3-Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe

Easy 3-Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe: Sweet Autumn Delight

Three-ingredient apple pie cake reimagines ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary dessert that defies kitchen complexity.

Minimal effort meets maximum flavor in this surprisingly delectable creation.

Sweet, aromatic apples merge seamlessly with pantry staples to produce a magical treat.

Comfort baking reaches new heights through this ingenious recipe that simplifies traditional pie techniques.

Rich cinnamon undertones weave through each tender, moist bite, promising pure culinary satisfaction.

Casual gatherings or spontaneous dessert cravings will never be the same with this game-changing confection.

What Goes Best with a Slice of Apple Pie Cake

  • Pair with Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream alongside the warm apple pie cake. The cold, smooth ice cream melts slightly on the warm cake, creating a delightful contrast in temperatures and textures.
  • Match with Cinnamon Coffee: Brew a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee to complement the apple and cake flavors. The warm spices in the coffee will enhance the sweet apple notes and provide a cozy drinking experience.
  • Enjoy with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle rich, buttery caramel sauce over each slice for an extra layer of decadence. The caramel's sweetness will amplify the apple and cake's natural sugars, creating a more indulgent dessert.
  • Serve with Whipped Cream: Top the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. Its light, airy texture and subtle sweetness will balance the dense cake and add a luxurious finishing touch.

Flavor Additions That Take It Up a Notch

Flavor Additions That Take It Up a Notch
  • Fruity Fusion: Swap apple pie filling with cherry or peach pie filling for a vibrant color and different flavor profile.
  • Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking to add texture and rich, earthy notes.
  • Spiced Warmth: Mix in ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of cardamom to enhance the cake's aromatic depth and create a cozy autumn feel.
  • Caramel Drizzle: After cooling, pour warm caramel sauce over the cake for an indulgent, gooey finish that elevates the simple dessert.

Why Apple Pie Cake Is Your Shortcut to Autumn Bliss

Why Apple Pie Cake Is Your Shortcut to Autumn Bliss
  • Whip Up Effortless Elegance: This recipe transforms basic ingredients into a stunning dessert with minimal effort, perfect for busy bakers who want maximum taste with minimal time investment.
  • Savor Simple Sweetness: Bursting with apple pie filling and tender cake texture, this dessert delivers nostalgic comfort without complicated techniques, making it a crowd-pleasing treat for any gathering.
  • Customize with Ease: The straightforward recipe allows for creative twists like adding cinnamon, nuts, or a drizzle of caramel, giving home bakers the freedom to personalize their delightful creation.
  • Quick Comfort on a Plate: Ready in under an hour, this three-ingredient cake provides a speedy solution for sudden dessert cravings, delivering warm, homemade goodness without hours of preparation.

Three Simple Ingredients, One Comforting Cake

Main Ingredients:

Yellow Cake Mix: -Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the base and structure for the cake, offering a sweet and tender foundation for the dessert.

Apple Pie Filling: -Apple Pie Filling: Delivers rich apple flavor and moisture, creating a ready-to-use fruity component for the recipe.

Eggs: -Eggs: Bind the ingredients together, add richness, and help create a smooth, cohesive texture.

Optional Topping:

Powdered Sugar: -Powdered Sugar: Light dusting adds a sweet finishing touch and makes the dessert look more elegant.

Baking Essentials:

Baking Dish: -Baking Dish: 9×13-inch size perfect for even baking and easy serving of the cake.

Cooking Spray or Butter: -Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the cake doesnt stick to the baking dish and helps with easy removal.

How to Whip Up Apple Pie Cake in Just Minutes

How to Whip Up Apple Pie Cake in Just Minutes

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Lightly grease the pan to ensure your cake slides out perfectly.

Step 2: Mix Apple Goodness

Grab a mixing bowl and combine:
  • Apple pie filling
  • Eggs

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended and looking delicious.

