3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just three simple ingredients, the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is an easy and delightful treat that fits perfectly for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, enjoying a cozy weekend brunch, or simply craving something sweet, this cake will impress everyone. Its moist texture and rich apple flavor make it a standout dessert that appears to have taken much longer to prepare.
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: Fresh apples combined with cake mix create a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack—it’s delicious anytime!
- Minimal Ingredients: With just three main components, it’s easy to whip up without a trip to the grocery store.
- Customizable Toppings: Add powdered sugar dusting or your favorite frosting to elevate the presentation.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment can save time and ensure better results.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking pan
- Peeler
- Knife
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining all ingredients evenly.
- Whisk: Using a whisk allows for thorough mixing of the batter, ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Baking pan: Choose a quality baking pan to achieve even baking and prevent sticking.
Ingredients
To create this delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, you’ll need the following:
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 help prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and chop your apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures they cook evenly in the cake.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
Combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs in a mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well blended and forms a batter.
Step 4: Pour into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the cake is set.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving.
This delightful 3 Ingredient Apple Cake serves about 12 people. Enjoy this simple yet delicious treat at your next gathering!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate its flavor and presentation. With a few simple touches, you can turn this delightful dessert into a standout feature at any gathering.
A La Mode
- Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top for a creamy contrast to the warm cake.
Whipped Cream Delight
- Serve with freshly whipped cream for added richness and a light, airy texture.
Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cake for an indulgent touch that enhances the apple flavor.
Nutty Crunch
- Sprinkle chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, on top for added texture and nuttiness.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Accompany slices with fresh apple slices or berries to brighten up the plate and add freshness.
Tea or Coffee Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of tea or coffee to complement the sweet flavors of the cake.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Perfecting your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is easy with a few handy tips. Follow these suggestions to ensure your cake turns out moist and delicious every time.
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Use Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, fresh apples for better flavor and texture. Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well.
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Don’t Overmix: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and fluffy; overmixing can make it dense.
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Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick inserted 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 slightly before slicing to help it set and maintain its shape.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing side dishes with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can enhance your meal experience. Here are some great options that complement this sweet treat wonderfully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds richness and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing choice that adds color and a burst of flavor alongside the dessert.
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar for a savory contrast to the sweet cake.
- Coffee or Espresso: The bitterness of coffee pairs beautifully with sweet desserts, enhancing their flavors.
- Caramel Pudding: A creamy dessert that complements the apple notes in your cake.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and fruit for a healthy option that balances out sweetness.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Baking a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.
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Ignoring apple variety: Using the wrong type of apple can change the flavor and texture. Opt for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
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Not measuring ingredients accurately: A precise measurement ensures a consistent texture. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially with the cake mix.
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Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Stir until just combined to keep it light and fluffy.
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Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your pan can lead to sticking. Always grease with cooking spray or butter before pouring in the batter.
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Opening the oven door too early: Doing this can cause your cake to collapse. Wait until at least 25 minutes into baking before checking on it.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on medium power for 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Place in a pan over low heat, covering it for a few minutes until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re curious about making a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, here are some common questions and answers.
Can I use different fruits for this recipe?
Yes! While apples are traditional, you can substitute other fruits like pears or peaches for unique flavors.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is ready when it’s golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
What can I serve with my apple cake?
This cake pairs well with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for added sweetness.
Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
You can adapt this recipe by using gluten-free cake mix or egg substitutes if needed.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite spices or add nuts for extra crunch. This delightful dessert is perfect for any occasion, so give it a try today!

3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. This easy recipe combines fresh apples with a classic cake mix and eggs, resulting in a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving something sweet, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. With just three ingredients and a preparation time of only 10 minutes, you can whip up this scrumptious treat without any hassle. Elevate it with your favorite toppings like powdered sugar or caramel drizzle to create a show-stopping dessert that tastes as good as it looks.
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 your baking pan.
- Peel and chop the apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs until well blended to form a batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes before dusting with powdered sugar and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 70g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 13g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg