3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just three simple ingredients, this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful treat that will impress your family and friends. It’s perfect for any occasion, from casual gatherings to special celebrations. The cake is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, allowing you to enjoy the sweet aroma of baked apples in no time. You won’t believe how such a simple recipe can yield such delicious results!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal preparation and just a few ingredients, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: Fresh apples combined with yellow cake mix create a rich, flavorful cake that everyone will love.
- Versatile Dessert: Enjoy this cake as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack—it’s suitable for any time of day!
- Customizable: Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth, or mix in nuts for added crunch.
- Impressive Results: Despite its simplicity, this cake looks stunning and tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, gather the necessary tools. Having everything ready will streamline the cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Whisk or spoon
- Peeler
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without making a mess.
- Baking pan: A sturdy pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that golden-brown finish.
- Peeler: Using a good peeler makes peeling apples quick and efficient.
- Knife: A sharp knife is essential for chopping apples into uniform pieces for consistent baking.
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 the apples and chop them into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures they bake evenly throughout the cake.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Stir until all ingredients are well blended.
Step 4: Pour the Batter
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before slicing and serving. Enjoy your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate its flavors and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that will impress your family and friends.
A La Mode
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a warm, comforting contrast.
With Whipped Cream
- Top each slice with freshly whipped cream for added richness and a light texture.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce will enhance the cake’s sweetness and add a beautiful presentation.
Paired with Tea or Coffee
- Serve slices alongside a cup of tea or coffee for a delightful afternoon treat.
Topped with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for extra crunch and flavor.
Dusted with Cinnamon Sugar
- A light dusting of cinnamon sugar gives a delicious twist to each bite.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
To ensure your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips.
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Use fresh apples: Fresh, crisp apples will provide the best flavor and moisture for your cake.
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Mix well: Ensure that the cake mix, apples, and eggs are thoroughly combined for an even texture.
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Check doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
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Cool before serving: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to maintain its structure.
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Experiment with spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or cinnamon can enhance the flavor profile significantly.
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Store properly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.
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Vanilla Ice Cream: This classic pairing adds creaminess and complements the apple flavor beautifully.
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Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the sweetness of the cake.
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Cheese Platter: Offer assorted cheeses like Brie or sharp cheddar to balance the sweetness of the dessert.
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Cinnamon Roasted Nuts: These add crunch and warmth, enhancing the overall flavor experience.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy side dish that pairs well with apple cake.
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Coffee or Tea: A warm beverage such as coffee or herbal tea makes for a cozy accompaniment.
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Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert can be a decadent side that contrasts nicely with apple cake.
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Savory Scones: Cheese or herb scones add an interesting savory element alongside sweet apple flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, it’s easy to overlook a few key steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.
- Skipping the greasing step: Always grease your baking pan to prevent sticking. Use cooking spray or butter for an easy release.
- Not measuring apples correctly: Ensure the apples are chopped into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even baking. This helps avoid undercooked or overcooked bits.
- Overmixing the batter: Mix just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake. A few lumps are okay!
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different; start checking for doneness at 35 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and set in the center.
- Serving too soon: Let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows it to firm up, making it easier to slice.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake slices on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm until heated through.
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 the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
Yes! You can substitute other fruits like pears or peaches, but adjust the quantity according to your preference.
What makes this cake so easy?
The simplicity of using a boxed cake mix is what makes this recipe quick and effortless while still delivering a delicious result.
How do I make my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake more flavorful?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to enhance its flavor profile without complicating the recipe.
Is this cake suitable for breakfast?
Absolutely! The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is perfect as a sweet breakfast treat alongside coffee or tea.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not just easy to make; it’s also versatile and deliciously satisfying. Feel free to customize it by adding nuts or spices to suit your taste. Whether you enjoy it as dessert or breakfast, this cake brings comfort and joy with each bite!

3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, a perfect blend of moist apples and yellow cake mix that will delight your taste buds. This easy-to-make dessert is not only quick to prepare but also versatile enough for any occasion—be it a casual family gathering or a festive celebration. With just three main ingredients, you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can create a flavorful cake that fills your home with the warm aroma of baked apples. Whether enjoyed as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack, this cake is sure to impress everyone around the table.
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Peel and chop apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs until blended.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 254
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 298mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg