3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just three simple ingredients, this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightfully easy treat that anyone can make. Perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or as a simple dessert at home, this cake combines the sweetness of apples with a fluffy texture that’s sure to impress. The best part? You’ll have a warm apple cake filling your kitchen with its tantalizing aroma in no time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe takes only 10 minutes of prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and yellow cake mix creates a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert or even enjoy it for breakfast; it fits any occasion beautifully.
- Minimal Ingredients: With only three main ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and straightforward to make.
- Impressive Presentation: Despite its simplicity, this cake looks stunning when dusted with powdered sugar.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows you to combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking and proper cake rise.
Ingredients
With these simple ingredients, your kitchen will transform into a haven of sweet apple aromas, creating a cake that tastes like it took hours to make.
Ingredients:
– 1 box yellow cake mix
– 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped
– 3 large eggs
– Cooking spray or butter for greasing (optional)
– Powdered sugar for dusting (optional)
How to Make 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and chop the apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly throughout the cake.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Mix until everything is well blended; the batter should be thick.
Step 4: Pour into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the bottom.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful experience that can be enhanced with various accompaniments. Whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a snack, these serving suggestions will elevate the taste and presentation of your cake.
With Whipped Cream
- Top slices with light and fluffy whipped cream for a creamy contrast to the apple flavors.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- Serve warm pieces alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The melting ice cream adds an indulgent touch.
Drizzled Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle caramel sauce over each slice for a sweet, rich flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Fresh Fruit Salad
- Accompany your cake with a fresh fruit salad for a refreshing bite. Choose seasonal fruits for the best flavor.
Coffee or Tea
- Enjoy your cake with a cup of coffee or tea. The warm beverages complement the sweet flavors of the cake beautifully.
Dusting of Powdered Sugar
- For a simple yet elegant finish, dust your cake slices with powdered sugar right before serving.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Perfecting your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate it even further. Here are some tips to ensure your cake turns out delicious every time.
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Use fresh apples: Fresh apples provide the best flavor and texture, making your cake moist and delightful.
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Mix well: Ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly combined to achieve an even texture throughout the cake.
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Check doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done; it should come out clean when inserted into the center.
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Let it cool: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes makes it easier to slice without crumbling.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing side dishes with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can enhance its appeal and create a balanced meal. Here are some fantastic options:
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Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a healthy side that balances sweetness.
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Cinnamon Sugar Toast: Serve toasted bread sprinkled with cinnamon sugar as a crunchy companion.
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Chai Spiced Nuts: Offer a bowl of chai spiced nuts for guests who enjoy something savory alongside their sweet treat.
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Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs surprisingly well with apple flavors, adding richness.
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Steamed Vegetables: Lightly steamed vegetables can provide freshness and balance out dessert indulgence.
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Savory Muffins: Serve mini savory muffins to contrast the sweetness of the apple cake while adding variety to your platter.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, avoid these common pitfalls to ensure a delightful dessert.
- Skipping the greasing: Not greasing your baking pan can lead to sticking. Always use cooking spray or butter to prevent this issue.
- Incorrect apple size: Chopping apples into uneven sizes can affect baking. Aim for uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Blend just until combined for a light texture.
- Neglecting baking time: Every oven is different; check your cake early. Test for doneness with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Not cooling before serving: Serving hot cake can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes for better slicing.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Keep the cake in slices or whole, ensuring it’s well covered.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking regularly.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat with a lid on, reheating each slice for several minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake that might help you out.
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! While the recipe focuses on apples, feel free to experiment with pears or peaches for a different flavor.
What if I don’t have yellow cake mix?
You can substitute with white cake mix, though it may slightly alter the taste and color of your cake.
How can I make this cake healthier?
Consider using a sugar-free cake mix or adding oats for extra fiber and texture without compromising flavor.
Can I add spices to my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
Absolutely! Cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the apple flavor wonderfully. Just add a teaspoon while mixing your ingredients.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Insert a toothpick in the center; if it comes out clean or with few crumbs, the cake is ready!
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different fruits or spices based on your preferences. This delightful dessert will surely impress friends and family, so give it a try today!

3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this easy 3 Ingredient Apple Cake! This delightful dessert combines the natural sweetness of fresh apples with a moist yellow cake mix, creating a treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a family dinner, or simply treating yourself at home, this simple recipe will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. With just three ingredients, you can whip up a cake that looks impressive and tastes heavenly. Serve it warm, dusted with powdered sugar, or pair it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent touch. Get ready to enjoy a slice of comfort in every bite!
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Peel and chop the apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 80g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg