‘Cozy Staple’: Just 4 ingredients. I bake this constantly during New Year season.

This 4-ingredient cinnamon apple cobbler is one of those cozy, no-fuss desserts that feels like a hug at the end of a long day. It’s inspired by the simple fruit cobblers many of us grew up with in the Midwest—where you let the apples and cinnamon do most of the work and rely on pantry staples to bring it all together. You don’t need any special skills or fancy equipment, just a baking dish and a few basics. It’s the kind of recipe you can throw together while the kids finish homework or while a pot of chili simmers on the stove, and it comes out bubbling, golden, and smelling like fall no matter what the calendar says. This is a great one to make when you want something warm and homemade, but don’t have the time or energy for a big baking project.

This cinnamon apple cobbler is lovely served warm, scooped into bowls. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top makes it feel extra special, especially for a Sunday night treat. If you’re serving it after dinner, it pairs nicely with simple, homey meals like roast chicken, pork chops, or a big pot of soup and crusty bread. For brunch, you can serve smaller portions alongside scrambled eggs and bacon as a sweet little add-on. If you have leftovers, warm them gently in the microwave the next morning and spoon over a bit of plain yogurt for a cozy, not-too-sweet breakfast.

Servings: 6

6 medium apples (about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges. Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick so they soften nicely while baking.

Season the apples: Place the apple slices directly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the apples and toss gently with clean hands or a spoon to coat the slices as evenly as you can. Spread the apples back out into an even layer.

Add the cake mix: Sprinkle the dry yellow cake mix evenly over the cinnamon-coated apples. Try to cover as much of the fruit as possible, breaking up any large clumps with your fingers.

Add the butter: Slowly drizzle the melted butter over the top of the cake mix, trying to moisten as much of the surface as you can. It’s okay if some dry spots remain; the juices from the apples will help hydrate those areas as it bakes.

Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges. Thicker apple slices may need a few extra minutes.

Cool and serve: Let the cobbler rest for about 10–15 minutes after taking it out of the oven. This helps the juices thicken slightly and makes it easier to scoop. Serve warm, on its own or with ice cream or whipped cream.