3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just three ingredients, the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or seeking a simple treat for yourself, this cake brings together the comforting flavors of fresh apples and cake mix. Its effortless preparation means you can whip it up in no time, filling your home with an irresistible aroma. Plus, it’s versatile enough to enjoy as a dessert or even for breakfast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With only three main ingredients, this cake comes together in minutes, making it perfect for busy bakers.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and yellow cake mix creates a moist and flavorful treat that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with ice cream, dusted with powdered sugar, or enjoy it plain for a delightful snack.
- Healthy Twist: By using fresh apples, you add natural sweetness and nutrition to your dessert without much effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a birthday party or a cozy family dinner, this cake fits right in.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the baking process, gather your tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment will make preparing your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake even easier.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking pan (9×13 inches recommended)
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or spoon
- Peeler
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large bowl allows for easy mixing of all ingredients without spills.
- Baking pan: The right size ensures even baking and helps achieve that golden crust on your cake.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements are crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor in your cake.
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.
Ingredients:
– 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) and grease your baking pan with cooking spray or butter. This step is essential to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and chop your apples into uniform pieces about 1/2-inch thick. This ensures they cook evenly within the cake.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Stir until everything is well blended. You should have a thick batter with chunks of apple throughout.
Step 4: Pour into Pan
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly with a spatula to ensure even baking.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The top should turn golden brown, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when done.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before serving. Enjoy this delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake warm or at room temperature!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate its appeal and make it the star of any gathering. Here are some delightful serving suggestions to enhance your cake experience.
A La Mode
- Serve warm slices with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert combination.
With Caramel Sauce
- Drizzle homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over each slice for an indulgent touch.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top for a light and airy contrast to the cake’s texture.
Garnished with Nuts
- Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for added crunch and flavor.
Fresh Fruit Accompaniment
- Pair with fresh berries or sliced bananas for a refreshing balance to the sweetness of the cake.
Coffee or Tea Pairing
- Serve alongside a cup of coffee or tea to complement the flavors and enjoy a cozy treat.
How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
To achieve the best results with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, consider these tips that can enhance both flavor and texture.
- Use fresh apples: Opt for crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith for a better flavor contrast.
- Mix gently: Combine ingredients just until blended to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Check doneness: Use a toothpick inserted in the center; it should come out clean when baked perfectly.
- Cool properly: Let the cake cool in the pan before transferring it to avoid breaking apart.
- Experiment with spices: Add cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor that pairs beautifully with apple.
- Store correctly: Keep any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some ideas to consider:
-
Vanilla Ice Cream
A creamy addition that enhances the warm cake’s flavors perfectly. -
Cinnamon Sugar Roasted Apples
A warm side that echoes the apple theme, making every bite delightful. -
Mixed Green Salad
A fresh salad provides a light contrast to the richness of the cake. -
Cheese Platter
Include cheddar or brie for a savory element that balances sweetness well. -
Yogurt Parfait
Layer yogurt, granola, and fruits for a refreshing side option that complements dessert. -
Coffee Cake Muffins
These add another layer of sweetness while being easy to serve alongside your apple cake.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is simple, but some common mistakes can affect the outcome.
- Ignoring the baking time: Overbaking can dry out your cake. Keep an eye on the time and check for doneness around 35 minutes.
- Using unpeeled apples: The skin can toughen the texture of your cake. Always peel your apples before chopping to ensure a smoother consistency.
- Not greasing the pan: A stuck cake is disappointing. Make sure to grease your baking pan well with cooking spray or butter.
- Chopping apples unevenly: This can lead to uneven baking. Aim for uniform 1/2-inch pieces for consistent results.
- Skipping the cooling time: Cutting into a hot cake can cause it to crumble. Let it cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before refrigerating to prevent moisture build-up.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and warm for about 10-15 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave: Heat a slice on high for about 20-30 seconds, checking that it’s warm but not hot.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake.
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any variety of fresh apples. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp work well, while tart varieties like Granny Smith add a nice balance.
What if I want to make this cake gluten-free?
You can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free alternative. Check for options that closely match the flavor and texture of regular cake mixes.
How do I enhance the flavor of my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to elevate the flavor. You can also mix in nuts or raisins for added texture.
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely! Just use two boxes of cake mix and adjust your baking time accordingly if using a larger pan.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is both easy and delightful. Its simplicity allows you to enjoy fresh apple flavors without fuss. Feel free to customize it by adding spices or toppings like caramel sauce or nuts. Give it a try today!
3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the simplicity and deliciousness of the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake. This delightful dessert combines just three core ingredients—yellow cake mix, fresh apples, and eggs—to create a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or treating yourself to a sweet snack, this effortless recipe fills your kitchen with the comforting aroma of baked apples. Enjoy it warm with ice cream, dusted with powdered sugar, or even as a breakfast treat. With minimal prep time and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll find that this cake is not only quick to make but also a hit among friends and family.
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; stir until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes until golden brown; check doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool for about 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 170
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
