why make this recipe
This Apple Pie Cake mixes the warm taste of apples and cinnamon with an easy cake mix base. It cooks in one pan and gives a soft cake with a gooey apple layer and a crunchy topping. If you like simple fall desserts, this is quick and satisfying. For another easy apple dessert idea, see these caramel apple cheesecake bars.
introduction
This cake uses a boxed yellow cake mix and fresh apples. You make the cake batter, add spiced apples, and top with a crumbly butter topping. It bakes in a 9×13 pan and works for family dinners or potlucks. It is simple to put together and tastes like apple pie in cake form.
how to make Apple Pie Cake
Follow the steps below to make this cake. Work with room temperature eggs and cold butter for the topping. Spread the apples evenly so each bite has fruit. Check the cake with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
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 tbsp (45g) brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- ¾ cup (95g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (100g) brown sugar
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup (115g) cold butter, cubed
Directions :
- Preheat your oven to a warm 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well mixed and pour into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until coated. Spread the apples over the cake batter.
- For the topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 35-60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool completely before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.
how to serve Apple Pie Cake
Cut the cake into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature. Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra richness. A light dusting of powdered sugar is a nice touch.
how to store Apple Pie Cake
Cover the cooled cake with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Store at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave or oven before serving.
tips to make Apple Pie Cake
- Use firm, tart apples so the pieces hold shape when baked.
- Cut the apples into even slices for even baking.
- Keep the butter cold for a crumbly topping — cut with a fork or pastry cutter.
- If apples make the cake very wet, bake a little longer and cover with foil if the top browns too fast.
- For quick prep, peel and slice apples while the oven warms.
- For a related treat idea, try this caramel apple cheesecake dip.
variation (if any)
- Add chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the topping for crunch.
- Mix a teaspoon of ground nutmeg or allspice with the cinnamon for deeper flavor.
- Use a spice cake mix instead of yellow cake mix for a spicier cake.
- Stir in a cup of raisins or dried cranberries with the apples for extra texture.
- For a stronger apple flavor, toss apples with a little apple pie filling spice or a splash more lemon juice.
FAQs
Q: Can I use a different cake mix?
A: Yes. Yellow or spice cake mix both work. Spice mix gives more warm flavor.
Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: Peeling is best for a soft texture, but you can leave skins on if you prefer more bite.
Q: How do I know when it is done?
A: Insert a toothpick into the cake part (not thick apple piles). It should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Q: Can I freeze the cake?
A: Yes. Wrap cooled cake tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Q: Can I use margarine instead of butter in the topping?
A: You can, but butter gives better flavor and a flakier crumb.
Conclusion
For another apple pie cake version and tips, see this Apple Pie Cake recipe on The Cake Blog: Apple Pie Cake | The Cake Blog.

Apple Pie Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs. Stir until well mixed and pour into the prepared pan.
- In another bowl, toss sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice until coated. Spread the apples over the cake batter.
- For the topping, mix together flour, brown sugar, and salt. Cut in cold butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs, then sprinkle over apples.
- Bake for 35-60 minutes, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
- Let cool completely before serving. Optionally, dust with powdered sugar before serving.