Introduction
Who says delicious baking has to be complicated? This Irresistible 3-Ingredient Apple Cake proves that magic can happen in the kitchen with just a few simple ingredients! We’re transforming everyday apples into a moist, comforting cake that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a delightful dessert to share with loved ones. Get ready to be amazed by how easy and delicious this recipe is!
Why This Works
This recipe works because it’s unbelievably simple! With only three main ingredients, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something sweet without the fuss. The result is a surprisingly moist and flavorful cake that tastes far more sophisticated than its simple preparation would suggest. It’s the perfect blend of sweet and slightly tart, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Key Ingredients
🍎 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
🍰 1 box (15.25 ounces) yellow cake mix
🥚 3 large eggs
Instructions
1️⃣ Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This helps prevent sticking and ensures a clean release.
2️⃣ In a large bowl, gently combine the yellow cake mix and eggs. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes, until the batter is smooth and well combined. Don’t overmix!
3️⃣ Gently fold in the thinly sliced apples. Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
4️⃣ Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
5️⃣ Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
6️⃣ Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.
Handy Tips
- Use a sharp knife to peel and core the apples for even slices.
- Don’t overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake.
- If you prefer a sweeter cake, add a little extra sugar to the batter.
Heat Control
Baking at 350°F (175°C) ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Check the cake around the 30-minute mark; if the top is browning too quickly, loosely tent it with foil. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s fully baked.
Crunch Factor
While this cake isn’t particularly crunchy, the thin apple slices offer a pleasant textural contrast to the soft cake. The slight caramelization of the apples during baking adds a touch of delightful chewiness.
Pro Kitchen Tricks
- For an extra touch of flavor, add a teaspoon of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.
- You can use different types of apples, but tart varieties like Granny Smith work best for balance.
- A drizzle of caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a perfect topping!
Storage Tips
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Gift Packaging Ideas
This cake is perfect for gifting! Slice it into squares and wrap them individually in cellophane, tied with a ribbon. A simple card with the recipe would be a thoughtful touch.
Flavor Variations
🌟 Spiced Apple Cake: Add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of nutmeg, and ¼ teaspoon of cloves to the batter.
🌟 Apple Crumble Cake: Sprinkle a crumble topping (made with oats, brown sugar, and butter) over the cake before baking.
🌟 Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake: Use a streusel topping instead of a crumble – simply combine ½ cup flour, ½ cup brown sugar, and ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts. Use the same method as for the crumble topping above.
🌟 Cream Cheese Frosting Apple Cake: Pair this cake with your favourite cream cheese frosting.
Troubleshooting
- Cake is dry: You may have overbaked it. Next time, reduce baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness regularly.
- Cake is dense: Make sure you’ve added the correct amount of eggs and thoroughly combined them with the cake mix.
- Apples are mushy: The apples may have released too much moisture. Try using a slightly drier variety of apple or pre-baking them lightly to reduce moisture before adding them to the batter.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of cake mix? Yes, but yellow cake mix provides the best balance of flavor.
- Can I use frozen apples? Frozen apples will release more moisture, potentially resulting in a soggy cake. It’s better to use fresh apples.
- How long does the cake keep? Stored properly, it keeps for up to 3 days at room temperature.
- Can I add nuts? Absolutely! Chopped walnuts or pecans would be a delicious addition. Add them to the batter alongside the apples.
- Is this cake gluten-free? No, because it is made with a yellow cake mix which typically contains gluten.
Conclusion
This Irresistible 3-Ingredient Apple Cake is a testament to the fact that simple recipes can be incredibly satisfying. We hope you enjoy baking (and eating!) this delightful treat. Share your creations with us – we’d love to see your amazing cakes! Happy baking!