3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just a few simple ingredients, this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is the perfect treat for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a birthday, or simply craving a sweet dessert, this cake delivers delightful flavors and aromas that will impress your family and friends. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; it requires minimal effort yet results in a moist and delicious cake that tastes homemade.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This recipe only takes 10 minutes to prep, making it ideal for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples with yellow cake mix creates a delightful sweetness.
- Versatile Uses: Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert—this cake fits any occasion.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just three main ingredients, it’s budget-friendly and easy to prepare.
- Great for Sharing: Makes 12 servings—perfect for potlucks or family gatherings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, gather the essential tools. Having everything ready will streamline the process and make baking more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or mixer
- Baking pan
- Knife and cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing Bowl: A sturdy mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients smoothly.
- Baking Pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
- Whisk or Mixer: Helps achieve a well-blended batter without lumps.
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 the apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This helps ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients Together
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Use a whisk or mixer to blend everything until well combined.
Step 4: Pour into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake should turn golden brown and be set in the middle.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving for an extra touch of sweetness. Enjoy your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate the experience for any occasion. This delightful cake pairs well with various accompaniments, making it even more enjoyable.
With Whipped Cream
- Fresh whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the moist apple cake.
A Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream
- The creamy sweetness of vanilla ice cream complements the warm flavors of the cake, creating a classic dessert pairing.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A rich layer of caramel sauce brings added sweetness and a luxurious finish to each slice of the cake.
Served Warm with Cinnamon
- Sprinkle some ground cinnamon on top for a warm spice that enhances the apple flavor in the cake.
Topped with Nuts
- Chopped walnuts or pecans provide a crunchy texture that balances out the softness of the cake.
Accompanied by Coffee or Tea
- A warm cup of coffee or tea provides a perfect beverage choice that enhances the overall dessert experience.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
To ensure your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.
-
Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, ripe apples will give your cake the best flavor and texture. Try using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balanced taste.
-
Mix Well: Ensure all ingredients are blended thoroughly for an even distribution of flavors and moisture throughout the cake.
-
Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to check if the cake is done. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
-
Cool Completely: Allowing the cake to cool before serving helps maintain its structure and makes it easier to slice.
-
Experiment with Spices: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can enhance the apple flavor, giving your cake an extra kick.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing side dishes with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.
-
Vanilla Yogurt – A smooth and creamy yogurt adds tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the cake.
-
Fruit Salad – A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits provides brightness and contrast alongside your dessert.
-
Cheese Platter – Pairing cheese like Brie or sharp cheddar enhances flavor profiles and offers a savory option next to sweet cake.
-
Pecan Pie Bars – These bars add crunch and richness, making them an indulgent partner for your apple cake.
-
Green Salad – A light salad with vinaigrette cuts through the sweetness while adding freshness to your meal.
-
Chocolate Mousse – For chocolate lovers, this rich dessert creates a wonderful contrast with fruity apple flavors.
-
Cinnamon Rolls – Treat yourself to this classic breakfast dish that complements apple flavors perfectly.
-
Pumpkin Soup – A warm bowl of pumpkin soup adds warmth and comfort when served alongside your delightful apple dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is simple, but a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to avoid:
- Using cold eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better, so take them out before starting.
- Not chopping apples evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even baking; aim for 1/2-inch chunks for best results.
- Skipping the greasing step: Greasing the pan prevents sticking; use cooking spray or butter generously.
- Overbaking the cake: Keep an eye on the time; check doneness with a toothpick around 35 minutes to avoid dryness.
- Neglecting to cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool makes slicing easier and enhances flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container.
- It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place cake on a baking sheet, and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 20-30 seconds until warm.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some commonly asked questions about the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake:
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute apples with pears or peaches for a different flavor profile.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make it gluten-free, use a gluten-free yellow cake mix instead of regular cake mix.
How can I customize my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
Add cinnamon or nutmeg for warmth, or stir in nuts or raisins for added texture.
What should I serve with this cake?
This cake pairs wonderfully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for dessert.
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 toppings. Give it a try and enjoy the delightful flavors that come together in just one bowl!

3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Indulge in the warmth and comfort of our 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that’s both simple and satisfying. This cake combines the sweetness of fresh apples with a yellow cake mix and eggs, resulting in a moist, flavorful treat that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a brunch, celebrating a special event, or simply craving something sweet, this easy recipe comes together in just minutes. With minimal ingredients and effortless preparation, you can enjoy a homemade dessert that will impress family and friends alike. Dust it with powdered sugar or pair it with whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence!
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 pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Mix until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving; dust with powdered sugar if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 19g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 50mg