Step 3: Add Cake Mix Magic

Pour in the yellow cake mix and stir gently. Mix until the ingredients are just combined – don’t overmix! You want a smooth, consistent batter that’s not too tough.

Step 4: Prepare For Baking

Transfer the batter into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly across the pan, making sure it reaches all the corners.

Step 5: Bake To Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 6: Cool And Serve

Let the cake cool completely before cutting. This helps it set and makes slicing easier. Slice into squares and enjoy your simple, delightful dessert!

Quick Tips for Making the Most of a Minimalist Dessert

Quick Tips for Making the Most of a Minimalist Dessert
  • Boost Flavor Depth: Use homemade apple pie filling or high-quality canned filling for richer taste.
  • Prevent Sticking: Line the baking dish with parchment paper for easy removal and clean slicing.
  • Enhance Texture: Gently fold ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense and tough.
  • Add Warmth Dimension: Sprinkle ground cinnamon or nutmeg into the batter for extra aromatic warmth.
  • Create Impressive Finish: Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a stunning presentation.

How to Store Leftovers So It Tastes Fresh Again

How to Store Leftovers So It Tastes Fresh Again
  • Refrigeration: Store leftover apple pie cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent moisture loss and protect its soft texture.
  • Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until heated through. For a crispier top, use the oven by placing slices on a baking sheet and warming at 325°F for 5-7 minutes. Avoid overheating to maintain the cake's delicate moisture and prevent dryness.
  • Freezing: Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying, and gently reheat using microwave or oven method.
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3-Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe

3-Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 27 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Simple Apple Pie Cake brings comfort and elegance to classic desserts with minimal ingredients. Bakers can quickly create this delightful treat that combines the warmth of traditional pie with the ease of cake, offering you a delicious slice of homemade happiness.


Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients:

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

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and meticulously coat a 9×13-inch (23×33 centimeters) baking dish with a thin layer of butter or non-stick cooking spray.
  2. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently fold together the entire can of apple pie filling with two large eggs, ensuring the ingredients are thoroughly integrated but not overmixed.
  3. Gradually introduce the yellow cake mix to the apple and egg mixture, stirring with deliberate strokes until the dry and wet ingredients are just combined, avoiding excessive stirring that could create a tough texture.
  4. Transfer the completed batter into the prepared baking dish, using a silicone spatula to distribute the mixture evenly across the surface, creating a smooth and uniform layer.
  5. Carefully place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, periodically checking the cake’s doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center; the toothpick should emerge without any raw batter clinging to it.
  6. Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature for approximately 45-60 minutes, which helps the cake set and makes slicing easier.
  7. After cooling, slice the cake into square or rectangular portions and serve directly from the baking dish, optionally garnishing with a light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • Dust with powdered sugar or top with vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
  • Use canned apple pie filling for convenience or homemade filling for a fresher taste.
  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like spice or white cake for unique variations.
  • Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or quick dessert cravings with minimal preparation.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 24g
  • Sodium: 390mg
  • Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
Julian Park

Julian Park

Co-Founder, Cuisine Researcher & Food Culture Writer

Expertise

  • Global Food Cultures & Culinary History
  • Regional Flavor Profiles & Cooking Techniques
  • Food Anthropology & Cultural Identity
  • Culinary Research & Narrative Writing
  • Street Food Traditions & Heritage Dishes

Education

The Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), Los Angeles, CA

  • Degree: Certificate in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Professional culinary techniques, global cuisine fundamentals, and real-world training in restaurant-style cooking and food presentation.

Julian Park is a natural storyteller at The Dream Café who blends hands-on culinary experience with a passion for exploring global food traditions. A graduate of The Institute of Culinary Education in Los Angeles, Julian combines professional technique with a love for cultural discovery, diving into how dishes reflect heritage, migration, and identity. 

His work spans everything from in-depth cuisine guides to reflections on everyday meals around the world. With a curious palate and a journal always close by, Julian helps readers connect with food in a way that feels so insightful and personal.

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