If you love the comforting flavors of a classic apple pie but are craving something a little different and extra moist, this Apple Pie Cake Recipe is about to become your new obsession. Imagine tender yellow cake infused with luscious apple pie filling and cinnamon, finished with a silky spiced glaze and a crunchy walnut topping. It’s dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside, perfect for sharing or treating yourself on any day that calls for a sweet celebration.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the first step to making this Apple Pie Cake Recipe irresistible. Each component has its role — from the fluffy cake base to the spicy warmth of cinnamon and the luscious sweetness of the apple pie filling, creating a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- Yellow cake mix: The foundation of your cake, offering lightness and sweetness with ease.
- Apple pie filling (21 oz can): Adds tender cooked apples and cinnamon-infused sweetness right into the batter.
- Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Enhances the depth of flavor with a warm, fragrant note.
- Cinnamon (½ tsp + ¼ tsp): The secret spice that brings the apple pie character to life.
- Large eggs (2): Bind ingredients together and contribute to cake structure.
- Milk (¼ cup + ¼ cup): Keeps the cake tender and perfect for the glaze consistency.
- Powdered sugar (3 cups): Creates a smooth, sweet glaze to drizzle over the warm cake.
- Chopped walnuts (½ cup, optional): Adds an optional crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast.
How to Make Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and greasing a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly. This ensures your cake will bake evenly and come out effortlessly when it’s done. A greased pan is your best friend to avoid any sticky situations once the cake is baked.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, apple pie filling, vanilla extract, cinnamon, eggs, and milk. Use an electric mixer to blend all these components just until combined — be careful not to overmix, since you want the cake to stay tender and moist while incorporating all those delicious hints of apple and spice beautifully.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until you can insert a toothpick into the center and it comes out clean. This signals that your Apple Pie Cake Recipe has set perfectly with a golden crust and moist crumb inside.
Step 4: Add the Finishing Touches
While the cake is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, the remaining cinnamon, and milk to create a luscious glaze. Pour this evenly on top of the cake. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if you’re using them, which gives that delightful crunch to contrast with the soft cake. Let it cool completely before slicing so the glaze sets perfectly.
How to Serve Apple Pie Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A simple dusting of extra cinnamon or a few thin apple slices on top can brighten the presentation and lift the warm flavors. Whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy indulgence, making each bite decadently delightful.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with seasonal fruit salads or a hot cup of spiced tea. For a more festive occasion, cozy hot cocoa or warm apple cider rounds out the dessert table beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this Apple Pie Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or jars for charming single servings. You can also cut the cake into squares and layer with whipped cream and extra apple filling for a stunning trifle alternative.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover Apple Pie Cake Recipe covered tightly with plastic wrap or foil at room temperature if you plan to eat within 1-2 days. For longer storage, keep it in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent the glaze from melting.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake either whole or sliced. Wrap each piece or the entire cake securely in plastic wrap followed by foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. When frozen properly, it stays delicious for up to 3 months.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm the whole cake in the oven at a low temperature (around 300ºF) for 10-15 minutes. This revives the softness and enhances the aroma of spiced apples.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of canned apple pie filling?
Absolutely! Just cook fresh apple slices with a bit of sugar and cinnamon until they soften before incorporating them into the batter. This gives you more control over the sweetness and texture.
Is it necessary to add walnuts?
Not at all. Walnuts are optional but add a lovely crunch and flavor contrast. If you have allergies or prefer nut-free desserts, feel free to skip them.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use a gluten-free yellow cake mix and ensure your apple pie filling does not contain gluten additives. It will still come out delicious, just with a slightly different texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, your cake is perfectly baked and ready to come out of the oven.
Can I make this cake a day ahead?
Yes, making it a day in advance actually allows the flavors to deepen. Just store it covered at room temperature or in the fridge and add the glaze before serving if you prefer it extra fresh.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pie Cake Recipe is one of those magical desserts that bring comfort, joy, and simplicity together in one scrumptious bite. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering or a cozy night at home, it’s sure to fill your kitchen with irresistible aromas and your heart with happiness. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite sweet treat!
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Apple Pie Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Apple Pie Cake combines the comforting flavors of apple pie with the ease and moist texture of a yellow cake mix. Topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze and optional chopped walnuts, this dessert is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy treat.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 box yellow cake mix
- 1 (21-oz) can apple pie filling
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
Glaze
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ cup milk
Topping (Optional)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the cake does not stick, then set aside.
- Mix Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, apple pie filling, vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, eggs, and ¼ cup milk. Using an electric mixer, blend the ingredients just until they are well combined for a moist and flavorful batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Make the Cinnamon Glaze: While the cake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ cup milk in a bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Add Toppings: Pour the cinnamon glaze evenly over the warm cake. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if desired. Allow the cake to cool completely to set the glaze before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature eggs and milk to help the batter mix smoothly.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts.
- You can substitute chopped pecans or almonds for walnuts if preferred.
- To add more apple flavor, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before glazing.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
