3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just a few simple ingredients, 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful treat that can elevate any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving something sweet, this cake stands out with its rich apple flavor and moist texture. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for bakers of all skill levels. The aroma of fresh apples and cake baking will fill your home, creating an inviting atmosphere for everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three main ingredients, this recipe is straightforward and fast, perfect for busy days.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and yellow cake mix creates a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will enjoy.
- Versatile Dessert: Ideal for breakfast, dessert, or even as an afternoon snack, this cake fits any time of day.
- Customizable Options: You can add nuts or spices to suit your taste preferences, making it uniquely yours.
- Perfect for Sharing: With 12 servings, it’s great for gatherings or celebrations when you want to share something special.
Tools and Preparation
To make your baking experience smooth and enjoyable, having the right tools on hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inch recommended)
- Peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Baking pan: A good quality pan ensures even baking and prevents sticking.
- Peeler: Using a sharp peeler makes peeling apples quick and effortless.
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 the apples using a peeler. Chop them into uniform 1/2-inch pieces to ensure even distribution in the batter.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In your mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until fully combined.
Step 4: Transfer to Baking Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure uniform baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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. Enjoy your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can enhance its delightful flavors. Here are some tasty suggestions to elevate your dessert experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing that melts in your mouth.
Whipped Cream
- Top with freshly whipped cream for a light and airy finish that complements the cake’s sweetness.
Caramel Drizzle
- Drizzle with caramel sauce to add a rich, buttery flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
Nuts and Spices
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and a nutty flavor, or add cinnamon for extra warmth.
Fresh Fruit
- Serve alongside slices of fresh fruit like strawberries or blueberries for a refreshing contrast.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Enjoy the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea, which balances the sweetness nicely.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Achieving the perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is simple with a few helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for the best results.
- Choose ripe apples – Use fresh, ripe apples for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
- Mix thoroughly – Ensure all ingredients are well combined to create a uniform batter.
- Check doneness – Insert a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done.
- Cool before serving – Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving to enhance its texture and flavor.
- Experiment with spices – Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of warmth in your cake.
- Store properly – Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing sides with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can create a delightful meal. Here are some great side dish ideas.
- Vanilla Ice Cream – A creamy accompaniment that adds richness to each bite of apple cake.
- Fresh Berries Salad – A mix of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides freshness and acidity.
- Greek Yogurt – A dollop of Greek yogurt adds tanginess and balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Cheese Platter – Include mild cheeses like Brie or Gouda for a savory contrast to the sweet dessert.
- Spiced Nuts – Roasted spiced nuts bring crunch and enhance the overall flavor profile of your dessert table.
- Fruit Compote – Serve with a warm fruit compote made from seasonal fruits for an added fruity punch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, it’s easy to overlook some key details. Here are common mistakes to avoid for the best results.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking pan can lead to a cake that sticks. Always use cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal.
- Using unmeasured apple pieces: Chopping apples too large can result in uneven baking. Aim for uniform 1/2-inch pieces for consistent texture.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too long can make the cake dense. Blend just until combined for a fluffy outcome.
- Ignoring baking time: Rushing the bake time may leave your cake undercooked. Check for doneness with a toothpick; it should come out clean.
- Not letting it cool properly: Cutting the cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- The cake will last about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm the cake for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on high for about 30-45 seconds until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Use a skillet on low heat, covering with a lid for about 5 minutes to retain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake.
Can I use different types of apples in my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
You can use any apple variety you prefer! Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well, while tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice contrast.
How do I make my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake even more flavorful?
Consider adding cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and flavor. You can also fold in nuts or raisins for added texture.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes! The simplicity of this recipe makes it easy to incorporate into many dietary plans, including Weight Watchers.
Can I substitute the yellow cake mix in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can try using vanilla or spice cake mix as alternatives if you want a different flavor profile.
Final Thoughts
This 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with different fruits, spices, or toppings, making it perfect for any occasion. Try it today and enjoy the delightful flavors of fresh apples!

3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. This simple cake combines fresh apples with yellow cake mix for a moist and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family gathering or a cozy night in. With just three main ingredients, you’ll have a homemade dessert that fills your home with the sweet aroma of baked apples. Best of all, it’s customizable—add nuts or spices to make it your own. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a drizzle of caramel for an irresistible experience.
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). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- Peel and chop the apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Mix until well combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/12 of the cake (approximately 72g)
- Calories: 189
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 217mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 50mg