creamy and fruity ingredients, the noodles soften into tender layers that slice up beautifully for sharing.
Serve this dessert slightly warm or fully chilled, depending on the texture you like best. It pairs nicely with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped topping, or a cup of coffee after a backyard meal, and it fits right in alongside grilled favorites, fruit salad, and other potluck dishes on a holiday table.
4-Ingredient Oven Baked Labor Day Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
8 dry uncooked lasagna noodles
1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
1 container (8 ounces) whipped topping, thawed
1/2 cup cinnamon sugar
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch oven-safe glass baking dish.
2. Spread a thin layer of apple pie filling on the bottom of the dish, then arrange a single layer of dry lasagna noodles over it, breaking noodles as needed to fit.
3. Spread half of the whipped topping over the noodles as evenly as you can, then spoon over half of the remaining apple pie filling and sprinkle with some of the cinnamon sugar.
4. Repeat with another layer of noodles, the rest of the whipped topping, the rest of the apple pie filling, and the remaining cinnamon sugar.
5. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the noodles are tender when pierced and the dessert is bubbling around the edges.
6. Remove the foil and bake 5 to 10 minutes more to lightly set the top. Let the dessert rest for at least 20 minutes before serving so it slices more neatly.
Variations & Tips
Cherry version: Swap the apple pie filling for cherry pie filling for a brighter color and a sweeter, more classic dessert-bar flavor that kids usually love.
Cool and slice tip: If you want cleaner squares for a party table, let the dessert cool completely and chill it for an hour before slicing. The layers will hold together better.
Extra cozy flavor: A light sprinkle of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice mixed into the cinnamon sugar gives this dessert a warm holiday-weekend flavor without changing the simple method.
For picky eaters: If your family prefers a smoother texture, chop the fruit pieces in the pie filling before layering so every bite is softer and more even.