Oven-Baked 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Crisp

When you want a warm homemade dessert without a lot of prep, this 4-Ingredient Caramel Apple Crisp is an easy choice. Apple pie filling, caramel candies, yellow cake mix, and butter come together in one baking dish for a golden, buttery topping and warm caramel apple filling.

Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an easy dessert that’s perfect for weeknights, family dinners, or casual gatherings.

 

Ingredients

• 2 cans apple pie filling, about 21 ounces each
• 1 box yellow cake mix, about 15.25 ounces
• 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 24 whole unwrapped caramel squares

 

How to Make It

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch or similar casserole dish.
2. Spread the apple pie filling evenly in the bottom of the dish.
3. Scatter the caramel squares over the apples.
4. Sprinkle the dry cake mix evenly over the top.
5. Drizzle the melted butter over the cake mix, covering as much of the surface as possible.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes, until the top is golden and the filling is hot and bubbling around the edges.
7. Let the crisp rest for about 10 minutes before serving.

 

Tips & Variations

• Add cinnamon: Sprinkle 1–2 teaspoons over the apple filling for extra warmth.
• Use spice cake mix: Swap the yellow cake mix for spice cake mix for a more pronounced fall flavor.
• Drizzle the butter evenly: This helps the cake mix bake into a more consistent topping.
• Serve warm: Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream pairs especially well with the warm caramel and apples.
• For leftovers: Refrigerate and gently reheat individual portions before serving.

 

FAQs

1. Can I use spice cake mix?
   Yes. It works as a simple substitute for yellow cake mix.
2. Can I make this ahead?
   Yes. You can prepare and bake it ahead, then refrigerate and reheat portions when needed.
3. Why is my topping dry in places?
   The butter may not have reached all of the dry cake mix. Drizzle it slowly and evenly over the entire surface.
4. How should I serve it?
   It’s especially good warm with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a cup of coffee.

 

Final Thoughts

This Oven-Baked Caramel Apple Crisp keeps dessert simple with just four main ingredients. With warm apples, melted caramel, and a buttery golden topping, it’s an easy treat to bring to the table without spending hours in the kitchen.