When I need an easy dessert that feels a little homey without making a big mess in the kitchen, this 4-ingredient baked apple dessert is exactly the kind of recipe I reach for. Using canned sliced apples in water keeps it budget-friendly and convenient, and the whole thing comes together with a simple dump-and-bake method that works well on a busy weeknight or when you want something warm and sweet for company without much effort.
This dessert is especially good served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoonful of whipped topping so the cool creaminess melts into the soft baked apples. If you want to round it out for a casual gathering, serve it alongside coffee, hot cider, or chai tea, and for a brunch table it also pairs nicely with breakfast casseroles, sausage links, or a simple fruit spread.
4-Ingredient Oven Baked Sliced Apple Dessert
Servings: 8
Ingredients
2 cans (15 ounces each) sliced apples in water, undrained
1 box (about 15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
Directions
1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch oven-safe metal baking pan if desired for easier cleanup.
2. Dump the canned sliced apples with their water into the baking pan and spread them out into an even layer.
3. Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the apples, then dust the cinnamon across the top.
4. Drizzle the melted butter as evenly as possible over the top, covering as much of the dry mix as you can.
5. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until the top is golden and the apples are bubbly around the edges. Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving.
Variations & Tips
Add nuts: For a little crunch, sprinkle 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake mix before adding the butter. It gives the topping a nice texture and makes it feel a bit more holiday-style.
Use apple pie spice: If you have apple pie spice on hand, swap it for the cinnamon for a warmer flavor. A little nutmeg and allspice work really well with the canned apples.
Make it less sweet: Since this is a simple sweet dessert, using apples packed in water instead of syrup helps keep the flavor balanced. If your cake mix runs sweet, serve smaller portions with unsweetened whipped cream or plain Greek yogurt on the side.
Help the topping brown evenly: If you notice dry patches after baking, next time try drizzling the butter more slowly and thoroughly across the top. You can also gently shake the pan before baking so the butter settles into more of the dry mix.
Make-ahead tip: This dessert is best warm, but you can bake it a few hours ahead and reheat it loosely covered in the oven. That makes it really practical when you're trying to juggle dinner, guests, and dessert all at once.