Ingredient apple cake has always been my go-to for a quick and comforting treat. I remember my mom making a version of this when I was little, and the smell of warm apples and spice filling our kitchen instantly made everything feel cozy. This easy apple cake with few ingredients is so straightforward, it feels like you’re baking an apple cake from scratch 3 ingredients, but with way less effort! It’s truly a lifesaver when unexpected guests pop over or when you just need a little sweetness without a fuss. Let’s get baking this simple apple cake!
Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Seriously, this cake is a game-changer! Here’s why it’s earned a permanent spot in my recipe rotation:
- The taste is incredibly moist and bursting with apple flavor, with just a hint of spice.
- Prep time is a dream – you can whip it up in about 10 minutes flat!
- It’s a budget-friendly option that uses pantry staples, making it super accessible.
- This minimal ingredient apple cake is incredibly family-friendly and a guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike.
- You get all the comfort of a homemade dessert without any fuss.
- It’s a fantastic example of a minimal ingredient apple cake that still delivers big on flavor.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, delicious treat.
- It’s a wonderfully simple way to enjoy an easy apple cake with few ingredients.
Ingredients for Your Minimal Ingredient Apple Cake
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful minimal ingredient apple cake is a breeze. You’ll be amazed at how few components create such a flavorful dessert. This recipe truly highlights how simple ingredients like sugar, flour, and eggs can come together for an incredible apple cake.
- 1 box Spice Cake Mix (15.25 oz) – this is the magic base, providing all the flavor and structure.
- 1 can (20 oz) Apple Pie Filling – no need to chop apples; this canned filling is a shortcut to deliciousness.
- 4 large Eggs – these bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s moist texture.
- 1 cup softened Butter – adds richness and helps create a tender crumb for the frosting.
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar – the base for a sweet, smooth, and creamy frosting.
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar – adds a lovely caramel note and moisture to the frosting.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon – brings warmth and complements the apple flavor beautifully.
- 2 tbsp Milk – helps achieve the perfect, spreadable consistency for the frosting.
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract – enhances all the other flavors and adds a comforting aroma.
How to Make This Quick Apple Cake
Getting this delicious apple cake ready is incredibly simple. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this apple cake recipe only 3 ingredients. It’s perfect for those moments when a craving strikes!
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure your oven is fully heated before you start mixing.
- Step 2: Grease a 9×13-inch cake pan thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking, ensuring a clean release.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Spice Cake Mix, the can of apple pie filling, and the 4 large eggs. Beat them together until they are well blended. Don’t worry if you still see some apple chunks; that’s exactly what you want for texture!
- Step 4: Pour the batter evenly into your prepared cake pan. Give the pan a gentle shake to help distribute the batter.
- Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma filling your kitchen will be absolutely heavenly!
- Step 6: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool completely in the pan. This is important before frosting.
- Step 7: While the cake cools, prepare the frosting. In a separate bowl, beat the 1 cup of softened butter with the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until it’s nice and fluffy.
- Step 8: Gradually add the 3 cups of powdered sugar to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. This is where the magic happens for a smooth frosting.
- Step 9: Add the 2 tbsp milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired frosting consistency. You want it spreadable but not too thin. This frosting makes the apple cake recipe only 3 ingredients feel truly decadent.
- Step 10: Once the cake is completely cooled, spread the delicious frosting evenly over the top. Enjoy this amazing apple cake recipe only 3 ingredients!
Pro Tips for the Best 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Want to elevate this simple cake even further? I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that make this already amazing cake even better. These tips ensure you get the most flavor and the perfect texture every time you bake this delightful dessert.
- For an extra moist cake, make sure your apple pie filling isn’t too watery. If it seems very liquidy, you can drain off a tablespoon or two.
- Don’t overmix the batter once you add the wet ingredients to the cake mix. Overmixing can lead to a tougher cake.
- Ensure the cake is completely cool before frosting. If it’s still warm, the frosting will melt right off, creating a mess!
- If you don’t have spice cake mix, a yellow or vanilla cake mix works too, but you might want to add an extra teaspoon of cinnamon to the batter.
What’s the secret to perfect 3 ingredient apple cake?
The magic really lies in the combination of the spice cake mix and the apple pie filling. They create a wonderfully flavorful and moist simple apple cake batter with minimal effort. Just don’t overmix, and you’ll have a perfect cake!
Can I make this easy apple cake with few ingredients ahead of time?
Yes, you absolutely can! You can prepare the cake batter and pour it into the pan a few hours before baking. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature. For longer prep, refrigerate the batter for up to 24 hours, but remember to let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. For more baking tips, check out this guide on baking techniques.
How do I avoid common mistakes with an apple cake with pantry staples?
A common pitfall is overbaking, which can dry out the cake. Always test with a toothpick in the center – it should come out clean, not with wet batter. Also, ensure your cake is fully cooled before frosting, or your frosting will melt into a gooey mess instead of a smooth layer. If you’re looking for other simple dessert ideas, consider these strawberry shortcake truffles.
Best Ways to Serve Your Simple Apple Cake
This cake is so versatile, it works for any occasion! For a truly decadent experience, serve a warm slice of this simple apple cake topped with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast of warm cake and cold ice cream is divine. It also pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. If you’re looking for something a bit lighter, consider serving it alongside a fresh fruit salad or a cup of coffee as an afternoon treat. It’s the perfect example of an easy baked apple dessert that satisfies without being overly complicated. For more dessert inspiration, explore these blueberry cream cheese crumb cake recipes.
Nutrition Facts for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
When you’re enjoying a slice of this delightful 3 ingredient apple cake, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting. This recipe, while incredibly simple, offers a satisfying taste experience. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Protein: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 270mg
Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on the specific brands and types of ingredients used in your 3 ingredient apple cake.
How to Store and Reheat Your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Keeping this delightful 3 ingredient apple cake fresh is easy, whether you have leftovers or want to prepare it ahead. After baking, always let the cake cool completely in the pan before attempting to frost or store it. This prevents the frosting from melting and ensures the cake doesn’t become soggy. Once cooled, you can store this lovely apple cake 3 ingredient dessert in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. If you need to keep it longer, refrigerating it will extend its freshness for up to a week. For even longer storage, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply unwrap a slice and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds until warmed through. It’s the perfect way to enjoy that homemade taste again! For more storage tips, consider these hash brown recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions About 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
What is a 3 ingredient apple cake?
A 3 ingredient apple cake is a simplified dessert recipe that uses only three main components to create a delicious cake. Typically, it involves a cake mix, a canned fruit filling, and eggs, making it incredibly easy and quick to prepare. It’s perfect for beginners or anyone looking for a fuss-free baking experience.
Can I substitute the spice cake mix?
Absolutely! While spice cake mix provides a warm flavor that pairs wonderfully with apples, you can easily substitute it with a yellow, vanilla, or even a butter pecan cake mix. If you use a cake mix that doesn’t have added spices, consider adding an extra teaspoon of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg to the batter for a similar flavor profile.
What other fruit fillings can I use in this apple cake recipe?
This recipe is quite forgiving! While apple pie filling is classic, you can experiment with other canned fruit pie fillings like cherry, peach, or blueberry. Just be sure to use a similar size can (around 20 oz). The texture might change slightly, but you’ll still get a wonderfully moist and flavorful dessert, making it a versatile simple apple cake. For other fruit-based desserts, check out these watermelon rind candy recipes.
How do I make this 3 ingredient apple cake healthier?
To make this minimal ingredient apple cake a bit healthier, you can try a few things. Consider using a sugar-free cake mix if available, or reducing the amount of frosting used. You could also skip the frosting altogether and dust the cooled cake with a little powdered sugar or cinnamon. For added fiber, you could try incorporating a bit of whole wheat flour into the mix if you’re feeling adventurous, though this moves away from the true “3-ingredient” nature.
Variations of Apple Cake with Pantry Staples
This incredibly easy apple cake is so versatile, you can adapt it to suit your needs and preferences! Here are a few fun variations to try with your apple cake with pantry staples:
- Apple Cake No Butter Recipe: For a lighter version, you can try an apple cake no butter recipe by using unsweetened applesauce or even a dairy-free butter substitute in the frosting. The cake itself already uses a cake mix base that doesn’t require butter for the batter!
- Apple Cake No Milk Recipe: If you’re out of milk or need an apple cake no milk recipe, don’t worry! You can easily substitute the milk in the frosting with water, apple juice, or even a splash of heavy cream for an even richer frosting.
- Bundt Pan Magic: Instead of a 9×13 pan, pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan. The baking time might be slightly longer, so start checking around 35 minutes. This makes for a beautiful presentation!
- Add Nuts or Oats: For extra texture, stir in a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans, or even a quarter cup of rolled oats into the cake batter before baking.
3 Ingredient Apple Cake: Glorious & Easy
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A simple and delicious 3-ingredient apple cake recipe that is quick to make and perfect for any occasion. This easy dessert uses spice cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs for a moist and flavorful cake.
Ingredients
- 1 box Spice Cake Mix
- 1 can (20 oz) Apple Pie Filling
- 4 Eggs
- 1 cup softened Butter
- 3 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Grease a 9×13″ cake pan.
- Beat together cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs until well blended (apple chunks will remain).
- Pour into prepared pan.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow cake to cool completely.
- Whip butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar.
- Add milk until you reach desired consistency.
- Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Notes
- You can skip the frosting for a lighter version.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or refrigerate for a week.
- Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg