3 Ingredient Apple Cake

Honestly, when I first stumbled upon this recipe for a 3-Ingredient Apple Cake, I was skeptical. Could something so simple, with so few ingredients, actually taste good? My family are self-proclaimed dessert connoisseurs, and they don’t mince words when it comes to baked goods. But curiosity, and the sheer ease of the recipe, got the better of me. I decided to give it a whirl on a whim, and let me tell you, the results were nothing short of astonishing.

From the moment the warm, cinnamon-spiced aroma filled my kitchen, I knew we were onto something special. The cake emerged from the oven beautifully golden brown, with a slightly crisp top and a promise of soft, tender insides. And the taste? Oh, the taste! It was like biting into a cloud of apple pie filling, perfectly sweet, subtly spiced, and unbelievably moist. My family devoured it in minutes, declaring it a new favorite. Even my pickiest eater, who usually shies away from fruit in desserts, asked for seconds! This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is not just easy; it’s genuinely delicious, and it’s become my go-to recipe when I need a quick, impressive dessert without any fuss. If you’re looking for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing treat that requires minimal effort and maximum flavor, look no further. This recipe is your answer.

Ingredients: Just 3 Simple Essentials

This recipe is wonderfully minimalist, requiring only three readily available ingredients. The beauty lies in the simplicity, allowing the natural flavors of the apples to truly shine. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Self-Raising Flour (3 cups / 375g): This is the base of our cake, providing structure and that delightful, airy texture. Self-raising flour already contains baking powder and salt, simplifying the recipe even further. It ensures the cake rises beautifully without any additional leavening agents.
• Eggs (3 large): Eggs are the binding agent in this recipe, holding everything together and adding richness and moisture. They also contribute to the cake’s tender crumb and golden color. Use large eggs for the best consistency.
• Apple Pie Filling (2 cans, 21 oz each / approximately 1.2 kg total): This is where all the flavor and moisture come from! Choose your favorite brand and flavor of apple pie filling. The filling is already spiced and sweetened, eliminating the need for added sugar or spices, further simplifying the recipe. Look for fillings that are chunky rather than overly saucy for a better cake texture.

Instructions: Effortless Baking in Minutes

This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is so incredibly easy to make, it’s practically foolproof. Even novice bakers can achieve perfect results with these simple steps. Get ready to be amazed by how quickly you can create a delicious homemade cake!

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is crucial for even baking. While the oven is heating, prepare your cake pan. Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use a bundt pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Greasing and flouring prevents the cake from sticking and ensures easy removal after baking. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on the sides to lift the cake out easily.
2. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently crack in your three large eggs. Then, add the two cans of apple pie filling. It’s important to drain any excess liquid from the pie filling if it appears overly watery, although most good quality fillings are perfectly fine as is. Next, add the self-raising flour to the bowl.
3. Mix Until Just Combined: Using a spatula or wooden spoon, gently mix the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tougher cake. Mix until the flour is just incorporated and you have a smooth batter. A few streaks of flour are okay at this stage, as they will disappear during baking. The batter will be quite thick and chunky due to the apple pie filling.
4. Pour Batter into Prepared Pan: Pour the cake batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Use a spatula to spread it out to the corners of the pan and ensure it’s level for even baking. If you are using a bundt pan, distribute the batter evenly around the ring.
5. Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the cake pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven and the type of pan used. The cake is done when it’s golden brown on top and springs back lightly when gently pressed. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to prevent over-browning.
6. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before attempting to slice or remove it. This allows the cake to set slightly and prevents it from crumbling. After the initial cooling, you can carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely, or serve it directly from the pan. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts: A Simple Treat in Moderation

While this 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is incredibly easy and delicious, it’s still a dessert and should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Nutritional information can vary based on the specific brand of apple pie filling and self-raising flour used. However, here’s an approximate guide to the nutrition facts per serving (assuming 12 servings from a 9×13 inch cake):

• Servings: Approximately 12 servings
• Calories per Serving (approximate): 250-350 calories. Calories provide energy for your body to function. This is an estimated range as it depends heavily on the apple pie filling’s sugar content.
• Fat (approximate): 8-12 grams. Fat is essential for various bodily functions and contributes to the cake’s texture and richness. This is primarily from the eggs and any added fats in the pie filling.
• Sugar (approximate): 30-40 grams. Sugar provides sweetness and flavor. Most of the sugar comes from the apple pie filling, as no additional sugar is added to the recipe. Be mindful of sugar intake as part of a healthy diet.
• Carbohydrates (approximate): 40-50 grams. Carbohydrates are the body’s primary source of energy. These come from the flour and the apple pie filling (including the apples and added sugars).

It is important to note: These are estimated nutritional values. For precise nutritional information, refer to the nutritional labels on the specific brands of self-raising flour and apple pie filling you use. This cake, like most desserts, is higher in calories, sugar, and carbohydrates and should be enjoyed as an occasional treat.

Preparation Time: Quick and Convenient

One of the biggest advantages of this 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is its incredibly short preparation time. Perfect for busy days or when you need a dessert in a hurry!

• Prep Time: 5-10 minutes. This includes the time it takes to preheat the oven, grease the pan, and mix the ingredients together. The simplicity of the recipe means minimal chopping, measuring, and mixing are required. It’s truly a “dump and mix” recipe!
• Bake Time: 30-40 minutes. The cake bakes in the oven for around 30-40 minutes, depending on your oven and pan. This is mostly hands-off time, allowing you to focus on other tasks while the cake bakes.
• Total Time: Approximately 35-50 minutes. From start to finish, you can have a warm, homemade apple cake ready to enjoy in under an hour! This makes it an ideal choice for last-minute gatherings, spontaneous dessert cravings, or when you simply want a delicious treat without spending hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve: Versatile Serving Suggestions

This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is delicious on its own, but it’s also incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of toppings and accompaniments. Here are some delightful ways to serve it:

• Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream: The classic pairing! The warm cake and cold ice cream create a delightful temperature contrast and the vanilla complements the apple and cinnamon flavors perfectly.
• Dust with powdered sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar just before serving. This adds a touch of sweetness and visual appeal.
• Drizzle with caramel sauce: Caramel and apple are a match made in heaven. A generous drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the cake enhances the sweetness and adds a rich, buttery flavor.
• Top with whipped cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a light and airy texture that complements the moist cake beautifully. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon to the whipped cream for extra flavor.
• Serve with a warm custard or crème anglaise: For a more sophisticated dessert, serve slices of warm apple cake with a creamy custard or crème anglaise. The smooth, vanilla-infused custard adds richness and elegance.
• Alongside a cup of coffee or tea: This cake is the perfect accompaniment to a warm beverage. Enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, afternoon tea, or evening cup of herbal tea.
• Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts: For added texture and flavor, sprinkle chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds over the cake before or after baking. Toasting the nuts beforehand enhances their flavor.
• Warm up leftovers for a cozy treat: Leftover apple cake is just as delicious the next day! Warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven for a cozy and comforting snack.

Additional Tips for Baking Perfection

While this recipe is incredibly simple, these tips will help you achieve baking perfection every time and customize the cake to your liking:

1. Don’t Overmix the Batter: As mentioned earlier, overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix just until the flour is incorporated. A few lumps are okay; they will smooth out during baking. Gentle mixing ensures a tender and moist crumb.
2. Use Quality Apple Pie Filling: The apple pie filling is the star of the show, so choose a good quality brand that you enjoy. Look for fillings with a good balance of apples and spices, and not overly sugary. Experiment with different flavors like caramel apple or spiced apple for variations.
3. Ensure Eggs are at Room Temperature: Room temperature eggs incorporate more easily into the batter, resulting in a smoother and more uniform cake. If you forgot to take your eggs out of the fridge, you can quickly warm them by placing them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
4. Adjust Baking Time as Needed: Ovens vary, so keep an eye on your cake as it bakes. Start checking for doneness around 30 minutes and adjust the baking time as needed. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, and the top is golden brown.
5. Add Extra Spices for Warmth: While apple pie filling is already spiced, you can enhance the warm, comforting flavors by adding a pinch of extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter. Start with ¼ teaspoon of each and adjust to your taste.
6. Incorporate Dried Fruit or Nuts: For added texture and flavor, fold in ½ cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped nuts into the batter before baking. These additions complement the apple flavor beautifully and add a pleasant chewiness.
7. Make Muffins Instead of a Cake: This recipe can easily be adapted to make muffins. Simply divide the batter into muffin tins lined with paper liners and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Apple muffins are perfect for breakfast or a grab-and-go snack.
8. Store Leftovers Properly: Store leftover apple cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To maintain its moistness, you can place a slice of bread in the container with the cake. Reheat gently to enjoy warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About 3-Ingredient Apple Cake

Here are some common questions and answers about making this incredibly simple and delicious 3-Ingredient Apple Cake:

Q1: Can I use regular all-purpose flour instead of self-raising flour?
A: While self-raising flour is recommended for this recipe for its leavening properties, you can use all-purpose flour. However, you will need to add a leavening agent. For every 3 cups of all-purpose flour, add 3 teaspoons of baking powder and ½ teaspoon of salt.

Q2: Can I use a different type of pie filling?
A: Yes, you can experiment with other pie fillings! Cherry pie filling, blueberry pie filling, or even peach pie filling would work well. Keep in mind that the flavor profile will change depending on the filling you choose.

Q3: My cake is too dense. What did I do wrong?
A: Overmixing the batter is the most common cause of a dense cake. Remember to mix just until the flour is incorporated. Also, ensure you are using self-raising flour or have added baking powder and salt if using all-purpose flour.

Q4: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! This cake is great made ahead of time. It can be stored at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. In fact, some people find the flavor even improves the next day as the flavors meld together.

Q5: Can I freeze this apple cake?
A: Yes, you can freeze apple cake. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Q6: Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe?
A: The sugar primarily comes from the apple pie filling. You can choose a “light” or “less sugar” apple pie filling to reduce the overall sugar content. However, keep in mind that sugar also contributes to the cake’s moisture and texture, so drastically reducing it may affect the final result.

Q7: Can I make this cake gluten-free?
A: To make this cake gluten-free, you can substitute the self-raising flour with a gluten-free self-raising flour blend. Ensure the gluten-free blend is designed for baking and contains a leavening agent.

Q8: My cake is browning too quickly on top. What should I do?
A: If your cake is browning too quickly, you can tent it loosely with aluminum foil during the last part of the baking time. This will help prevent the top from burning while allowing the inside to continue baking through.

This 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is truly a testament to the fact that simple can be extraordinary. It’s a recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, impromptu gatherings, or whenever you crave a comforting and delicious homemade dessert without the fuss. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how effortlessly you can bake a cake that tastes like it took hours to prepare! Enjoy!

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