This 6-ingredient oven baked shredded wheat dessert is the kind of easy pantry recipe that feels almost too simple to work, but it comes out sweet, buttery, and irresistible every time. Using dry uncooked frosted shredded wheat cereal as the base gives it a crisp, layered texture that bakes up a little like a shortcut crumble bar or cereal crisp. It is a great option for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or those times when you want to make something homemade without a long prep list.
Serve this dessert warm on its own, or spoon it into bowls with vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping. It also pairs nicely with fresh berries to balance the sweetness, and if you are putting out a dessert spread, it fits right in next to coffee, hot chocolate, or a simple glass of cold milk.
6-Ingredient Oven Baked Shredded Wheat Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
6 cups dry uncooked frosted shredded wheat cereal, lightly crushed
1 can (21 ounces) apple pie filling
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup chopped pecans
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a dark roasting pan or 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly across the bottom of the pan.
3. In a large bowl, toss the crushed frosted shredded wheat cereal with the melted butter, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and chopped pecans until the cereal is lightly coated.
4. Sprinkle the cereal mixture evenly over the apple filling, covering the top without pressing down too firmly.
5. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
6. Let the dessert cool for 10 minutes before scooping and serving warm.
Variations & Tips
Cherry Version: Swap the apple pie filling for cherry pie filling if you want a brighter, fruitier flavor. The sweet frosted cereal works especially well with tart cherries.
Nut-Free Option: Leave out the pecans if needed. The topping will still bake up crisp and delicious, especially if you make sure the cereal is evenly coated with the butter mixture.
Make-Ahead Tip: You can mix the topping a few hours ahead and keep it covered at room temperature. When life gets busy, having that part done makes assembling dessert after dinner feel a lot easier.
Extra Crunch: For more texture, reserve a small handful of dry crushed cereal and sprinkle it over the top during the last 5 minutes of baking so it stays especially crisp.
Serving Tip: This dessert is sweetest right out of the pan while still warm. If you are serving guests, I like to set out ice cream or whipped topping and let everyone build their own bowl.