3-Ingredient Apple Cake

This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is one of the easiest apple desserts you can make. With just fresh apples, a box of spice cake mix, and eggs, you get a soft, moist cake filled with sweet apple pieces and warm fall flavor.

There’s no need to measure flour, sugar, oil, butter, or spices for the basic recipe. Simply mix the ingredients, spread the batter into a baking dish, and bake. It’s an easy dessert for busy weeknights, fall gatherings, potlucks, Thanksgiving season, or whenever you have a few apples waiting to be used.

Serve this simple apple cake as-is, dust it with powdered sugar, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra-special treat.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35–45 minutes
Cooling Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Method: Baking
Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

• 1 box (15.25 ounces) spice cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups peeled and finely diced apples

That’s it! You only need three ingredients for the basic recipe.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F.

Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.

For easier removal, you can line the pan with parchment paper and lightly grease the parchment.

2. Prepare the Apples

Peel and core the apples, then cut them into small pieces, approximately 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size.

Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the cake and soften nicely while baking.

Measure out approximately 3 cups of diced apples.

3. Beat the Eggs

Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl.

Whisk for about 30 seconds, until the yolks and whites are completely combined.

4. Add the Cake Mix

Add the dry spice cake mix directly to the eggs.

Don’t prepare the cake mix according to the instructions printed on the package. You won’t need the water or oil normally listed on the box.

Stir until partially combined.

The mixture will be very thick at this stage.

5. Fold in the Apples

Add the diced apples to the bowl.

Use a sturdy rubber spatula or wooden spoon to fold the apples into the cake mixture.

As you continue mixing, moisture from the apples will help loosen the batter.

The finished batter will still be thicker than traditional cake batter. That’s normal.

6. Fill the Baking Dish

Transfer the apple cake batter to the prepared 9×13-inch pan.

Spread it into an even layer, making sure the apples are distributed throughout the pan.

7. Bake

Bake at 350°F for approximately 35–45 minutes, or until the top is set and a toothpick inserted into a cakey portion near the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Because there are pieces of juicy apple throughout the cake, a toothpick inserted directly into an apple may come out wet.

Begin checking around 35 minutes and avoid overbaking.

8. Cool

Remove the cake from the oven and place the pan on a wire rack.

Let it cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing.

The cake will become easier to cut as it cools.

Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Best 3-Ingredient Apple Cake

Choose good baking apples. Firm apples hold their texture better during baking and prevent the cake from becoming overly mushy.

Dice the apples fairly small. Smaller pieces cook more evenly and distribute apple flavor throughout every slice.

Measure the prepared apples. Apple sizes vary significantly, so measuring 3 cups after peeling, coring, and chopping gives more consistent results.

Use the cake mix dry. Don’t add the oil or water listed in the package directions.

Expect thick batter. This recipe gets much of its moisture from the fresh apples, so the batter won’t look like standard boxed cake batter.

Don’t overmix. Once the apples and cake mix are evenly incorporated, stop mixing.

Don’t overbake. The apples help keep the cake moist, but excessive baking can still dry it out.

What Are the Best Apples for Apple Cake?

Apples that stay relatively firm during baking work especially well.

Good options include:

• Granny Smith
• Honeycrisp
• Pink Lady
• Braeburn
• Fuji
• Gala

Granny Smith apples provide a tart contrast to the sweet cake mix, while Honeycrisp and Fuji produce a sweeter cake.

You can also combine two varieties for a more complex apple flavor.

Can I Use Yellow Cake Mix?

Yes.

Spice cake mix is especially convenient because cinnamon and warm spices are already included, but yellow cake mix can also work.

If you use yellow cake mix and don’t mind adding a fourth ingredient, stir 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon into the dry mix for a more traditional apple-cinnamon flavor.

Optional Add-Ins

The basic cake needs only three ingredients, but you can easily customize it.

Try adding:

• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 teaspoon additional cinnamon
• 1/2 cup caramel baking chips
• 1/2 cup dried cranberries

Remember that adding any of these will turn the recipe into more than a three-ingredient cake.

Easy Variations

3-Ingredient Apple Cinnamon Cake

Use spice cake mix and a combination of tart and sweet apples for plenty of warm cinnamon-apple flavor.

Apple Pecan Cake

Fold 1/2 cup chopped pecans into the batter.

Sprinkle a few additional pecans over the top before baking.

Apple Walnut Cake

Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts for extra texture and nutty flavor.

Caramel Apple Cake

Drizzle caramel sauce over individual slices immediately before serving.

For an extra-indulgent dessert, add vanilla ice cream and warm caramel sauce.

Apple Cake Muffins

Divide the batter among greased or lined muffin cups.

Bake at 350°F for approximately 18–24 minutes, or until the centers are set and a toothpick inserted into a cakey portion comes out clean.

Apple Cake With Powdered Sugar

Let the cake cool completely, then lightly dust the top with powdered sugar immediately before serving.

It’s one of the easiest ways to give this simple cake a prettier presentation.

What to Serve With 3-Ingredient Apple Cake

This cake is moist and flavorful enough to enjoy on its own, but it’s even better with:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce
• Powdered sugar
• Chopped toasted pecans
• Hot coffee
• Hot tea
• Cold milk

For a cozy fall dessert, serve the cake slightly warm with vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Make-Ahead Instructions

This easy apple cake can be baked a day before serving.

Let it cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly or transfer individual slices to an airtight container.

If you’re planning to add powdered sugar, whipped cream, or caramel sauce, wait until shortly before serving.

Storage

Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.

You can enjoy the cake cold, bring it to room temperature, or gently warm individual slices before serving.

Can You Freeze 3-Ingredient Apple Cake?

Yes.

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Cut it into individual portions and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours.

For best results, freeze the cake without whipped cream, ice cream, caramel sauce, or other toppings.

How to Reheat

Place an individual slice on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for approximately 10–20 seconds, or until gently warmed.

Avoid overheating because this can make the cake rubbery or dry.

For dessert, serve the warm cake immediately with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you really make apple cake with only three ingredients?

Yes. Boxed cake mix already contains flour, sugar, leavening, and flavorings. Eggs provide structure, while fresh apples add moisture, sweetness, and apple flavor.

Do I prepare the cake mix according to the package?

No. Use the dry cake mix straight from the box. Don’t add the oil, water, or other ingredients listed in the standard package directions.

Why is the batter so thick?

That’s normal. The recipe doesn’t contain the additional liquid normally used with boxed cake mix. As the apples are folded into the mixture and later bake, they release moisture into the cake.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the softest cake texture. Apple peels can remain somewhat chewy after baking, depending on the variety.

Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?

Not as a direct substitution in this specific recipe. Applesauce contains a different amount of moisture and won’t provide the same structure or chunks of fruit.

Can I use yellow cake mix?

Yes. Yellow cake mix works, although the cake won’t have the same warm spice flavor. Adding cinnamon is an easy option if you don’t need to keep the recipe strictly three ingredients.

Can I make this into muffins?

Yes. Divide the batter among muffin cups and bake at 350°F for approximately 18–24 minutes, checking for doneness before removing them from the oven.

How do I know when apple cake is done?

The top should look set and lightly browned. A toothpick inserted into the cake portion near the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Avoid testing directly through an apple piece.

Nutrition Information

Approximate nutrition per serving, based on 12 servings:

• Calories: 210
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 330mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the cake mix brand, apple variety, exact amount of fruit, and serving size.

Final Thoughts

3-Ingredient Apple Cake is an easy way to turn fresh apples and a box of cake mix into a warm, comforting homemade dessert. The apples provide natural moisture and sweetness, while spice cake mix delivers cozy cinnamon flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients.

Serve it plain for a simple snack or dress it up with powdered sugar, whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, and caramel sauce. With only three ingredients and about 10 minutes of prep, this is an easy apple dessert worth keeping in your recipe collection.