Apple Spice Cake Using Box Cake And Canned Apples
So you’re craving something cozy, sweet, and vaguely impressive but you’re also not in the mood to dirty every bowl you own or measure flour like a contestant on a baking show? Same. Enter this apple spice cake made with a box mix and canned apples aka the dessert equivalent of sweatpants that still somehow look cute. It tastes like fall, smells like cinnamon dreams, and requires very little effort. Honestly, it’s almost suspicious how good it is.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
Let’s break it down real quick, because this cake deserves its moment.
First of all, it’s basically foolproof. Box cake mix is already doing most of the heavy lifting here, so unless you actively try to sabotage yourself, you’re golden. Second, canned apples mean no peeling, no coring, no “oops I sliced my finger instead of the apple” moments. Love that journey for us.
Also? This cake is ridiculously flexible. You can dress it up with frosting, drizzle it with caramel, or eat it straight from the pan like a rebel. It works for lazy weeknights, potlucks, holidays, or those “I just need something sweet right now” emergencies. IMO, that’s peak dessert energy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing fancy. Nothing intimidating. Just a handful of things that probably won’t judge you.
- 1 box spice cake mix – Any brand works. They’re all trying their best.
- 1 can (about 21 oz) apple pie filling – Pre-sliced, pre-seasoned, pre-awesome.
- Eggs – As listed on the cake box. Yes, you still have to read the box.
- Oil or melted butter – Again, follow the box directions. Butter adds vibes, oil adds ease.
- Optional extras:
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, if you’re feeling fancy)
- Extra cinnamon or apple pie spice (for overachievers)
- Caramel sauce (because obviously)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven.
Don’t skip this. Set it to whatever temperature your cake mix box tells you. Ovens need time to warm up, just like people. - Grease your baking pan.
Butter, oil spray, whatever you’ve got. This step saves you from chiseling cake out of the pan later. Worth it. - Mix the cake batter.
In a big bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, and oil or butter as directed on the box. Stir until smooth-ish. A few lumps won’t ruin your life. - Fold in the apples.
Dump in the entire can of apple pie filling. Juice and all. Gently stir so the apples are spread out and not clumped in one sad corner. - Add extras if you want.
Toss in nuts or a pinch of extra spice. Totally optional, but extra cinnamon never hurt anyone. - Pour and bake.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan. Smooth the top and pop it in the oven. Bake for the time listed on the box, checking near the end. - Cool (at least a little).
Let the cake cool before slicing unless you enjoy molten apple lava. Warm is good. Burned tongue is not.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the preheat.
Thinking the oven will “catch up” is a rookie move. It won’t. The cake will judge you silently. - Overmixing the batter.
You’re not trying to build arm strength here. Mix until combined, then stop. Tough cake = sadness. - Draining the apples.
Don’t do it. The liquid adds moisture and flavor. Trust the process. - Overbaking.
Dry cake is a crime. Check with a toothpick near the end a few moist crumbs are perfect.
Alternatives & Substitutions
Don’t have exactly what the recipe calls for? Welcome to real life. Let’s improvise.
- No spice cake mix?
Yellow or vanilla cake mix works too. Just add extra cinnamon and maybe nutmeg. It’ll still slap. - Fresh apples instead of canned?
Sure, if you feel like peeling and cooking them first. Personally? Canned apples are the MVP here. - Butter vs. oil?
Butter = richer flavor. Oil = super moist cake. Pick your fighter. - Gluten-free cake mix?
Absolutely works. Just follow the box directions and keep everything else the same.
Final Thoughts
This apple spice cake is proof that you don’t need fancy techniques or a kitchen meltdown to make something truly comforting. It’s easy, cozy, and just impressive enough to make people ask, “Wait you made this?” And you can just nod casually like this happens all the time.
So grab that box mix, crack a couple eggs, and let canned apples do their thing. You deserve a dessert that works with you, not against you. Now go bake something delicious and maybe don’t tell anyone how easy it was.
