3 Ingredient Apple Cake
With just three ingredients, this 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful and effortless treat that anyone can whip up. Perfect for gatherings, family breakfasts, or simply as a sweet snack, this cake showcases the natural sweetness of fresh apples. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 10 minutes of prep time, you can get this cake into the oven without hassle.
- Few Ingredients: This recipe uses just three simple ingredients, making it budget-friendly and easy to remember.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of yellow cake mix and fresh apples creates a moist and flavorful cake that everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream for a delightful dessert.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family brunch or a last-minute dessert for guests, this cake fits seamlessly into any event.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, gather the necessary tools to ensure a smooth baking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A good mixing bowl is essential for combining your ingredients thoroughly.
- Baking pan: The right size pan ensures even baking and helps achieve that perfect golden crust.
- Whisk or electric mixer: This tool makes mixing quicker and easier, ensuring your batter is well combined.
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). While it heats up, prepare your baking pan by greasing it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel and chop the apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This ensures even distribution throughout the cake, giving every bite that delicious apple flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Use a whisk or electric mixer to blend until well combined. Ensure there are no dry spots in the mixture.
Step 4: Pour into Pan
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared baking pan. Spread it evenly using a spatula for an even bake.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you want the top to be golden brown and set in the center.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once baked, remove from the oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. For an added touch of sweetness, dust with powdered sugar before serving if desired. Enjoy your homemade 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can enhance its delightful flavors and create a memorable experience. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this delicious dessert.
With Ice Cream
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic combination of warm cake with cold vanilla ice cream creates a wonderful contrast.
- Caramel Ice Cream: For a richer taste, pair the cake with caramel ice cream to complement the apple flavor.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Homemade Caramel: A drizzle of homemade caramel sauce adds a sweet and buttery touch that pairs beautifully with the apples.
- Store-Bought Caramel: If you’re short on time, store-bought caramel sauce works just as well for an easy indulgence.
Topped with Whipped Cream
- Fresh Whipped Cream: Light and airy whipped cream enhances the cake’s sweetness and adds a creamy texture.
- Flavored Whipped Cream: Try adding a hint of cinnamon or vanilla to your whipped cream for an extra flavor boost.
Served Plain
- Simple Slice: Sometimes, less is more. Serve the cake plain to let its delicious flavors shine through without any toppings.
- Room Temperature or Chilled: Enjoy it at room temperature or chill it in the fridge for a refreshing treat.
How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
To make your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh, crisp apples will provide more flavor and texture than older ones. Opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties for the best results.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy one.
- Check Doneness: Use a toothpick to test if the cake is done. It should come out clean when inserted into the center.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool before slicing. This helps it set properly, making it easier to serve and enhancing its flavor.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
When enjoying your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, consider these delightful side dishes that complement its flavors perfectly.
- Vanilla Yogurt: A dollop of creamy vanilla yogurt adds tanginess that balances the sweetness of the cake.
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad can provide freshness and contrast nicely with the rich apple cake.
- Cheese Platter: Pairing cheese like sharp cheddar can create an intriguing sweet-and-savory combination.
- Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: These crispy snacks add crunch and sweetness, perfect for dipping into the cake.
- Chai Tea: A warm cup of chai tea complements the spice in the apple cake wonderfully.
- Coffee: A classic pairing; coffee’s bitterness offsets the sweetness of the cake beautifully.
- Ice Cream Sandwiches: Create mini ice cream sandwiches using slices of cake between scoops of your favorite ice cream for a fun twist!
- Nutty Granola: Sprinkle nutty granola on top for added crunch and health benefits, enhancing both texture and taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can be straightforward, but avoiding these common mistakes will ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time.
- Not preparing the apples properly – Always peel and chop your apples into uniform 1/2-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly in the cake.
- Skipping the greasing step – If you don’t grease the baking pan, your cake might stick. Use cooking spray or butter to ensure an easy release.
- Overmixing the batter – Mixing too much can toughen the cake. Gently combine the ingredients until just blended for a light texture.
- Ignoring baking time – Every oven is different; check your cake at 35 minutes. It should be golden brown and set in the middle.
- Not letting it cool – Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best freshness.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake slices for about 10-15 minutes until warm.
- Microwave – Heat individual slices for about 30 seconds on high, checking frequently.
- Stovetop – Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for a few minutes with a lid on.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake.
Can I use different types of apples?
Yes, you can use any apple variety you like! Each type will add a unique flavor to your cake.
How do I make this cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, use gluten-free yellow cake mix instead of regular mix.
Can I add spices to my apple cake?
Absolutely! Adding cinnamon or nutmeg can enhance the flavor and make it even more delicious.
How do I serve this apple cake?
This cake is delightful on its own or served with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only easy to make but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding spices or using different apple varieties. Give this simple recipe a try, and enjoy a warm slice of comfort that brings joy to any occasion!
3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the simplicity and warmth of a 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, a delightful dessert that brings together just three key ingredients for an effortlessly delicious treat. This easy apple cake is perfect for gatherings, family brunches, or a cozy snack at home. With fresh apples enhancing its natural sweetness, this cake tastes like it took hours to prepare, yet it comes together in under 10 minutes. Whether you enjoy it plain or dressed up with whipped cream or caramel, this versatile recipe ensures everyone will savor every bite.
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.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs; mix until smooth.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set in the center.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 160mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
