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

• For extra-cozy spice: Add 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves along with the cinnamon. If your family loves spice, you can bump the cinnamon up to 3 teaspoons. • For kids who are picky about texture: Slice the apples very thin or even chop them into small cubes so they soften more and feel less noticeable. You can also peel them very thoroughly to avoid any chewy bits of skin. • Sweeter or less sweet: If your apples are very tart (like Granny Smith), sprinkle 2–3 tablespoons of sugar over the apples with the cinnamon. If your crew prefers less sweetness, you can use only 3/4 of the cake mix instead of the whole box. • Different fruits: Swap half the apples for sliced pears or frozen berries for a fun twist. If using frozen fruit, don’t thaw first; just toss with the cinnamon and bake as directed, adding 5–10 extra minutes if needed. • Butter pattern trick: If you don’t want to melt the butter, slice it very thinly and lay the slices over the dry cake mix like shingles. This helps cover more surface area and gives a more even, crispy top. • Make-ahead tip: You can peel and slice the apples earlier in the day and toss them with the cinnamon, then cover and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add the cake mix and butter and pop it in the oven. • Gluten-free option: Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix in place of the regular one. Everything else stays the same, so it’s an easy swap if you’re cooking for someone with dietary needs.