3 Ingredient Apple Cake saved my busy week more times than I can count. You know those days when you want something sweet and homemade, but your brain looks at a long recipe and says nope. This cake is the cure. It’s cozy, smells like fall, and you can mix it up in a single bowl while the oven preheats. No fancy gear, no long prep, just a warm slice that tastes like you did a lot more than you actually did. Let me show you why it works and how to make it your new weeknight favorite. 
Easy Apple Cake
I love desserts that feel impressive without being a project, and this one hits that sweet spot. The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake has the spirit of a classic family recipe, but with a simple shortcut that makes it feel doable any night of the week. You toss a few familiar things together, slide it into the oven, and your kitchen starts smelling like apple pie in about ten minutes.
Here’s what I think makes it special. The apples bring natural sweetness and moisture. The cake mix provides structure and a touch of fluff. And the eggs lock everything together with a tender crumb that slices cleanly. The texture lands somewhere between a snack cake and a coffee cake. It is soft, a little dense in the best way, and full of spiced apple pockets if you use a spiced mix or add cinnamon.
Why this cake works
The magic is all about balance. Fruit adds moisture. Eggs give lift. The mix keeps it foolproof. If you can stir, you can bake this cake. I usually make it on Sunday, then nibble a square with coffee through the week. It reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.
“Made this for my neighbors on a whim. They thought I picked it up from a bakery. I smiled, kept my secret, and printed the recipe later that night.”
If you like low-effort bakes with big payoff, save this one. And if you’re a fan of easy apple desserts, you might also enjoy my flaky apple turnovers that use puff pastry for speedy layers. They scratch the same cozy itch.
Bottom line this cake is simple, flexible, and friendly to last-minute plans.
Simple Ingredients
What you will need
- Apple pie filling One standard can, 20 to 21 ounces. If the apples are in big slices, rough chop them before mixing for even bites.
- Cake mix Yellow or spice cake mix, about 15.25 ounces. Spice mix adds cinnamon warmth without any extra steps.
- Eggs Two large eggs for structure and a tender crumb.
That is it. Three things. If you want to lean into cozy fall flavor, a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice never hurts. I usually sprinkle in a half teaspoon. You can also finish the baked cake with a dusting of powdered sugar for a pretty, sweet top.
For pan size, a 9 inch square or an 8 inch round works best. A loaf pan also works if you prefer thicker slices, just add a few minutes to the bake time and keep an eye on the center.
Pro tip if your kitchen runs cool, let the eggs sit out for 10 minutes so they mix more easily. Room temp ingredients make for smoother batter.
Keep the mix dry until you add everything together. Try not to overmix. A few small streaks are fine and help keep the crumb tender.
Making the Apple Spice Cake
Step by step
First, preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease your pan lightly with butter or spray. I like to line the bottom with parchment for clean slices.
Next, open the apple pie filling and chop the apple slices if they are large. You want comfortable bites in every forkful.
In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until the yolks and whites look blended. Pour in the pie filling and stir to combine. The mix will look lumpy. That is perfect and normal.
Add the dry cake mix right on top. Fold gently until no big pockets of dry mix remain. Do not whip it. You are aiming for thick and a little rustic. If you are using spice mix, you can skip additional spices. If you chose yellow cake mix, stir in a pinch of cinnamon for extra coziness.
Spread the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top lightly with a spatula so it bakes evenly.
Bake for 28 to 35 minutes depending on your pan. A square pan usually lands around 30 to 32 minutes in my oven. The cake is done when the edges are golden, the center springs back when tapped, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Cool the cake in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing. It sets up as it rests, and the flavor settles in. You can serve it warm if you like, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or let it cool completely and dust with powdered sugar.
This 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is friendly to last-minute company. I keep the three ingredients on hand for pantry emergencies, which is also known as dessert night. It never fails.
Variations and Substitutions
Once you have made the base recipe, you can spin it a dozen ways. Use spice cake mix for a deeper fall flavor, or stick with yellow cake mix if you like a classic buttery vibe. Swap the apple pie filling for cherry or blueberry if you are feeling playful. The method stays exactly the same.
