If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that’s incredibly simple yet wonderfully comforting, then the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine the warm aroma of fresh apples mingling with sweet, moist cake—this recipe captures all that goodness using just three basic ingredients. It’s a dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a plate and can be whipped up quickly, making it a perfect go-to for unexpected guests or a sweet weekday treat. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These three ingredients are the perfect trio to create a cake that’s moist, flavorful, and bursting with natural sweetness. Each component plays a crucial role in balancing texture and taste while keeping this recipe wonderfully straightforward.
- Yellow cake mix: Provides a tender crumb and sweet base, making the cake light and fluffy without any fuss.
- Fresh apples: Adds juicy bursts of natural flavor and a subtle tartness, plus a lovely texture contrast.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, ensuring the cake rises beautifully and holds its moist texture.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when your batter is mixed. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan generously to prevent sticking and give your cake a nice, even surface for baking.
Step 2: Prep the Apples
The apples are the star here, so peel and chop them into uniform pieces. This ensures every bite is balanced with sweet apple chunks that don’t overpower the cake’s delicate crumb.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
Grab a mixing bowl and combine the yellow cake mix, peeled and chopped apples, and eggs together. Stir until the ingredients are just blended — no need to overmix! This creates a batter loaded with fruity goodness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it into the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean—a simple test for perfect doneness.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. This brief rest makes it easier to slice and enhances the flavors as they settle. Then, you’re ready to dive in and savor every moist bite.
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of caramel sauce instantly elevates this simple cake. For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon or crushed nuts on top for added texture and warmth.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to add richness. If you prefer something lighter, a side of fresh berries or a cup of hot tea complements the apple flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Make this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe the centerpiece of any gathering by serving it in rustic slices on a wooden board, or cut into small squares for a charming bite-sized treat. For brunch, pair individual slices with a side of spiced yogurt for a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple cake stays moist and delicious when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, the fridge is a great option, where it will last about 4-5 days.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or place individual slices in freezer bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, then thaw at room temperature or overnight in the fridge for a quick dessert anytime.
Reheating
To enjoy your leftover cake warm, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This brings back that fresh-baked feeling you love.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix works beautifully for a classic flavor, feel free to experiment with white or spice cake mixes for a unique twist on this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples is recommended for the smoothest texture, but if you enjoy a bit of extra chew and rustic flair, you can leave the skins on. Just make sure to wash the apples thoroughly.
What kind of apples work best?
Tart varieties like Granny Smith or slightly sweet ones like Honeycrisp bring a lovely balance to the cake. Using a mix can also add depth to the flavor and texture.
Can I add spices to enhance the flavor?
Definitely! Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter can give the cake a warm, comforting vibe that works wonderfully with the apples.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This traditional version is not gluten-free because it uses regular yellow cake mix. However, you can substitute a gluten-free cake mix to make a similar delicious apple cake that suits your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about how simple ingredients can come together to create a dessert as delightful as this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this cake offers a fuss-free way to enjoy the cozy flavors of apple and cake with minimal effort. Don’t wait to give it a try—you’ll wonder why you didn’t bake it sooner!
Print
3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a quick and delicious dessert perfect for busy days. Using a simple yellow cake mix combined with fresh peeled and chopped apples and eggs, this moist and flavorful cake comes together effortlessly. Bake it until golden and enjoy a sweet autumn treat that requires minimal ingredients and prep time.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 box yellow cake mix (approximately 15.25 oz)
- 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped (about 2 medium apples)
- 3 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Apples: Peel and chop the apples into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
- Mix Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Stir well until all ingredients are fully blended to form the batter.
- Pour Batter Into Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly across the surface.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes in the pan before slicing and serving for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples you prefer; tart apples like Granny Smith create a nice contrast to the sweet cake.
- For extra flavor, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- If you prefer a glaze, drizzle powdered sugar mixed with a little milk over the cooled cake.
- Make sure to grease the pan well to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Storage: Keep leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
