3-Ingredient Apple Cake 🍎✨

Introduction

If you grew up loving the smell of apple pie baking in the kitchen, this recipe will feel like coming home.
This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is soft, sweet, and full of cozy fall flavor — and the best part? It takes just a few pantry staples to make.

No mixers, no fuss, no long ingredient list — just a simple, rustic dessert that tastes like something Grandma would’ve made on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Serve it warm with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and let that cinnamon-apple aroma fill your kitchen. 🍏💛

Ingredient Overview

1 box (15.25 oz) spice cake mix – The shortcut secret! It adds all the warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, clove) that make this cake taste homemade.
1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling – Sweet, gooey apples that bring texture and flavor to every bite. You can chop them for smoother texture or leave chunky for rustic charm.
4 large eggs – They hold the cake together and give it that soft, moist crumb.

(Optional: a dash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of brown sugar on top before baking.)

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or two 8-inch rounds.

Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, stir together the spice cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs until just combined. Don’t overmix — a few small lumps are fine.

Step 3: Pour and Smooth
Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. It will be thick and fragrant!

Step 4: Bake to Golden Goodness
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve
Let cool for at least 15 minutes. Serve plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or with whipped cream for extra indulgence.

20 Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cake mix?
Yes — yellow or vanilla works, but spice cake adds the best flavor.

2. Can I skip the eggs?
You can replace each egg with ¼ cup applesauce or mashed banana.

3. Do I need oil or water?
No — the apple filling provides all the moisture needed.

4. Can I use homemade apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Homemade makes it even cozier.

5. Can I use fresh apples?
Yes, but cook them briefly with sugar and cinnamon first.

6. Can I make cupcakes?
Yes — bake 20–22 minutes, or until golden.

7. Can I make this in a bundt pan?
Yes — grease well and bake 45–50 minutes.

8. Can I freeze it?
Yes, it freezes up to 3 months.

9. Can I use sugar-free pie filling?
Yes — it’ll still be sweet enough.

10. Can I add nuts?
Chopped pecans or walnuts add great crunch.

11. Can I add frosting?
A cream cheese glaze or caramel drizzle is delicious.

12. How long does it keep?
Up to 4 days at room temperature or a week refrigerated.

13. Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — just skip any dairy toppings.

14. Can I use canned peaches or cherries instead?
Yes! It becomes a whole new dessert.

15. Can I add cinnamon sugar on top?
Definitely — it makes a crisp, caramelized crust.

16. Can I serve it cold?
Yes, it’s wonderful chilled or warmed.

17. Can I use a hand mixer?
You can, but stirring by hand keeps it fluffier.

18. What can I serve with it?
Vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle are perfect.

19. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, use a gluten-free spice cake mix.

20. Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely — perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.

20 Helpful Tips

1. Use spice cake for best flavor.
2. Chop apples smaller for even texture.
3. Don’t overmix the batter.
4. Use glass or ceramic dish for even baking.
5. Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
6. Top with brown sugar before baking for caramel crust.
7. Line pan with parchment for easy removal.
8. Check doneness at 35 minutes.
9. Add nuts for crunch.
10. Dust with powdered sugar after baking.
11. Serve warm with ice cream.
12. Add 1 tsp vanilla extract for extra aroma.
13. Use room-temperature eggs.
14. Don’t let it overbake — it should stay moist.
15. Drizzle caramel before serving.
16. For mini cakes, use muffin tins.
17. Add raisins for chewiness.
18. Mix in diced pears for twist.
19. Cool fully before storing.
20. Enjoy within three days for peak flavor.

10 Storage & Reheating Tips

Cool completely before covering.
Wrap tightly in foil or plastic.
Store at room temperature 3–4 days.
Refrigerate up to 7 days.
Freeze in portions up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in fridge.
Warm slices 15–20 seconds in microwave.
Add a scoop of ice cream after reheating.
Avoid storing uncovered — it dries out fast.
Serve chilled for dense, fudgy texture.

20 Recipe Secrets

Add a tablespoon of sour cream for richer crumb.
Stir in chopped pecans before baking.
Drizzle warm caramel sauce on top.
Add a splash of apple cider for tang.
Use homemade apple filling for extra texture.
Mix in cinnamon chips for bursts of spice.
Add vanilla glaze after cooling.
Sprinkle coarse sugar before baking.
Mix 1 tsp lemon juice to brighten flavor.
Add a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
Make it in a bundt pan for a festive shape.
Dust with cinnamon powder before serving.
Top with whipped cream and caramel drizzle.
Add half cup oats for rustic feel.
Use Granny Smith apples if cooking from scratch.
Fold in raisins or cranberries for holiday twist.
Serve warm with maple syrup.
Brush melted butter over top after baking.
Turn leftovers into parfaits with yogurt.
Pair with coffee or apple cider for cozy mornings.

Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is proof that the simplest recipes can sometimes be the most comforting.
It’s easy, nostalgic, and full of flavor — the kind of dessert that disappears fast from the table and leaves your kitchen smelling like fall.

Whether you bake it for a cozy weekend treat, a church gathering, or just because, it’s one of those recipes you’ll always come back to — sweet, simple, and timeless. 🍏💛