3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Recipe

Foolproof 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Recipe for Beginners

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and warm apple pie cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every bite.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance alongside nostalgic flavors waiting to be recreated.

Simple ingredients combine magically, turning basic pantry staples into something extraordinary.

Baking doesn’t require complicated techniques or professional skills – just enthusiasm and three humble components.

Minimal effort guarantees maximum deliciousness with this foolproof dessert.

Crisp edges and tender center will make you the star of any gathering.

Prepare to experience a dessert that feels like a warm hug from your favorite baker.

Why 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Is A Must-Try

Why 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Is A Must-Try
  • Boost Family Fun: This delightful dessert brings everyone together with its simple preparation and crowd-pleasing flavor, making it perfect for family gatherings or casual weekend treats.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: With just three ingredients, this recipe eliminates complicated shopping lists and reduces kitchen stress, allowing even novice bakers to create a delicious dessert confidently.
  • Quick Comfort Baking: Requiring minimal prep time and basic mixing skills, this apple pie cake delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort, transforming ordinary ingredients into a warm, inviting dessert that feels like a homemade hug.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Suitable for potlucks, casual celebrations, or spontaneous sweet cravings, this cake adapts to various occasions while delivering consistent, delicious results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

What You’ll Use For Apple Pie Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • Apple Pie Filling: A sweet and spiced mixture of cooked apples that provides the primary fruit flavor and moisture to the cake.
  • Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help create a light, fluffy texture for the cake.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Provides the base structure and sweetness for the simple dessert.
Baking Essentials:
  • Baking Pan: A 9×13-inch pan that allows the cake to bake evenly and creates the perfect rectangular shape.
Optional Finishing Touches:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Helps prevent the cake from sticking to the baking pan and ensures easy removal.

How To Make 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Fast

How To Make 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Fast

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready for baking magic.

Step 2: Mix Apple Goodness

Grab a spacious mixing bowl and toss in:
  • Apple pie filling
  • Eggs

Whisk these together until the eggs dance smoothly throughout the filling.

Step 3: Blend Cake Magic

Pour the yellow cake mix into the bowl. Stir everything until ingredients become best friends – a slightly thick batter is totally normal.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Vessel

Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan, making sure every corner is slick and ready.

Step 5: Pour And Spread

Transfer the batter into the pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for consistent baking.

Step 6: Bake To Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes, watching for that golden-brown signal of deliciousness.

Step 7: Test For Doneness

Poke a toothpick into the cake’s center. If it comes out clean, your cake is ready to rock!

Step 8: Cool And Serve

Let the cake rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Enjoy this ridiculously easy dessert that’ll make everyone think you’re a baking superstar.

Best Tips For 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake

Best Tips For 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake
  • Swap canned apple pie filling with fresh chopped apples for a more homemade taste and reduced sugar content.
  • Enhance the cake's moisture by adding a splash of vanilla extract or ground cinnamon to the batter for extra flavor depth.
  • Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix to make this dessert suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar or top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful serving suggestion.
  • Check the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick at multiple points to ensure even baking throughout the pan.

Creative Variations For Apple Pie Cake

  • Rustic Caramel Apple Cake: Drizzle caramel sauce over the cake before baking and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a rich, nutty flavor profile.
  • Cinnamon Spice Apple Cake: Mix ground cinnamon and nutmeg into the cake batter for a warm, aromatic dessert that enhances the apple's natural sweetness.
  • Streusel-Topped Apple Cake: Create a crumbly topping using butter, flour, brown sugar, and additional chopped nuts to add texture and depth to the simple cake.
  • Cream Cheese Frosted Apple Cake: Prepare a quick cream cheese frosting with powdered sugar and spread over the cooled cake for a tangy, smooth finish.

Tasty Pairings With Apple Pie Cake Treats

  • Pair with Creamy Vanilla Ice Cream: Scoop a generous dollop of cold, smooth vanilla ice cream alongside the warm apple pie cake, creating a delightful temperature and flavor contrast that melts in your mouth.
  • Complement with Cinnamon Spice Tea: Brew a hot cup of cinnamon-infused tea that echoes the warm, comforting spices in the apple pie cake, enhancing the dessert's cozy autumn-like essence.
  • Match with Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle rich, golden caramel sauce over each slice, adding a luxurious sweetness that intensifies the apple and cake flavors, making each bite more indulgent.

How To Keep Apple Pie Cake Fresh And Soft

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Slice the cake into individual portions, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
  • Keep at room temperature for 1-2 days in a covered cake carrier if the room is cool and dry. Avoid leaving out for longer to prevent spoilage.
  • Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. For a crisp texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes, which helps restore the cake's original moisture and warmth.

FAQ Guide For 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake

  • Can I use homemade apple pie filling instead of canned?

Yes, you can substitute homemade apple pie filling. Just ensure it has a similar consistency and sweetness level as the canned version.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

No, the yellow cake mix typically contains wheat flour, making this recipe not suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • Can I add extra spices to enhance the flavor?

Absolutely! Cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of allspice can add warmth and depth to the cake’s taste.

  • What if I don't have a 9×13-inch pan?

You can use a similar-sized baking dish or adjust the baking time slightly for different pan sizes. Just ensure the batter is evenly spread and watch for doneness.

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3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Recipe

3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cake Recipe


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4.9 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Comfort meets simplicity in this 3-ingredient apple pie cake, where classic flavors dance effortlessly on your palate. Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction, promising a dessert that delights with its rustic charm and irresistible warmth.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 1 can (21 ounces / 595 grams) apple pie filling

Baking Basics:

  • 1 box (15.25 ounces / 432 grams) yellow cake mix

Protein:

  • 4 large eggs

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring an even heating environment for the cake.
  2. Blend apple pie filling and eggs in a spacious mixing vessel, whisking thoroughly until eggs are completely integrated.
  3. Gradually fold yellow cake mix into the wet ingredients, stirring until the batter achieves a consistent, slightly dense texture.
  4. Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent potential sticking.
  5. Transfer the mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface with a spatula for uniform baking.
  6. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, monitoring until a clean toothpick emerges from the center.
  7. Remove from oven and allow the cake to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling it to set and cool slightly before slicing.
  8. Slice and serve warm, optionally garnishing with a dusting of powdered sugar or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Notes

  • Experiment with different pie fillings like cherry or peach for unique flavor variations.
  • Enhance the texture by adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon to the batter for extra crunch and warmth.
  • For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure the pie filling is gluten-free.
  • Create a decadent topping by drizzling caramel sauce or adding a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a more indulgent dessert experience.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 282 kcal
  • Sugar: 34 g
  • Sodium: 350 mg
  • Fat: 8 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 47 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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