3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just three simple ingredients, the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. This easy recipe offers a sweet and moist cake that fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of baked apples. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering, needing a quick dessert for a potluck, or simply craving something sweet, this cake will impress everyone who tastes it. Best of all, it comes together quickly, making it an excellent choice for busy bakers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy to Make: With just three main ingredients, this recipe is extremely simple and can be prepared in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and cake mix results in a moist cake bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as a dessert, breakfast treat, or snack; it fits perfectly into any meal.
- Minimal Cleanup Required: Since you only need one bowl for mixing, cleanup is a breeze.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday, holiday gathering, or casual weeknight dinner, this cake is always a hit.
Tools and Preparation
Before you dive into baking your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, gather your tools. Having everything ready simplifies the process and ensures a smooth baking experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking pan (9×13-inch)
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or spoon
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl is essential for combining all your ingredients efficiently without spills.
- Baking pan: Choosing the right size ensures even baking and helps achieve the perfect texture.
- Whisk or spoon: These tools are crucial for blending the ingredients well, ensuring every bite is delicious.
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.
- 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) while you prepare the batter. Grease your baking pan with cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal later.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and chop your apples into uniform pieces about 1/2-inch thick. This helps them cook evenly throughout the cake.
Step 3: Mix Ingredients
In your mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Stir until everything is well blended. Ensure there are no dry clumps left in the mixture.
Step 4: Pour Batter into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula to help 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 when done.
Step 6: Cool Before Serving
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before slicing and serving. Enjoy your homemade 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate it from a simple dessert to a delightful experience. Here are some fun and tasty ways to enjoy this cake that everyone will love.
Warm with Ice Cream
- Serve slices of warm apple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic combination that melts in your mouth.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A drizzle of creamy caramel sauce adds richness and depth, making each bite even more indulgent.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Light and airy whipped cream pairs perfectly with the dense texture of the cake, providing a lovely contrast.
Fresh Fruit Garnish
- Add slices of fresh apples or berries on top for a refreshing touch that complements the flavors in the cake.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea to balance the sweetness, perfect for an afternoon snack or dessert.
Dusting of Cinnamon Sugar
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on top before serving for an extra layer of flavor that enhances the apple taste.
How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
To ensure your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind.
-
Use fresh apples – Freshly picked apples enhance flavor and moisture, leading to a tastier cake.
-
Mix thoroughly – Ensure all ingredients are well combined for an even texture throughout the cake.
-
Check doneness – Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is ready.
-
Let it cool – Allowing the cake to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its structure and flavor.
-
Experiment with spices – Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the flavor profile, giving it a warm, autumnal touch.
-
Store properly – Keep leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing side dishes with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some great options:
-
Vanilla Ice Cream – A classic companion that melts beautifully over warm cake.
-
Cinnamon Roll Casserole – The sweet and spicy flavors complement each other perfectly.
-
Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing option that balances the richness of the cake.
-
Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses adds savory notes that contrast nicely with the sweetness.
-
Chocolate Ganache – Drizzling chocolate ganache creates an elegant touch that’s hard to resist.
-
Nutty Granola – A crunchy topping can add texture when sprinkled over slices served with yogurt.
-
Chia Pudding – This smooth and creamy dish provides a nutritious balance alongside dessert.
-
Coffee Cake Muffins – For brunch gatherings, these muffins make an excellent pairing!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is simple, but small mistakes can affect the outcome. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking pan can lead to a cake that sticks. Always grease or use cooking spray for easy removal.
- Using unpeeled apples: Leaving the skin on can alter the cake’s texture and flavor. Always peel your apples for the best results.
- Not chopping apples evenly: Uneven apple pieces can cause uneven baking. Chop your apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces.
- Overmixing the batter: Mixing too much can make your cake dense. Combine the ingredients just until blended for a light texture.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different; relying solely on time can lead to an undercooked or overbaked cake. Check for a golden brown color and a toothpick test.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The cake lasts up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for the best quality.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices for about 20-30 seconds, checking if warm enough.
- Stovetop: Place slices in a skillet over low heat, covering with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about making a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake.
Can I use other types of cake mix?
Yes! You can experiment with different flavors like spice or butter cake mix to add variety!
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well, as they hold their shape and provide great flavor.
Can I add nuts or spices?
Absolutely! Adding cinnamon or walnuts can enhance flavor and texture, making it even more delightful.
How do I know when my cake is done?
The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly pressed. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with nuts, spices, or even different types of apples. It’s perfect for any occasion and sure to satisfy your sweet cravings!
3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: Serves approximately 12 slices 1x
Description
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that combines the sweetness of fresh apples with the ease of yellow cake mix. This moist, flavorful cake is perfect for any occasion, from family gatherings to casual weeknight dinners. Just three ingredients come together effortlessly to create a delightful treat that fills your kitchen with the aroma of baked apples. Serve it warm with ice cream, dusted with powdered sugar, or drizzled with caramel for an indulgent experience. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, this cake is sure to impress everyone who tries it.
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 a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Peel and chop the apples into uniform pieces (about 1/2-inch thick).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Allow cooling for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
