Apple Crunch Dessert

Prep: 10 min Cook: 45 min Serves: 8 Cuisine: American

A warm, comforting apple dessert topped with crunchy pecan streusel, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights, blending sweet apple filling with buttery cake crumble.

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Ingredients

  • 1 box Betty Crocker butter pecan cake mix (dry)
  • 1 stick margarine
  • 1/2 cup pecans (optional)
  • 2 cans apple pie filling (in thick syrup)

Instructions

  1. In a 9 x 12-inch cake pan, pour in the apple pie filling.
  2. Spread the entire box of cake mix evenly over the pie filling.
  3. Melt the margarine and pour it over the cake mix layer.
  4. Bake in a 350°F oven for 40 to 45 minutes.
  5. During the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle chopped pecans on top.

Tips & Substitutions

For a richer flavor, consider using a flavored cake mix like spice or yellow instead of butter pecan. If you're short on time, you can opt for homemade apple pie filling or even use fresh apples with sugar and cinnamon. To enhance texture, add oats to the cake mix before layering it on top. This dessert is also great served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this delicious Apple Crunch Dessert warm, optionally topped with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. It pairs beautifully with Scalloped Gouda Potatoes as part of a comforting meal. For a lovely brunch, consider serving it alongside Harbin'S Macaroni And Cheese and a fresh fruit salad.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place individual servings in the microwave for about 30 seconds or until warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until the top is crispy again.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Apple Crunch Dessert contains roughly 423 calories, with 1g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 36g fat.

423 kcal 21% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 1.3g 3% DV
Total Fat 35.5g 46% DV
Carbs 27.9g 10% DV
Fiber 2.2g 8% DV
Sugar 14.3g 29% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 139.4mg 6% DV
Potassium 98.8mg 2% DV
Cholesterol 45mg 15% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 2.4mcg
Vitamin C 1.8mg 2% DV
Calcium 13.2mg 1% DV
Iron 0.6mg 3% DV
Contains Milk Tree nuts

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of fruit filling?

Absolutely! While apple pie filling is traditional, feel free to experiment with other fruit fillings like cherry or peach. Just be mindful of the sweetness level, as some fillings may be sweeter than others, which could affect the overall flavor of the dessert.

Can I make this dessert ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the layers in advance! Assemble the dessert in the pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just remember to remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this Apple Crunch Dessert is suitable for vegetarians as it contains no meat or animal-derived ingredients besides margarine. However, if you're looking for a vegan option, you can substitute the margarine with a plant-based butter alternative and ensure your cake mix is free of animal products.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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