Apple Pie Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make using a cake mix, yet it tastes like a homemade apple pie in cake form. The tender apples with cinnamon and brown sugar give a rich flavor contrast to the soft cake, while the crumb topping adds a satisfying crunch. It’s a perfect dessert for fall or any time you want a slice of comfort.

Ingredients

Cake:

1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
1½ cups (360ml) water
⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
3 large eggs

Apple Mixture:

6 apples, peeled and sliced
3 tablespoons (45g) brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice

Topping:

¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
½ cup (100g) brown sugar
¼ teaspoon salt
½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.

2. In a bowl, mix cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.

3. Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the batter.

4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until mixture is crumbly.

5. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apples.

6. Bake for 35–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Cool completely before serving. Optionally dust with powdered sugar.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or sweet apples like Fuji for more natural sweetness.

• Add chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the crumb topping for extra crunch.

• Mix a teaspoon of vanilla extract into the cake batter for added depth of flavor.

• Sprinkle some ground nutmeg along with cinnamon in the apple mixture for a warm spice note.

• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a decadent treat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover apple pie cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave or warm the whole cake in a low oven (around 300°F/150°C) to bring back freshness.

FAQs

Can I use homemade cake batter instead of a box mix?

Yes, you can substitute with your favorite homemade yellow cake recipe.

What types of apples work best for this cake?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well and balance sweetness and tartness.

Can I prepare this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it can be assembled ahead and baked just before serving, or baked and stored to enjoy later.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with just a few crumbs attached.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Yes, nutmeg, allspice, or cloves complement the apple flavors well.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave skins on for added fiber and color.

How do I make the crumb topping crumbly?

Cutting cold butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry cutter or fingers creates the crumbly texture.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, vegetable oil can be substituted with canola or melted coconut oil.

Should I serve this cake warm or cold?

This cake is delicious both warm and at room temperature, depending on your preference.

Conclusion

Apple Pie Cake is a delightful dessert that brings together the flavors of classic apple pie and tender cake in one easy recipe. With its sweet apple filling, spiced crumb topping, and moist cake base, it’s sure to become a favorite for family gatherings and cozy dessert moments. Whether served warm or chilled, this cake offers a comforting slice of homemade goodness every time.

Apple Pie Cake

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• Author: Mia
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Moist yellow cake layered with a cinnamon-spiced apple mixture and topped with a buttery crumb topping, combining classic apple pie flavors with soft cake texture.

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Ingredients

• 1 box (425g) yellow cake mix
• 1½ cups (360ml) water
• ⅓ cup (80ml) vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 6 apples, peeled and sliced
• 3 tablespoons (45g) brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon (15ml) lemon juice
• ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13 inch pan.
2. In a bowl, mix cake mix, water, oil, and eggs until smooth. Pour batter into prepared pan.
3. Toss apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice. Spread evenly over the cake batter.
4. In a separate bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until crumbly.
5. Sprinkle crumb topping evenly over the apple layer.
6. Bake for 35–60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool completely before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best flavor.
• Adjust cinnamon to taste or add nutmeg for extra warmth.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
• Great served warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dessert, Cake
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 30g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg