3-Ingredient Apple Cake is one of those rare desserts that blend convenience and cozy flavor in every bite. Whether you’re rushing through a busy weeknight or hosting an impromptu gathering, this cake rises to the occasion—without taking over your day. As someone who lives for recipes that feel homemade but come together fast, I fell in love with this one after my first bite. Today, I’ll guide you through everything: how to bake it, how long it lasts, how to tell it’s done, and what makes it stand out. Ready to fall in love with this cake?
Why This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake Is My Favorite Fall Shortcut
A nostalgic bake that’s never failed me
One chilly October morning, I was craving something sweet and warm but had only a few ingredients on hand. That’s when I tossed together a spice cake mix, canned apple pie filling, and some eggs—nothing fancy, but the result? Unforgettable. My kitchen smelled like a bakery, and every bite was packed with soft apple chunks and spiced richness.
It reminded me of the first time I shared a dessert on my blog. The idea behind invisible apple cake was to create something fuss-free that still felt festive. This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake? It hits the same mark with even fewer ingredients.
It’s become one of those must-make recipes, just like apple pie cookies that have a way of disappearing off the plate before they cool.
Why everyone loves this cake
This cake doesn’t pretend to be fancy—it delivers on flavor, texture, and ease. The spice cake mix brings warmth from cloves and cinnamon. The apple pie filling adds texture and moisture, with little apple chunks baked right in. And the eggs pull it all together into a soft, tender crumb.
What makes this different from other cakes is the way it punches above its weight. Most folks won’t guess it came from a box, especially if you add the cinnamon-brown sugar buttercream frosting on top. But honestly? This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake stands strong even without icing.
Fans of our apple crumb bread and apple pie fries often say this one is even easier—and just as good.
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3-Ingredient Apple Cake: 1 Easy, Amazing Dessert Idea
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is a quick and cozy dessert made with spice cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs, topped with a cinnamon brown sugar frosting for extra flavor.
Ingredients
1 box Spice Cake Mix
20 oz Apple Pie Filling
4 Eggs
1 cup softened Butter
3 cup Powdered Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp Cinnamon
2 tbsp Milk
1 tsp Vanilla
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Grease a 9×13″ cake pan.
3. Beat together cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs until well blended (apple chunks will remain).
4. Pour into prepared pan.
5. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean.
6. Allow cake to cool completely.
7. Whip butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until fluffy.
8. Gradually add powdered sugar.
9. Add milk until you reach desired consistency.
10. Spread frosting over cooled cake.
Notes
You can skip the frosting for a lighter version.
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days or refrigerate for a week.
Freeze slices for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 38g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: 3-Ingredient Apple Cake, easy apple cake, quick dessert
How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Cake Step-by-Step
Ingredients you’ll need (and a few extras)
To make the base version of 3-Ingredient Apple Cake, you only need:
- 1 box spice cake mix
- 1 can (20 oz) apple pie filling
- 4 eggs
That’s it. You just mix everything together, pour it into a greased 9×13″ pan, and bake at 350°F for about 25–30 minutes. But I like to take it a step further with a buttery, cinnamon frosting. For that, gather:
- 1 cup softened butter
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
This frosting turns your 3-Ingredient Apple Cake into a dessert worthy of birthdays and holiday spreads.
If you liked the simplicity of banana bread cake mix, this will feel just as easy—if not easier.
Baking instructions (no stand mixer needed)
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease your 9×13″ cake pan. In a large bowl, mix the spice cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs. Stir until combined, but don’t worry if the apple chunks remain—it adds texture!
Pour the batter into the pan and smooth the top. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool completely.
For the frosting, whip together butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla until fluffy. Slowly add powdered sugar, then add milk until you reach the desired consistency. Spread generously on the cooled cake.
You’ll find this method is just as approachable as our easy 3-ingredient biscuit recipe.
Tips, Storage & Doneness: Your Questions Answered
How long will an apple cake keep?
When properly stored in an airtight container, your 3-Ingredient Apple Cake will last up to 4 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge. If you use the buttercream frosting, refrigeration is recommended to keep the texture fresh.
You can also freeze slices of the cake (frosted or not) for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and enjoy. This makes it a great make-ahead option for fall potlucks or brunches.
We store it just like our cake pops—carefully wrapped and ready for sweet cravings.
How to know when your cake is done
The simplest way to check if your 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is done? Insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, it’s ready.
The top should spring back when lightly pressed, and the edges may start to pull away from the sides. If the center jiggles, give it more time. Every oven is different, so it may take a few extra minutes beyond 30 depending on altitude and pan type.
This trick works for other quick bakes like zucchini crisp and carrot pineapple cake, too.
Variations and Creative Twists on 3-Ingredient Apple Cake
Fun flavor add-ins and mix-ins
While the classic 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is a dream as-is, you can personalize it easily. Some of our favorite add-ins include:
- A handful of chopped pecans or walnuts
- A splash of bourbon or maple syrup
- A sprinkle of extra cinnamon or nutmeg
- A caramel drizzle post-bake
You could even swap the spice cake mix for yellow cake and add cinnamon separately. Fans of our 5-ingredient pumpkin spice sandwich cookies will appreciate how flexible this cake can be.
Make it a morning treat or holiday centerpiece
Serve warm with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert, or cut a small slice for breakfast with coffee. The texture holds up well enough for brunch-style serving.
Dress it up with sugared cranberries in winter or sliced almonds in spring. This cake truly adapts to the season, just like pumpkin dump cake or baked oats oatmeal cake.
No matter how you serve it, 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is the no-fail dessert you’ll return to again and again.
Conclusion
3-Ingredient Apple Cake is the kind of dessert every home cook should have in their back pocket. It’s fast, reliable, and absolutely satisfying. Whether you enjoy it plain or frosted, with coffee or ice cream, it fits every season and reason. You don’t need to be a pro baker to impress with this one—just three pantry staples and a little oven time. Happy baking!
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FAQ Section
How long will an apple cake keep?
This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake lasts 4 days at room temperature or up to a week refrigerated. For longer storage, freeze for up to 2 months.
How long to cook a 3 ingredient fruit cake?
Bake this 3-Ingredient Apple Cake for 25–30 minutes at 350°F. Use a toothpick test to confirm doneness.
How to know if apple cake is cooked?
The top should spring back when touched, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean. If not, bake a few minutes more.
What are the ingredients of apple cake?
This easy apple cake uses just three ingredients: spice cake mix, canned apple pie filling, and eggs. Optional frosting uses butter, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk.