Are You Kidding Me Cake (Spice Cake + Apple Pie Filling)

This Are You Kidding Me Cake with spice cake mix and apple pie filling is a simple three-ingredient dessert made in one bowl and baked into a dense, tender snack-style cake. With no butter, oil, or water added, the canned apple pie filling provides all the moisture and structure, making this an easy, reliable recipe for beginner bakers and busy days.

The warm spices in the cake mix pair perfectly with the soft apple pockets, giving this cake an old-fashioned potluck feel without extra steps or ingredients. If you enjoy easy cake mix desserts, you may also like my Cherry Cobbler with Cake Mix or this 3 Ingredient Apple Dump Cake, both made with pantry staples and minimal prep.

Why I Love This Recipe

This cake is incredibly easy, which makes it perfect for beginner bakers or anyone who just wants a quick dessert without a mess.

It uses simple pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand, so there’s no extra shopping involved.

The spice cake mix and apple pie filling pair naturally, creating a warm, fall-inspired flavor without adding extra spices.

It bakes up dense but tender, making it easy to slice and serve for potlucks, holidays, or casual gatherings. My kids love it because it is an easy hand held dessert.

It looks homemade and comforting, not overly polished – the kind of dessert people actually reach for.

Ingredients You’ll Need

It's just a simple 3 ingredient recipe!

1 box spice cake mix
3 large eggs
1 (20–21 oz) can apple pie filling

Ingredient notes:
Use any brand of spice cake mix. Apple pie filling should be standard canned filling, not apples in juice or syrup. Do not substitute fresh apples for this recipe – the filling provides moisture and structure.

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How to Make Are You Kidding Me Cake

Step 1: Prep the pan
Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease or spray a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Step 2: Mix the batter
In a large bowl, add the spice cake mix and eggs. Add about three-quarters of the apple pie filling.

Mix just until the dry cake mix disappears.

Step 3: Fold in remaining apples
Gently fold in the remaining apple pie filling using a spatula. Use slow, gentle folds to keep visible apple pockets.

Step 4: Bake
Spread batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out mostly clean.

Step 5: Cool before slicing
Let the cake cool completely before cutting. It will continue to set as it cools and slice much more cleanly. Optional - make it just a little more fancy by sprinkling some powdered sugar on top!

Helpful Hints

Do not add oil, butter, or water. The apple pie filling replaces all of that and keeps the cake moist.

Mix just until combined. Overmixing will break down the apples and make the batter dense and tough.

For thicker, bar-style slices, you can bake this in an 8 x 8-inch pan, increasing bake time slightly.

This cake tastes even better once it’s fully cooled and the flavors have settled.

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How to Serve It

Serve as-is for a simple snack cake. This holds together well enough to be a hand held dessert.

Dust lightly with powdered sugar for a classic look.

How to Store

Room Temperature
If your kitchen is cool, this cake can be covered and kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. Use plastic wrap, foil, or an airtight container to keep it from drying out.

Refrigerator
For longer storage, cover the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Because this cake is made with apple pie filling, refrigeration helps maintain freshness and texture.

Freezer
This cake freezes well. Cut into slices or freeze the whole cake, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Serving After Storage
This cake can be served cold, at room temperature, or gently warmed. A quick 10–15 seconds in the microwave brings back that just-baked texture.

Other Easy Fruit Desserts

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