3 Ingredient Apple Cake
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is a delightful dessert that combines simplicity with irresistible flavor. Perfect for any occasion, this cake makes use of just a few pantry staples to create a moist and flavorful treat. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just want to indulge in something sweet, this cake will impress everyone. Its unique features include the delicious aroma of fresh apples and the ease of preparation, making it a standout choice for any baker.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With only three main ingredients, you can whip this cake up in no time.
- Delicious Flavor: The combination of fresh apples and yellow cake mix creates a moist and flavorful dessert.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it plain, topped with powdered sugar, or with a scoop of ice cream for a special treat.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a potluck, this cake fits right in.
- Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required, you can enjoy your cake without the hassle of extensive cleanup.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure smooth preparation. Having everything on hand will make the baking experience enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Whisk or spoon
- 9×13 inch baking pan
- Oven mitts
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl allows you to combine all ingredients effectively without spills.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the best flavor and texture in your cake.
- Oven mitts: Protects your hands from burns when handling hot bakeware.
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.
For the Cake
- 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). Grease your baking pan 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 they cook evenly within the cake.
Step 3: Combine Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs. Mix until well blended. You can use a whisk or spoon for this step.
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown and set.
Step 5: Cool Before Serving
Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar if desired before serving. Enjoy your delicious 3 Ingredient Apple Cake!
How to Serve 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Serving your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can elevate its delightful flavors. This cake is versatile and pairs well with various accompaniments that enhance its taste.
With Whipped Cream
- Whipped cream adds a light, airy texture that balances the sweetness of the cake.
Served Warm with Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream on warm cake creates a delicious contrast, making it a comforting dessert.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- Caramel sauce brings a rich, buttery flavor that complements the fresh apples beautifully.
Topped with Chopped Nuts
- Adding chopped walnuts or pecans provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, enhancing each bite.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Slices of fresh fruit, like berries or bananas, add freshness and brighten up the dessert plate.
How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
To ensure your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Choose ripe apples: Using fresh, ripe apples enhances the flavor of your cake and ensures moisture.
- Mix thoroughly: Make sure to blend the ingredients well for an even distribution of apples and a uniform texture.
- Monitor baking time: Keep an eye on the cake as it bakes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
- Cool before serving: Allowing the cake to cool for at least 10 minutes helps it set properly and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
Pairing side dishes with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake can create a more satisfying meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that adds creaminess and richness to each slice.
- Caramel Sauce: Drizzle this sweet sauce over the cake for an indulgent touch.
- Fresh Berries: Strawberries or raspberries provide a tangy contrast that complements the sweetness.
- Chai Tea: The spiced flavors of chai tea enhance the warmth of apple cake.
- Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt offers creaminess and balances sweetness with its tartness.
- Coffee: A cup of coffee pairs nicely, especially if you enjoy a sweet treat in the morning or afternoon.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common mistakes can help you achieve the best results with your 3 Ingredient Apple Cake. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:
- Skipping the greasing step: Not greasing your baking pan can lead to a cake that sticks. Always use cooking spray or butter to ensure easy removal.
- Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can affect the batter’s texture. Let your eggs sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before using them.
- Overmixing the batter: Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Mix just until the ingredients are combined for a lighter texture.
- Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different, and baking times may vary. Check your cake around the 30-minute mark to avoid overbaking.
- Not cooling properly: Cutting into your cake too soon can cause it to crumble. Allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before serving.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- If you prefer, cover the cake with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Freezing 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating 3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium for about 20-30 seconds. Adjust time based on your microwave’s wattage.
- Stovetop: Place a slice in a skillet over low heat, covering it with a lid until warm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake.
Can I use different types of apples in my cake?
Yes, any apple variety will work! Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will give a delicious flavor.
What can I add for extra flavor in my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
Consider adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. They pair wonderfully with apples.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
You can use a gluten-free cake mix as an alternative to make this cake gluten-free.
How do I make my 3 Ingredient Apple Cake more moist?
Adding a bit of unsweetened applesauce or yogurt can enhance moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
The 3 Ingredient Apple Cake is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various spices or toppings like caramel sauce or nuts. This delightful recipe is sure to please anyone who loves apples!
3 Ingredient Apple Cake
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of the 3 Ingredient Apple Cake, a perfect blend of tender apples and moist cake that makes for an irresistible dessert. With only three key ingredients, this easy recipe is ideal for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving something sweet. The heavenly aroma of fresh apples fills your kitchen as you whip up this delightful treat in no time. Serve it warm with ice cream, sprinkle with powdered sugar, or enjoy it plain; no matter how you serve it, this cake is sure to impress.
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 1/2-inch pieces.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, chopped apples, and eggs until well blended.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until golden brown.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
