Miley What’s better than plain old apple pie? Apple Pie Cake, that’s what! This easy peasy cake features soft sponge, tender apples, and a crumbly cinnamon topping for a delicious variation on the classic dessert. It makes an excellent pudding or afternoon treat. Adored by adults and kids alike, it is super easy to make and involves no tricky pie crust rolling!!
Well here in my kitchen, I am in proper comfort baking mode now. Yesterday I baked, photographed and cleared up a batch of cookies (more about that to be revealed soon) and today I am turning my attention to cozy fruit desserts… because there can never be enough warm apple treats when the weather turns cool – am I right?
Not that you have to eat this Apple Pie Cake exclusively in autumn – it would be perfect at any time of the year. But especially awesome when served warm with custard.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Pie Cake brings together simple ingredients and big comfort. It feels easy, forgiving, and rewarding.
Two desserts in one: Cake texture with apple pie flavor.
Easy base: Cake mix keeps prep simple.
Warm spices: Cinnamon and brown sugar add depth.
Soft apples: They bake tender and juicy.
Crowd friendly: Easy to slice and serve.
Comfort style: Feels cozy and familiar every time.
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup oil
- 3 eggs
For the Apple Layer:
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ½ cup butter, cut into small pieces
Step by Step Instructions
1. Prepare the oven and pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish well so the cake lifts easily later. This step helps keep the edges soft and prevents sticking.
2. Mix the cake batter
In a large bowl, add the cake mix, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine. Add water, oil, and eggs, then mix until smooth. The batter should look thick yet pourable.
3. Pour the base layer
Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so the cake bakes level.
4. Prepare the apples
Place sliced apples in a bowl. Add lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss until the apples look glossy and evenly coated. This keeps them bright and full of flavor.
5. Add the apple layer
Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter. Press them down lightly so they settle into the batter while baking.
6. Finish with butter topping
Scatter the butter pieces across the top. As they melt, they create a rich, crumbly finish that feels like pie topping.
7. Bake until golden
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The top should look golden and set, with soft apples underneath. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Pie Cake tastes great warm, especially with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a spoon of whipped cream. The cake stays soft, while the apples keep their shape and sweetness.
When serving guests, I like adding a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. It makes the cake look bakery style without extra work. Coffee or tea pairs beautifully with each slice.
Tips & Variations
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balance.
- Add nutmeg or allspice for warmth.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts over the butter.
- Drizzle caramel sauce before serving.
- Bake earlier and warm slices before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned apples?
Fresh apples work best, yet canned apples can work if well drained.
Does this need refrigeration?
Store covered at room temperature for one day, then refrigerate.
Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap slices well and freeze up to one month.
How do I know it is done?
The top looks golden and a toothpick comes out mostly clean.
Can I reduce sugar?
You can slightly reduce brown sugar without affecting texture much.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Cake feels like comfort baking at its best. It combines the ease of cake with the flavor of a classic apple pie. The layers bake together into something warm, soft, and deeply satisfying.
Apple Pie Cake
Ingredients
For the Cake Base:
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- ¾ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1½ cups water
- ⅓ cup oil
- 3 eggs
For the Apple Layer:
- 6 apples peeled and sliced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the Topping:
- ½ cup butter cut into small pieces
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish well so the cake lifts easily later. This step helps keep the edges soft and prevents sticking.
- Mix the cake batter: In a large bowl, add the cake mix, flour, brown sugar, and salt. Stir gently to combine. Add water, oil, and eggs, then mix until smooth. The batter should look thick yet pourable.
- Pour the base layer: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly so the cake bakes level.
- Prepare the apples: Place sliced apples in a bowl. Add lemon juice, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Toss until the apples look glossy and evenly coated. This keeps them bright and full of flavor.
- Add the apple layer: Spread the apple mixture evenly over the cake batter. Press them down lightly so they settle into the batter while baking.
- Finish with butter topping: Scatter the butter pieces across the top. As they melt, they create a rich, crumbly finish that feels like pie topping.
- Bake until golden: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. The top should look golden and set, with soft apples underneath. Let it cool slightly before slicing.
