This delicious 2-ingredient apple cake couldn’t be any easier. All you have to do is combine a couple of ingredients and pop it into the oven. In a matter of minutes, you’ll have a delicious dessert!
You might have wondered a couple of things about this cake. First of all, you make this apple cake without oil or eggs. Secondly, you can top it with whatever you like. There’s more on that below.

If you don’t count spices as “ingredients,” you can also have a 2-ingredient apple cinnamon cake. I like it either way, with or without cinnamon.
Quick and Easy Cake Mix Apple Cake Recipe
Then when it’s done, serve it warm. It is so good!
You can also let it cool and frost it. The way you enjoy your easy-to-make apple cake is totally up to you.
Now, back to the ways you can eat it while it’s still warm. After all, who doesn’t like something warm and sweet as the temperature drops?
One thing you can do is drizzle a little bit of caramel sauce over the top. Mmm, so yummy!
You can also put a dollop of ice cream on top and enjoy the deliciousness as the ice cream melts into it. It’s almost like having an apple cobbler.
Or better! In fact, you get the best of a cake and a cobbler!
Or if you want it frosted, let it cool to room temperature. That’s the way I did made this time.
We really enjoy it after having this chili con carne because it offers the sweet balance to the spiciness.
I know that a lot of people make 2 or 3-ingredient cakes. One of the differences with mine is that I use gluten-free cake mix.
However, if you don’t have an issue with gluten, I highly recommend using a regular cake mix. It’s much less expensive than the gluten-free versions.
Plus you can stock up when the cake mix goes on sale. The regular cake mix goes on sale more often than the gluten-free version.
Regardless of which you use, everyone will really enjoy it. In fact, when I bring my gluten-free version to potluck dinners, no one can tell the difference.
2-Ingredients Apple Cake Ingredients
The only things you need to make this cake are cake mix and apple pie filling. I used gluten-free yellow cake mix.
You can use regular cake mix, but if you have sensitivities to gluten or wheat, you’ll want to follow a gluten free apple cake recipe.

You can also add cinnamon and frost it with cream cheese frosting.
Or if you don’t have cream cheese frosting, you can top it with ice cream or whipped cream.

For exact measurements of each ingredient and full directions, go to the recipe card at the bottom of the page. You can even print out the card by using the “print” button.
How to Make a 2-Ingredient Apple Cake
Combine a yellow cake mix with a couple of cans of apple pie filling.
Mix it well to make sure all of the cake mix is moist. You don’t want any dry particles of cake mix showing up.

Pour the mixture into a greased pan and smooth it out as much as possible across the top.
Now all you have to do is bake it until it’s done.

I added cinnamon to the mixture before baking it, but it’s not necessary. I also topped it with cream cheese frosting after it cooled.
However, it’s delicious any way you eat it. You can serve it with vanilla ice cream as I already mentioned or whipped cream.
Or you can serve it as-is. It’s certainly moist and delicious enough to stand alone.
The consistency is different from a traditional cake. It’s more moist, which I think is a good thing. Someone told me this is an apple cake pie.

If you decide to frost the cake, use either canned frosting or this insanely delicious cream cheese frosting from the Back to My Southern Roots blog.
I’ve found that all of the recipes from Back to My Southern Roots wonderful. It’s my friend Julie’s blog, and she is as much of a foodie as I am.
Or you might want to check out this Frosting 101 page from Cooking with Carlee. She has a variety of frosting ideas that all look amazing!
Apple Cake in a Mug
You can also make this apple cake in a mug. Since you won’t need a whole can of apple pie filling, you can use apple sauce instead. Add cinnamon and bits of fresh apple if you want.
I always like to add toppings to my mug cakes. This one is good with either vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. If you want it extra sweet, drizzle a little caramel topping over it.
2-Ingredient Apple Cake for Special Occasions
If you’re looking for something super easy to make for a special occasion, then you need to try this cake recipe.
You might not have time to go to the store. Or preparing a cake from scratch might overwhelm you during a busy time.

This 2-ingredient apple cake is perfect when you want to whip something up in a hurry.
For one thing, you only need a couple of ingredients that you may already have in your pantry.
Another thing is if you have last-minute guests, this is the perfect snack to serve.
Whether they call in advance or show up on your doorstep unannounced, you can excuse yourself for 5 minutes.
Then go into the kitchen and whip this up. Since it takes practically no time to make, no one will know what you’re doing unless you tell them.
I always consider something that tastes good and is easy to make a winning combination.
As it bakes, you’ll enjoy the aroma of apples wafting through your house. Your guests will think you’re the most brilliant host ever.
There are other 2-ingredient cakes we enjoy. My favorite is this 2-ingredient peach cake that delivers a ton of flavor.
My husband prefers this 2-ingredient cherry chocolate cake. It’s so moist and decadent you might feel a tad guilty for enjoying it so much.
Another 2-ingredient cake we both like is this lemon cake that is slightly different from my other flavors. It has a slightly different consistency, so sometimes I cut rectangles and call them lemon bars.

