You can bake a delicious cake with minimal effort and ingredients. This Four-Ingredient Apple Spice Cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without a fuss, making it one of the best cake recipes with few ingredients you’ll find.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Spice Cake Mix: Use your favorite brand.
- Apple Pie Filling: Canned works perfectly for convenience.
- Eggs: Standard large eggs.
- Unsweetened Applesauce: Adds moisture and apple flavor; can substitute with more apple pie filling liquid or a neutral oil in a pinch.
Ingredients:
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box spice cake mix
- 1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 12
- Calories per serving: Approximately 250 calories
- Tools Needed: 9×13 inch baking pan, large mixing bowl, whisk or electric mixer.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. This prevents sticking and ensures your cake comes out easily.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and unsweetened applesauce. Ensure they are well combined before adding the dry ingredients. This step helps create a smooth batter.
3. Mix in the Cake Mix
Add the entire box of spice cake mix to the wet ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make your cake tough.
4. Fold in the Apple Pie Filling
Gently fold in the apple pie filling. You want to distribute the apple pieces throughout the batter without mashing them too much. This adds pockets of delicious apple flavor.
5. Bake Your Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Let it cool before serving.
Variation Ideas:
- Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top before baking.
- Cream Cheese Swirl: Swirl in a few spoonfuls of softened cream cheese (mixed with a little sugar) for a creamy touch.
- Caramel Drizzle: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce after baking and cooling.
Storage Instructions:
Store your leftover Apple Spice Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. You can also freeze individual slices for up to 2 months; thaw at room temperature or warm gently in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook and sweeten them first, adding more steps than this simple cake recipes with few ingredients aims for.
- Do I have to use a spice cake mix?
You can use a yellow cake mix and add 1-2 teaspoons of apple pie spice, cinnamon, and nutmeg for a similar flavor profile.
- Can I make this in a Bundt pan?
Yes, a Bundt pan will work, but you may need to adjust baking time. Start checking around 40-45 minutes.
- Is this recipe dairy-free?
The ingredients listed are dairy-free, but always check your specific brand of cake mix for dairy ingredients.
- Can I add frosting?
Absolutely! A simple cream cheese frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar would be delicious.
- Why is my cake dry?
Overmixing the batter or baking for too long can lead to a dry cake. Stick to the suggested baking times.