You can cook the pie filling if you want it softer. Just pop it in the microwave for a few minutes or cook in a saucepan until it softens up. You can add the Kashi when serving if you are worried about it getting too soft. It you want that crunch from it this is the way to go. Or just add more when you serve. I have the smaller Cuisinart ice cream machine and this leaks over a tad. So if you have the same one feel free to scoop out a serving of ice cream before adding pie filling and cereal. I have a tendency to overdo things.