3 Ingredient Apple Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert

Name: 3 Ingredient Apple Cake: The Ultimate Fall Dessert
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 1 box spice cake mix; 1 (20 oz) can apple pie filling; 4 eggs

When it comes to fall desserts, nothing beats the warm, comforting flavors of apple cake. If you’re looking for a super simple yet delicious treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is the perfect recipe for you. Not only is it incredibly easy to make, but it’s also moist, flavorful, and budget-friendly. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dessert repertoire.

In this post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know about making this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, including step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and why this dessert is a must-try for the fall season. Plus, we’ll explore the nutritional information and answer some frequently asked questions to ensure your baking experience is seamless.

Why You’ll Love This 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Simplicity at Its Best: With only three ingredients, this recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious dessert without the hassle of complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients.
Perfect for Fall: The combination of spice cake mix and apple pie filling creates a warm, cozy flavor that’s ideal for autumn.
Budget-Friendly: You don’t need to break the bank to make this cake. The ingredients are affordable and easily accessible.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or bringing a dessert to a potluck, this apple cake is sure to impress.

Ingredients for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy and delicious dessert:

1 box of spice cake mix: The base of the cake, providing a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
1 (20 oz) can of apple pie filling: Adds sweetness, moisture, and chunks of real apple for texture.
4 eggs: Helps bind the ingredients together and creates a light, fluffy texture.

That’s it! Just three simple ingredients are all you need to create a mouthwatering apple cake.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent the cake from sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs.
Use an electric mixer to blend the ingredients until they are fully combined. The batter will be thick and chunky due to the apple pie filling.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish before serving.
Optionally, you can frost the cake with cream cheese frosting, caramel drizzle, or a dusting of powdered sugar for extra sweetness.

Tips for the Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Use High-Quality Ingredients: Since this recipe only has three ingredients, the quality of each one matters. Opt for a good-quality spice cake mix and apple pie filling for the best results.
Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until they are combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake.
Add Toppings: While the cake is delicious on its own, you can elevate it with toppings like whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of cinnamon.
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.

The History of Apple Cake

Apple cake has been a beloved dessert for centuries, with its origins tracing back to Europe, particularly in countries like Germany, France, and England. Apples have long been a staple fruit in these regions due to their versatility and availability, especially during the fall harvest season. Early versions of apple cake were simple, often made with basic ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and fresh apples. These cakes were a way to use up surplus apples and create a comforting, hearty dessert that could be enjoyed by families and communities.

Over time, apple cake recipes evolved, incorporating spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to enhance the flavor. The addition of spices became particularly popular in the United States, where apple pie and apple-based desserts became synonymous with autumn and holiday celebrations. Today, apple cake remains a timeless classic, with countless variations ranging from dense, moist cakes to light and fluffy versions. The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a modern twist on this traditional dessert, offering a quick and easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall without the need for extensive preparation or baking skills.

The simplicity of this recipe reflects a broader trend in modern cooking: the desire for delicious, homemade meals and desserts that don’t require hours in the kitchen. By using just three ingredients—spice cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs—this recipe pays homage to the rich history of apple cake while making it accessible to everyone. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner, this cake is a testament to the enduring appeal of apple-based desserts and their ability to bring people together.

Why Spice Cake Mix Works Perfectly for Apple Cake

One of the key ingredients in this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is spice cake mix. But why does it work so well? The answer lies in the blend of warm, aromatic spices typically found in spice cake mix, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice. These spices complement the natural sweetness and tartness of apples, creating a harmonious flavor profile that’s both comforting and indulgent.

Spice cake mix also provides a convenient base for the cake, eliminating the need to measure out individual dry ingredients like flour, sugar, and baking powder. This not only saves time but also ensures consistent results every time you bake. The mix is designed to create a moist, tender crumb, which pairs beautifully with the chunks of apple in the pie filling. The result is a cake that’s rich in flavor and texture, with minimal effort required.

Another advantage of using spice cake mix is its versatility. While this recipe calls for apple pie filling, you can easily adapt it to include other fruits or mix-ins, such as chopped nuts, raisins, or even caramel drizzle. The robust flavor of the spice cake mix can handle these additions without being overwhelmed, making it a great choice for experimenting with different variations.

In essence, spice cake mix is the secret weapon of this recipe, providing a flavorful foundation that enhances the natural sweetness of the apples and simplifies the baking process. It’s a perfect example of how convenience and quality can come together to create a dessert that’s both delicious and easy to make.

Serving and Storing Your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Once your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is baked to perfection, it’s time to think about serving and storing it. This cake is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. For a simple presentation, serve it as-is, allowing the natural flavors of the apples and spices to shine. If you want to elevate the dessert, consider adding a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce. These toppings add a touch of indulgence and make the cake feel even more special.

When it comes to storing your apple cake, proper techniques will ensure it stays fresh and delicious. If you plan to enjoy the cake within a few days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. This will help maintain its moisture and prevent it from drying out. For longer storage, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Simply wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in a sealed container to keep it from absorbing any odors in the fridge.

If you’ve made a large batch or want to save some for later, this cake freezes exceptionally well. To freeze, cut the cake into individual portions and wrap each piece in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe bag or container and store them in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it at room temperature or warm it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving (based on 12 servings):

Calories: 209 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 4g
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0.01g
Cholesterol: 55mg
Sodium: 304mg
Potassium: 167mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 20g
Vitamin A: 81IU
Vitamin C: 0.1mg
Calcium: 49mg
Iron: 2mg

This cake is relatively low in calories and provides a good source of carbohydrates, making it a satisfying dessert option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use a different type of cake mix?

Yes, you can experiment with other cake mix flavors like yellow cake, vanilla cake, or even chocolate cake. However, spice cake mix pairs exceptionally well with the apple pie filling.

2. Can I add nuts or raisins to the cake?

Absolutely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add extra texture and flavor to the cake. Simply fold them into the batter before baking.

3. Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free cake mix to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

4. How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done. If the toothpick has wet batter on it, bake for a few more minutes.

5. Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, this cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Why This 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is Perfect for Fall

Fall is all about cozy flavors, and this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake captures the essence of the season perfectly. The warm spices from the cake mix complement the sweet, tender apples in the pie filling, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Plus, the simplicity of the recipe means you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying the crisp autumn air.