Like a little crunch Try folding in a small handful of chopped pecans or walnuts. About a half cup is plenty and keeps the cake tender. Prefer a simple finish Drizzle with a quick glaze made from powdered sugar and milk. It looks bakery cute with very little effort.
If you avoid dairy, you are in luck. The three core ingredients are typically dairy free, though brands vary, so always check labels. For gluten free, use a gluten free cake mix and the same process.
Love apple desserts as much as I do Try these quick apple turnovers when you want crisp layers and a pastry vibe. Same apple joy, different texture. If you want a cozy fall bake with a cinnamon swirl personality, my crowd pleasing cinnamon roll poke cake brings a soft crumb and icing pockets that are wildly good.
And if you are making treats for a group, double the recipe and bake in a 9 by 13 inch pan. Start checking around 32 minutes. Every oven has a personality, so trust your eyes and that toothpick test.
Tips for Success
- Chop the apples in the pie filling if the slices are long. Smaller pieces bake more evenly into the cake.
- Do not overmix. Fold until just combined to keep the crumb soft.
- Pan choice matters. Dark metal pans brown faster. Start checking a few minutes early.
- Spice it right. If using yellow mix, add a half teaspoon cinnamon. With spice mix, you are already covered.
- Let it rest. Give the cake 15 minutes in the pan before cutting so slices hold together.
- Serve smart. A dusting of powdered sugar, a vanilla scoop, or a drizzle of warm caramel turns this into dessert-cafe level.
- Store well. Keep covered at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate up to 5 days. Warm slices for 10 to 15 seconds in the microwave for that fresh-baked feel.
On busy nights, I sometimes bake it in the morning and let it sit under a cake dome. By dinner, the flavor has settled and the texture is just right. If you try a twist you love, leave a note. Your idea might become my next shortcut favorite.
Common Questions
Can I make this without eggs
Yes. Replace two eggs with a flax egg or a store-bought egg replacer. Texture will be a touch denser but still tasty.
What apple pie filling works best
Any standard canned apple pie filling works. I like brands with small apple pieces. If yours has large slices, give them a quick chop.
How do I know when it is done
Look for golden edges, a center that springs back to a gentle touch, and a toothpick that comes out with a few crumbs.
Can I freeze slices
Absolutely. Wrap individual slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw at room temp and warm briefly before serving.
Can I bake it in a loaf pan
Yes. It will be thicker, so add 5 to 8 minutes and check the center. Tent with foil if the top browns early.
A cozy little wrap up
There is a reason I keep coming back to the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake. It is quick, it is reliable, and it tastes like time spent even when you threw it together in a hurry. If you want more takes on this idea, check out the helpful walkthrough at 3 Ingredient Apple Cake – CincyShopper or try the version that leans on a boxed mix method at 3 Ingredient Apple Cake with Cake Mix – Semi Homemade Kitchen. I hope you bake it soon, slice it warm, and maybe share a piece with someone you like. You will be amazed what three simple things can do. 
3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 can Apple pie filling (20 to 21 ounces) If the apples are in big slices, rough chop them before mixing for even bites.
- 1 box Yellow or spice cake mix (about 15.25 ounces) Spice mix adds cinnamon warmth without any extra steps.
- 2 large Eggs For structure and a tender crumb.
Optional Ingredients
- 0.5 teaspoon Cinnamon or apple pie spice For additional cozy fall flavor.
- to taste none Powdered sugar For dusting on top of the baked cake.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease your pan lightly with butter or spray and line the bottom with parchment for clean slices.
- Open the apple pie filling and chop the apple slices if they are large.
- In a medium bowl, beat the eggs with a fork until blended. Pour in the pie filling and stir to combine.
- Add the dry cake mix on top and fold gently until no big pockets of dry mix remain.
- Spread the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
Baking
- Bake for 28 to 35 minutes. The cake is done when the edges are golden, the center springs back when tapped, and a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool the cake in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing.