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

This Are You Kidding Me Cake has become one of my favorite desserts when I need something quick that still tastes homemade. I always keep a spice cake mix and apple pie filling in my pantry, so I can have this easy apple cake in the oven in just a few minutes. It's one of those recipes people can't believe only takes three simple ingredients. 

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. If you need more, I have a big list of my best 3 Ingredient Desserts!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Are You Kidding Me Cake is one of those recipes I can make without a special trip to the grocery store. I usually have a spice cake mix and apple pie filling in my pantry, so it's an easy dessert to pull together when I need something homemade.

Spice cake mix and apple pie filling create a soft, flavorful cake with almost no effort. The warm spices pair perfectly with the apples, making this recipe taste like you spent much more time on it than you actually did.

This 3-ingredient cake recipe is perfect for busy days. With only cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs, there's very little measuring or cleanup, which is one reason I come back to this recipe again and again.

This easy apple cake is simple to customize. I've served it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with whipped cream, caramel sauce, or vanilla ice cream depending on the occasion.

Why Is It Called Are You Kidding Me Cake?

It's called this because it's hard to believe such a delicious cake comes together with only three simple ingredients. It's one of those recipes that surprises everyone who tries it. Watch your guests - you'll see them looking at their dessert with a puzzled look on their faces - lol.

Ingredients For Are You Kidding Me Cake Recipe

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!

Susan's Helpful Tips for the Best Spice Cake Mix and Pie Filling Cake

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, slightly increasing the baking time.

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

How to Serve this Cake Mix and Pie Filling Recipe

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

More Easy Desserts to Bake in a 9x13 Pan

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