Name: Easy Fruit Cobbler
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 can Pie Filling (Use your favorite flavor, opened and ready to spread.); 1 box Jiffy Golden Yellow Cake Mix (Dry, do not mix with liquids.); 1/2 stick Butter (Chilled or room temperature, thinly sliced.); 1 tablespoon Sugar (Granulated sugar for sprinkling on top, adjust to taste.); 1/2 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (Optional or more to preference.); 1 can Non-stick Cooking Spray (To grease the baking dish before assembling.)

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Creamy fruit filling, a golden crunchy topping, and warm aromas that fill the kitchen — this Easy Fruit Cobbler Recipe is pure comfort in a pan. Ready in under an hour and built on pantry staples, it’s the kind of dessert that comes together fast when unexpected guests arrive or when you want a cozy family treat. Fun fact: cobblers are said to have originated from early American settlers who improvised with pie-like fillings and biscuit toppings, so you’re enjoying a little piece of history with every spoonful.

This recipe is wonderfully simple, forgiving for beginners, and endlessly adaptable to the fruit you have on hand. If you want more variations or a deeper tutorial, check out our detailed fruit cobbler recipe guide for tips and inspiration. Whether you’re baking for a weeknight dessert or a weekend potluck, this cobbler hits the spot and keeps cleanup minimal. Let’s get excited — you’re about to make something delicious!

What is Easy Fruit Cobbler Recipe?

Why call it “Easy Fruit Cobbler”? Is it easy on the eyes, easy on the wallet, or easy to eat? All of the above! Imagine juicy fruit bubbling beneath a buttery, cake-like crust — simple ingredients, zero fuss, big flavor. Someone once joked that the name likely came from the “cobbled” together nature of the topping: quick cake mix on top of fruit — convenient and charming.

There’s a reason Grandma always said “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” A warm cobbler will win people over fast, and this version does it with minimal effort. Give it a try and see why this easy cobbler becomes a favorite at every table.

Why You’ll Love This:

This cobbler is irresistible for three big reasons:

Comforting contrast: juicy, spiced fruit filling pairs with a buttery, slightly crisp top for a perfect warm-and-cold texture combo that’s cozy and indulgent.
Budget-friendly and quick: made with canned pie filling and a boxed cake mix, this dessert stretches ingredients and time — great for feeding families without breaking the bank.
Flavor boosters: a sprinkle of sugar and cinnamon on top adds caramelized sweetness and warm spice that lifts the whole dish. Top with vanilla ice cream for a classic finish that’s hard to beat.

If you enjoy our other desserts, like the blog’s skillet cobbler, you’ll find this version just as satisfying but even faster. Go ahead — make it tonight and taste the comfort.

How to Make:

Quick Overview

This recipe is remarkably easy: you layer canned fruit, sprinkle dry cake mix, add slices of butter, and bake. The texture is a lovely mix of saucy fruit base and a golden, cake-like topping with buttery pockets. Total time is about 35–45 minutes including baking — prep is under 10 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous dessert cravings.

Approximate time: Prep 8–10 minutes, Bake 25–35 minutes, Total 35–45 minutes.

Ingredients

1 can pie filling (for 8×8″ pan) — use your favorite flavor, opened and ready to spread
2 cans pie filling (for 9×13″ pan) — if using a larger pan, use both cans and spread evenly
1 box Jiffy Golden Yellow Cake Mix (for 8×8″ pan) — dry, do not mix with liquids
2 boxes Jiffy Golden Yellow Cake Mix (for 9×13″ pan) — dry, reserve for topping
1/2 stick butter (for 8×8″ pan) — chilled or room temperature, thinly sliced
3/4 stick butter (for 9×13″ pan) — chilled or room temperature, thinly sliced
Sugar, to taste — granulated sugar for sprinkling on top, about 1–2 tablespoons
Ground cinnamon, to taste — about 1/2 teaspoon, optional or more to preference
Non-stick cooking spray (like PAM) — to grease the baking dish before assembling

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F.
Spray the inside of your baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Spread canned pie filling evenly in the bottom of the pan. Make sure the layer is level so the topping bakes evenly.
Sprinkle dry cake mix over the fruit filling in an even layer. Do not mix the cake mix into the fruit — this is the dry topping that will crisp as it bakes.
Place thin slices of butter evenly across the top of the dry cake mix. Distribute the butter so every section gets some; this melts into the mix and makes the topping golden and rich.
Sprinkle sugar and ground cinnamon over the entire top for added sweetness and flavor. Start with 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and adjust to taste.
Bake for 25–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly around the edges. Check at 25 minutes for the 8×8″ pan; larger pans may need the full time.
Allow to cool slightly. Once cooled slightly, enjoy warm and, if desired, top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Easy Fruit Cobbler Recipe

What to Serve With:

Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream — classic and cooling against the warm cobbler
A drizzle of caramel or warm custard — adds richness for special occasions
Fresh berries or sliced seasonal fruit — brighten the plate and add freshness
Coffee, black tea, or a sweet dessert wine — pair drinks to match the sweetness and warmth of the cobbler

Top Tips for Perfecting:

Ingredient substitutions: Use fresh fruit (about 4 cups) with 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch if you prefer to skip canned filling. Adjust baking time slightly if using fresh fruit.
Butter distribution: Thin slices melt faster and more evenly than chunks; room-temperature butter helps spread flavor quickly.
Timing adjustments: If the topping browns too fast, tent loosely with foil for the remaining bake time.
Flavor enhancements: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract to the fruit filling for deeper flavor.
Common mistakes to avoid: Don’t stir the cake mix into the fruit — the dry layer is essential for the crisp topping. Also avoid overbaking; check for bubbling edges and a golden top.

Storing and Reheating Tips:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat single servings in the microwave for 20–40 seconds until warm.
Freezing: Freeze cooled cobbler in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes to revive the crust.
Best reheating method: For best texture, reheat individual portions in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes or until warmed through. This preserves the topping’s crispness better than the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use fresh fruit instead of canned pie filling?
Yes. Use about 4 cups of sliced fresh fruit with 1/3 cup sugar and 1 tablespoon cornstarch to thicken. Toss fruit and sugar mixture before placing in the pan.

Do I have to use Jiffy cake mix?
No — any yellow cake mix works. The Jiffy brand is simply a budget-friendly option known for a consistent result.

Can I make this cobbler gluten-free?
You can substitute a gluten-free cake mix and ensure your pie filling is gluten-free. Texture may vary slightly.

How do I prevent the topping from getting soggy?
Make sure butter slices are evenly distributed and bake until the edges bubble; this helps evaporate excess liquid. Tent foil if the top browns too quickly.

Is it possible to reduce sugar in this recipe?
Yes — choose a reduced-sugar pie filling and sprinkle less sugar on top. Adding a tart fruit like cherries or berries can balance sweetness naturally.

Conclusion

This Easy Fruit Cobbler Recipe is a fail-safe crowd-pleaser: fast to assemble, budget-friendly, and irresistibly comforting. It’s forgiving for beginners and customizable for home cooks who like to tweak flavors. Serve warm with ice cream, share with loved ones, and enjoy the cozy satisfaction of homemade dessert. For another reliable cobbler approach with extra tips, check out No-Fail Fruit Cobbler – Pear Tree Kitchen.