3 Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe

There’s something almost magical about simple baking triumphs, isn’t there? The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is the kind of recipe that will make you do a double-take – can something this easy really be so delicious? The answer is a resounding yes! This cake is moist, sweet, loaded with juicy apple flavor, and practically foolproof, making it a perfect cozy dessert whether you’re a seasoned baker or a total newbie. Bust out this cheerful treat for family gatherings or when you need a quick sweet fix, and you’ll soon see why the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is destined to become a staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is its utter simplicity: just three easy-to-find ingredients that magically blend into a beautiful, golden cake. There’s nothing unnecessary here, and each part brings something special to the table, from the tender bite of apples to the buttery rise of cake mix. Let’s look at how each ingredient truly shines.

• Yellow Cake Mix: The backbone of the recipe, this shortcut provides a buttery, vanilla-scented base that rises into a soft and fluffy crumb.
• Chopped Fresh Apples: These juicy bites bring both natural sweetness and moisture, adding bursts of fruity flavor throughout every slice.
• Eggs: Essential for binding everything together and giving the cake structure, ensuring every forkful is pillowy and light.

How to Make 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives the cake a head start on rising as soon as it hits that warm oven. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter – this step will make serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake a total breeze and guarantee no precious crumbs are left behind.

Step 2: Mix Your Cake Batter

In your largest mixing bowl, pour in the yellow cake mix, add the 2 cups of chopped fresh apples, and crack in those three eggs. Now comes the fun part: stir everything together with a sturdy spoon or spatula until the batter is well blended. It’ll look chunky thanks to all that fresh fruit and that’s exactly how you want it. Those juicy apples are what set this cake apart from any old boxed mix!

Step 3: Pour and Level the Batter

Once your batter is ready, scrape it into the prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out so it fills the pan evenly. The apples will be distributed throughout the batter – don’t fret if it looks rustic! That unevenness guarantees every bite of your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake will have pops of fruity flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide your pan into the oven and set your timer for 35 to 40 minutes. The cake will puff up and take on a gorgeous golden hue as it bakes. To check if it’s ready, insert a toothpick into the center – if it comes out clean, you’re good to go. If there’s a little batter clinging on, give it a few more minutes.

Step 5: Cool and Enjoy

When your cake is finished baking, let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. This makes cutting much easier and helps set that lovely soft crumb. Serve your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake warm for ultimate comfort, or let it come to room temperature for easy slicing. Either way, get ready for rave reviews at your table!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Garnishes

Give your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake a finishing touch with a shower of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence. If you have a little whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on hand, both make lovely companions and elevate the homey charm of this dessert.

Side Dishes

This cake plays beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spicy chai tea, especially as an afternoon pick-me-up. For a dinner party, round out the plate with a few tart berries or a spoonful of cinnamon-spiced applesauce to complement the cake’s fruit-forward flavor.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn each slice into a showstopper by stacking cubes with toothpicks for a party platter, or serve wedges topped with a warm apple compote and a sprinkle of toasted nuts for a rustic dessert. The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is just as happy being humble as it is going all-out fancy!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake keep beautifully! Simply wrap the cooled cake (or individual pieces) tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist, flavorful, and as inviting as the day you baked it.

Freezing

If you want to keep some cake for the future, freezing is a great option. Cut the cake into squares, wrap each in plastic, and pop them into a freezer-safe bag. The cake will keep well for up to three months. Thaw slices overnight in the fridge or for an hour on the counter when the craving strikes.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to their just-baked glory, pop a slice into the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. A quick zap restores softness and makes that fruity aroma irresistible all over again. For larger amounts, reheat covered in a low oven until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of cake mix for this recipe?

Absolutely, you can swap in spiced cake mix or even white cake mix for a twist on flavor. Just keep in mind that the classic yellow cake mix is what gives the traditional 3 Ingredient Apple Cake its signature richness and golden color.

What types of apples work best?

Any firm, tart-sweet apple such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji is perfect here. The important thing is that they hold their shape as they bake, giving the cake those delightful pops of juicy fruit.

Can I add cinnamon or extra spices?

For sure! While the magic is in keeping it simple, a dash of cinnamon or nutmeg stirred into the batter is a welcome addition and will make your kitchen smell even more amazing.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is totally up to you. If you like a bit of rustic texture and color, leave the skins on. For a softer, more uniform crumb, peel the apples before chopping.

Can I make the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap the regular cake mix for your favorite gluten-free yellow cake mix. The result will be just as moist and delicious, so everyone can enjoy this easy treat.

Final Thoughts

Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back to the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake again and again – it’s quick, comforting, and truly irresistible. Whip it up for a weeknight treat, holiday brunch, or even just because you have apples to use up. This is one sweet tradition you’ll want to share with everyone you know!

Print