More Delicious Recipes
Another wonderful treat is this 3-ingredient chocolate cake. It’s flourless so you can serve it to anyone wanting to avoid gluten. And it’s also easy to make.
Don’t forget to add other options to the dessert table. Your family and guests will love this luscious lemon meringue pie.
Of course, you can’t live on cake and pie alone. That’s why you need to try this delicious Mediterranean salad. It’s the perfect complete meal to eat before you enjoy dessert.
Or make one of these 5 delicious soups. All of them are easy, so you don’t have to spend all day in the kitchen.
Serve the salad or soup with this cheesy garlic bread from Julia’s Simply Southern. I’ve been one of Julia’s fans for a long time, and I know that she won’t let you down.
One of my most recent favorite recipes is this this super easy beef and broccoli stir fry. It only takes a few minutes, start to finish.
Anyone who likes a blend of sweet and savory will enjoy this Crock Pot Hawaiian chicken. Each bite is like a mini vacation in the mouth.
When you want a yummy snack that’s also good for you, make these protein-packed air fryer ranch chickpeas. You’ll love their crunchy goodness!

2-Ingredient Apple Cake Recipe
When you need an easy-to-make dessert, this 2-ingredient apple cake is perfect.
Ingredients
- 1 yellow cake mix (regular or gluten-free)
- 2 cans of apple pie filling
- 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (optional)
- Cream cheese frosting (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray the inside of a 9”x13” baking pan or casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix and both cans of apple pie filling. Stir until mixed. If you want to add cinnamon, sprinkle the cinnamon over the mixture and stir again.
- Turn the mixture out into the baking pan. Spread it out until it is evenly distributed.
- Bake for 35 minutes. Serve warm. This cake is delicious alone, topped with ice cream, or with whipped cream.
Notes
If you want to frost this cake, allow it to cool before you spread cream cheese frosting over the top.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Pyrex Basics Clear Oblong Glass Baking Dishes - 2 Piece Value-plus Pack Set - 1 Each: 2 Quart, 3 Quart
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Trudeau Melamine Mixing Bowls, Set of 3
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Silicone Cooking Utensils Kitchen Utensil Set - 11 Pieces Natural Wooden Handles Cooking Tools Turner Tongs Spatula Spoon for Nonstick Cookware - Best Kitchen Tools (BPA Free, Non Toxic)
Nutrition Information
Yield 12 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 206Total Fat 2gSaturated Fat 1gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 1gCholesterol 0mgSodium 339mgCarbohydrates 46gFiber 1gSugar 27gProtein 2g
The nutrition information is a product of online calculators. I try to provide true and accurate information, but these numbers are estimates.
For more delicious recipes, check out Meal Plan Monday at Julia’s Simply Southern, Full Plate Thursday at Miz Helen’s Country Cottage, and Weekend Potluck at South Your Mouth.
Marilyn
Friday 18th of March 2022
I make this apple cake often....but I use a spice cake mix....and sometimes make a simple homemade caramel sauce to pour over the top as a glaze or make it thick enough to use as an icing !!! YUM !!!
southernhomeexpress
Friday 18th of March 2022
Hi Marilyn! I bet the spice cake mix makes it wonderful! Unfortunately, I haven't found a gluten-free spice cake. That said, I have added some wonderful spices to make my own spice cake version. And then caramel sauce! Yum! I would love that!
Laticha
Sunday 5th of September 2021
How do you make it in a coffee mug? I know you said Apple sauce but what ratio?
southernhomeexpress
Sunday 5th of September 2021
Hi Laticha. I would use 6 tablespoons of cake mix, 3 tablespoons of applesauce, and 2 tablespoons of water. If you want a stronger apple cake flavor, add the apple pie spice. I've also added canned apple pie filling as well as chopped fresh apples for texture. Microwave it on high for 1 minute and let it rest before you eat it. You can add frosting, ice cream, or whipped cream as a topping. Enjoy!
Terry K.
Tuesday 18th of May 2021
What size cake mix? A double layer or single layer?
Thank you!!
southernhomeexpress
Wednesday 19th of May 2021
Hi Terry. This recipe calls for a standard cake mix that's between 15 and 16 ounces. It's the one that makes 24 cupcakes. I hope this helps!
Jennifer
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
Have you tried it as muffins? If so, did you change anything other than bake time?
southernhomeexpress
Tuesday 2nd of March 2021
Hi Jennifer. I haven't tried it as muffins, but I bet it would be good. Please let me know how it turns out if you try it. I do have an apple muffin recipe that's really good. Here's a link to it: Apple Oat Muffins.
Chris Crowley
Friday 12th of February 2021
Tried this today. However I used Peach pie filling. Extremely moist more of a Cobbler texture than cake.
southernhomeexpress
Friday 12th of February 2021
Hi Chris. I hope you enjoyed it! The texture is different, but I think it's delicious!