3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Name: 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 box yellow cake mix; 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and chopped; 3 large eggs

Published: June 23, 2025

by Sofia

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With just a few simple ingredients, this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful treat that will impress everyone. Perfect for any occasion—from casual family gatherings to festive celebrations—this cake combines the sweetness of fresh apples with a moist, fluffy texture. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up while still delivering an irresistible flavor that feels homemade.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: With only three main ingredients, this recipe comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy days.
Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of fresh apples and cake mix creates a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will enjoy.
Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack. Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant finish or enjoy it plain!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a party or just treating yourself, this cake fits right in at any event.
Kid-Friendly Fun: Involve the little ones by letting them help peel and chop the apples; it’s a great way to bond over baking!

Tools and Preparation

Before you start baking your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, gather your tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Mixing bowl
Whisk or electric mixer
Baking pan (9×13 inches)
Measuring cups
Peeler and knife

Importance of Each Tool

Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to mix all ingredients thoroughly without spilling.
Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking, giving you a perfectly cooked cake.
Whisk or electric mixer: These tools help blend the ingredients smoothly for a fluffy texture.

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 and chop your fresh apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This size helps them cook evenly during baking.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Mix until well blended. You can use a whisk or electric mixer for this step.

Step 4: Pour Batter into Pan

Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly across the bottom to ensure even baking.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Look for a golden brown color on top and check if it’s set in the center using a toothpick.

Step 6: Cool and Serve

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before serving. For an extra touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar if desired. Enjoy your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can enhance its flavors and presentation. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this simple yet delicious dessert.

With Vanilla Ice Cream

Pairing a slice of warm apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast between warm and cold. The creaminess of the ice cream complements the cake’s sweetness.

Drizzled with Caramel Sauce

A drizzle of caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery flavor that elevates the cake. Just warm the sauce slightly before pouring over each slice for an extra touch.

Topped with Whipped Cream

Light, fluffy whipped cream on top of the apple cake provides a refreshing balance. You can whip it yourself or use store-bought for convenience.

Served with Fresh Apples

Garnishing your plate with fresh apple slices not only adds color but also enhances the apple flavor in the cake. Choose tart apples for a nice contrast.

Accompanied by Coffee or Tea

Enjoying this cake with a cup of coffee or tea makes for a perfect afternoon snack. The warmth of the beverage pairs well with the sweet notes of the cake.

As Breakfast Treat

A slice of 3 Ingredient Apple Cake makes for a quick and satisfying breakfast option. Just warm it up slightly, and it’s ready to go!

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

To achieve the best results with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, here are some helpful tips.

Use Fresh Apples: Fresh apples bring out better flavor and texture than canned options. Choose firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for optimal results.
Mix Gently: When combining your ingredients, mix just until blended to avoid overworking the batter. This ensures a tender cake.
Check for Doneness: Ovens vary, so check your cake around 30 minutes. Insert a toothpick; if it comes out clean, your cake is done.
Cool Properly: Letting your cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes helps prevent it from sticking. Then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Pairing side dishes with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can create a more complete meal experience. Here are some tasty suggestions:

Cinnamon Sugar Toast: This sweet toast is easy to make and complements the flavors of apple beautifully.
Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a refreshing side that balances the richness of the cake.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness and a nice crunch alongside the moist apple cake.
Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses pairs wonderfully with sweet desserts, adding savory notes that enhance flavors.
Roasted Nuts: A bowl of roasted nuts provides crunch and is great as an appetizer or snack before dessert.
Fruit Salad: A vibrant fruit salad brings in different textures and flavors that complement the apple cake perfectly.
Chocolate Mousse: For chocolate lovers, this creamy dessert adds an indulgent touch to your meal while contrasting nicely with apple flavors.
Vanilla Pudding: Simple yet delicious, vanilla pudding serves as both a side dish and another creamy element to pair with your slice of apple cake.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can be a delightful experience, but some common mistakes can hinder your results.

Ignoring apple quality – Using old or bruised apples can affect flavor and texture. Always choose fresh, firm apples for the best taste.
Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can lead to a dense cake. Blend just until combined for a light and airy texture.
Not measuring ingredients correctly – Inaccurate measurements can ruin your cake. Use proper measuring cups for dry and wet ingredients to avoid mishaps.
Skipping preheating the oven – Baking in a cold oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat to the required temperature before placing your cake inside.
Not greasing the pan properly – A stuck cake is disappointing. Make sure to grease your baking pan well or use parchment paper for easy removal.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Duration – Store your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Containers – Use an airtight container to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Duration – You can freeze the cake for up to 3 months.
Containers – Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag.

Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Microwave – Heat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds.
Stovetop – Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm gently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have questions about making or enjoying this delicious dessert, you’re in the right place!

How do I customize my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?

You can add nuts, raisins, or spices like cinnamon for extra flavor. Feel free to get creative with mix-ins!

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! This recipe works well with other fruits such as pears or peaches. Adjust cooking times if needed.

What is the best way to serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?

Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat!

Is this cake suitable for special diets?

The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is simple enough to adapt. You can use gluten-free cake mix for those with dietary restrictions.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! The flavors meld beautifully after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for preparing ahead of time.

Final Thoughts

The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. Its simple ingredients create a comforting dessert that everyone will love. Feel free to customize it with your favorite add-ins! Enjoy this delightful cake at any gathering or simply as a sweet treat at home.

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