Sweet & Simple 3-Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe for Beginners

Baking a delightful apple cake with just three ingredients sounds like a dream come true.

This surprisingly simple apple cake recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Whipping up this three-ingredient apple cake takes less than an hour from start to finish.

The magic happens when basic pantry staples combine to create a moist, tender dessert that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ripe, juicy apples provide natural sweetness and incredible texture to this effortless treat.

Home bakers of all skill levels can master this foolproof recipe in no time.

Serve this warm, rustic cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an irresistible afternoon indulgence.

Storing It Right for Next-Day Cravings

• Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Wrap the cooled cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness for up to 4 days at room temperature.
• Freezing Magic: Slice the cake into individual portions, place wax paper between layers, and freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container for convenient grab-and-go treats lasting up to 3 months.
• Temperature Tricks: Always let the cake cool completely before storing to prevent condensation that could make the texture soggy and compromise its delightful texture.
• Serving Suggestions: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 230 kcal

Servings: 9

What You’ll Need for 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake

• Yellow Cake Mix: Provides a quick, foolproof foundation with pre-measured dry ingredients that ensures consistent texture and sweet vanilla undertones.
• Eggs: Binds ingredients together, adds richness, and creates a smooth, fluffy structure for the cake.

• Apple Pie Filling: Delivers concentrated apple flavor, natural sweetness, and pre-spiced fruit that eliminates complex chopping and preparation steps.

• Large Eggs: Select fresh, room-temperature eggs for optimal mixing and even cake structure, ensuring a light and tender crumb.
• Yellow Cake Mix: Choose name-brand mixes for reliable performance, checking package freshness and avoiding expired products.
• Apple Pie Filling: Opt for high-quality brands with visible apple chunks and balanced spice levels, avoiding overly syrupy or artificial-tasting options.

Tools for Simplicity & Sweet Success

• 9×13-inch baking dish: Essential for baking the cake, provides perfect size and shape.
• Mixing bowl: Large enough to combine ingredients smoothly and easily.
• Whisk or spatula: Great for mixing cake mix and apple pie filling without overmixing.
• Measuring cups: Ensures accurate ingredient proportions for consistent results.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing for moist crumbs.
• Cooling rack: Allows cake to cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.

Easy Instructions for This Apple Cake Wonder

• Oven Warmup

Crank up the oven to create a toasty baking environment. Prepare a spacious baking dish with a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

• Fruity Base

Grab a mixing bowl and blend the sweet apple pie filling with fresh eggs, creating a luscious foundation for your dessert. The mixture should look smooth and inviting.

• Cake Magic

Sprinkle the yellow cake mix into the bowl, gently folding everything together. Don’t overmix – you want a soft, tender texture that promises deliciousness.

• Pan Preparation

Transfer the batter into the greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Ensure the surface looks smooth and appetizing.

• Baking Moment

Slide the dish into the warm oven and let the magic happen. After about 30-35 minutes, your cake will transform into a golden, fragrant treat. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

• Cooling and Serving

Allow the cake to rest and cool completely. This helps the flavors settle and makes slicing easier. Cut into generous squares and enjoy the simple, comforting dessert that combines the best of cake and pie.

Apple Swaps, Spice Tips & More

• Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for a warm, aromatic twist that enhances the apple flavor and adds depth to each bite.
• Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans before baking to create a delightful texture contrast and introduce a rich, toasted element to the dessert.
• Top the cooled cake with a simple cream cheese glaze or vanilla drizzle to elevate the sweetness and make the dessert look even more tempting.
• Experiment by mixing in other pie fillings like cherry or blueberry for a colorful variation that keeps the recipe exciting and unexpected.

Sweet Ways to Serve Apple Pie Cake

• Cool Cream Companion: Top each slice with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combo that melts perfectly into the warm cake.
• Caramel Drizzle Delight: Enhance the apple pie cake with a rich caramel sauce zigzagged over the top, adding a sweet and indulgent touch that complements the fruity base.
• Nutty Crunch Topper: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the cake for a delightful textural contrast and a subtle nutty flavor that elevates the entire dessert experience.
• Whipped Cream Wonder: Dollop fresh whipped cream on each slice, creating a light and airy complement to the dense, fruity cake that looks as good as it tastes.

Effortless Apple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Homemade 3-ingredient apple cake delivers classic comfort with minimal effort. Simple ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a delightful dessert you can enjoy with morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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Ingredients

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• 1 box yellow cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
• 1 can apple pie filling (21 oz / 595 g)
• 4 large eggs

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Warm the oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Mixing: Combine apple pie filling and eggs in a large bowl, blending thoroughly until ingredients are smoothly integrated, then fold in the yellow cake mix with gentle strokes until just combined.
3. Baking: Pour the batter into the prepared dish, spreading evenly with a spatula, and bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
4. Cooling and Serving: Allow the cake to rest at room temperature for 45-60 minutes until completely cooled, then slice into portions and garnish with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream if desired.

Notes

• Prevent Overmixing: Stir cake mix gently to avoid a dense, tough cake texture that can result from aggressive mixing.
• Toothpick Test Technique: Always check cake doneness by inserting a clean toothpick in the center; it should come out clean without raw batter for perfect baking.
• Cooling is Crucial: Let the cake cool completely for 45-60 minutes at room temperature to ensure proper setting and easier, cleaner slicing.
• Serving Suggestion: Enhance the simple dessert with a light powdered sugar dusting or whipped cream topping for added flavor and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 230
• Sugar: 16 g
• Sodium: 330 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg