The topping is truly the star of this Deep Dish Apple Crisp. A harmonious mix of buttery cake mix, oats, and crunchy walnuts transforms into a golden, crumbly crust that perfectly balances the sweet, spiced apples below. Each spoonful delivers a delightful contrast between the warm, gooey apple filling and the crispy, nutty topping. The rich, buttery flavor and texture create a satisfying bite, reminiscent of a traditional apple pie but with a unique, easy-to-make twist.
Ingredients:
- PAM® Baking Spray
- 1 package (15.25 oz) Duncan Hines® Classic Yellow Cake Mix
- 1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats
- 1 cup chopped black walnuts (or use pecans for a milder flavor)
- 3/4 cup butter, melted
- 2 cans (21 oz each) Duncan Hines® Comstock® Original Country Apple Pie Filling & Topping
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a deep 13×9-inch baking dish with PAM® Baking Spray to prevent sticking and ensure a golden, crisp bottom layer.
- Add the Filling: Spread the two cans of Duncan Hines® Comstock® Apple Pie Filling evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. The sweet apple mixture will serve as a juicy, spiced base layer.
- Make the Topping: In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, rolled oats, and chopped walnuts. Stir until all ingredients are well blended. The cake mix provides a soft, crumbly texture, while the oats and walnuts add crunch and depth to the crisp topping.
- Add the Butter: Pour the melted butter over the dry topping mixture and mix until the ingredients are well coated and clumps form. This buttery topping will melt into the apples as it bakes, creating a rich, golden crust.
- Assemble the Crisp: Spread the topping mixture evenly over the apple filling in the baking dish. Try to cover the apples as much as possible for a uniform, crisp layer.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly around the edges. For an extra-crispy top, bake for an additional 5 minutes.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the crisp to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. The filling will thicken slightly as it cools, and the flavors will meld. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.