3 Ingredient Apple Cake
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation time, you can whip up a delicious cake that will impress your family and friends. This recipe combines the delightful flavors of fresh apples with a moist cake, making it an ideal treat for brunches, parties, or a cozy evening at home. Enjoy the aroma of baked apples wafting through your kitchen as this cake bakes to perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe requires only three main ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and yellow cake mix creates a moist and flavorful dessert that everyone will love.
- Versatile Occasion: Whether for breakfast, dessert, or a special celebration, this apple cake fits any occasion beautifully.
- No Complex Techniques: You don’t need advanced baking skills to create this delightful cake. It’s straightforward and foolproof!
- Customizable Toppings: Feel free to dust it with powdered sugar or serve it with ice cream for an extra special treat.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly. Having the right equipment on hand will make preparing your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake even easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Baking pan
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients effectively.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Using a whisk or mixer ensures that your batter is well-blended, leading to a light and fluffy texture.
- Spatula: A spatula helps in spreading the batter evenly in the pan for uniform 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.
For the Cake
- 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 even cooking throughout the cake.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Stir until everything is well blended. You want a smooth batter without lumps.
Step 4: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly across the pan.
Step 5: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake should be golden brown and set when done.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool for about 10 minutes before serving. If desired, dust with powdered sugar for an elegant touch.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate its deliciousness. With a few simple additions, you can create a delightful dessert experience that everyone will love.
Classic Serve
- Whipped Cream: A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light and fluffy touch to each slice.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Serve warm cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting contrast.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle caramel sauce on top for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
Festive Touch
- Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkling cinnamon sugar over the top gives it a lovely spiced finish.
- Chopped Nuts: Add toasted walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture that complements the softness of the cake.
- Fresh Berries: Pair with fresh berries to add tartness and vibrant color to your plate.
Breakfast Delight
- Greek Yogurt: A side of Greek yogurt provides creaminess and protein, making it perfect for breakfast.
- Maple Syrup: Drizzle maple syrup over the cake for a sweet morning treat that feels indulgent.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
To ensure your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Apples: Using fresh apples enhances flavor and moisture in your cake. Opt for varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Mix Well: Make sure to blend the ingredients thoroughly. This ensures even distribution of apple pieces throughout the cake.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the center is cooked through. It should come out clean when inserted into the cake.
- Cool Before Serving: Allow the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set properly and makes cutting easier.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing side dishes with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors beautifully.
- Crispy Bacon: The salty crunch of bacon balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
- Sautéed Spinach: Lightly sautéed spinach offers a fresh, healthy contrast to the rich dessert.
- Cheese Platter: A variety of cheeses adds savory depth, making it an elegant addition to your spread.
- Roasted Veggies: Seasonal roasted vegetables provide a colorful and nutritious complement.
- Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad can cleanse the palate after enjoying this sweet treat.
- Honey Glazed Carrots: Sweet but not overpowering, they pair wonderfully with the apple flavors in your cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is simple, but some common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are a few pitfalls to avoid:
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking pan can cause the cake to stick. Always use cooking spray or butter for easy removal.
- Using unpeeled apples: Leaving the skin on can create a tough texture. Make sure to peel your apples for a smoother cake.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make the cake dense. Combine your ingredients just until blended for a light and fluffy texture.
- Not checking for doneness: Baking times can vary; always check if the cake is set before removing it from the oven. A toothpick should come out clean when it’s ready.
- Not letting it cool sufficiently: Cutting into the cake too soon can lead to crumbling. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake will last up to 4 days.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 2 months, maintaining its flavor and texture.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat slices for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Use medium power, reheating individual slices for about 15-20 seconds.
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, covering with a lid for a few minutes until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake that might help you in your baking journey.
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! You can use any variety of apples you like, such as Granny Smith or Fuji, depending on your taste preference.
How do I customize my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
Feel free to add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg, or even nuts and raisins for extra flavor and texture!
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Absolutely! The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can fit well within Weight Watchers plans as it’s low in ingredients while being delicious.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing a gluten-free yellow cake mix, you can easily make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
How do I know when my cake is done?
Check by inserting a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your cake is ready!
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different spices or add-ins as per your preference. This delightful dessert makes an excellent choice for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Give it a try—you’ll love how simple yet delicious it is!

3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, a dessert that marries the warm flavors of fresh apples with a moist, tender cake. Perfect for any occasion—from brunches to cozy evenings at home—this easy recipe requires minimal ingredients and preparation time. With just three key components, you can create a deliciously sweet cake that will leave your family and friends impressed. The aroma of baked apples filling your kitchen is just an added bonus! Customize it with toppings like powdered sugar or ice cream for an extra special treat.
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 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. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
- Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg