Yummy Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Craving a cozy dessert that delivers the comfort of apple pie with the simplicity of a one-pan cake? This Apple Pie Cake recipe blends soft, spiced apples with tender cake and a golden, buttery crumble no rolling, chilling, or fussing with pie dough required. Whether you’re baking for a Sunday treat or a holiday dessert, this cake promises big flavor with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Cake
- No pie crust stress :Just pour, layer, and bake
- Perfect balance : of sweet and tart from the apples
- Texture heaven : moist cake, juicy apples, crisp crumble
- Crowd pleaser : kids, guests, and pie lovers all say yes
- Smells like fall in a pan
Ingredients
For the Cake Layer
- 1 box yellow cake mix (425g)
- 1½ cups water (360ml)
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil (80ml)
- 3 large eggs
For the Spiced Apple Filling
- 6 medium apples (peeled, cored, sliced thin)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (packed)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
For the Crumble Topping
- ¾ cup all purpose flour (95g)
- ½ cup brown sugar (100g)
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup cold unsalted butter (cut into cubes)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
Set your oven to 350°F (180°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Mix the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the cake mix, water, oil, and eggs. Use a hand mixer or stir by hand until smooth. Pour the batter into the pan and spread evenly.
3. Toss the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, combine sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Stir gently until all slices are coated. Layer the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter.
Pro Tip: A mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives the perfect sweet-tart contrast.
4. Make the Crumble
Mix flour, brown sugar, and salt in a small bowl. Cut in the butter with a fork or pastry cutter until the mixture forms pea-sized crumbs. Sprinkle this crumble evenly over the apples.
5. Bake
Bake for 40–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden and the apples soft.
6. Cool and Slice
Allow the cake to cool in the pan. This helps it set up for cleaner slices. Dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for an extra treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm it up and add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Drizzle with homemade caramel sauce
- Sprinkle with chopped nuts before baking for extra crunch
Storage Tips
- Room Temp: Cover and store for up to 6 hours
- Fridge: Keeps well for 3-4 days in an airtight container
- Freezer: Wrap in layers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight
- Reheat: Warm slices in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave for 30 seconds
Expert Tips for Best Results
- Cold butter makes the crumble crisp don’t let it soften.
- Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Want a flavor boost? Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the apple mix.
- Keep an eye on bake time it may vary slightly based on your oven and apple moisture.
FAQs
Can I use fresh cake batter instead of a mix?
Yes. Swap in your favorite yellow cake recipe if you prefer baking from scratch.
Do I need to peel the apples?
It’s recommended for a softer texture, but it’s not a must. Just slice thinly if keeping the skins.
Is this dessert too sweet?
Not at all especially with tart apples. You can also cut down on sugar in the crumble if needed.
Can I add nuts?
Absolutely. Chopped walnuts or pecans make a great addition to the crumble topping.
Nutrition (Approx. Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbs: 66g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Sugar: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 320mg
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Cake is the kind of dessert that feels like a hug from the oven. It’s warm, nostalgic, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Best of all? No rolling pins, no stress just pure apple-cinnamon bliss.
