If you love fall flavors but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen, this easy caramel apple spice cake with vanilla glaze will become your new go-to. With only three ingredients and zero fuss, you get a soft, moist cake loaded with warm spices, tender apples, and gooey caramel in every bite for the best boxed cake recipe. Then we finish it with a quick vanilla powdered sugar glaze that takes about 2 minutes to whisk together.
Full Disclosure: This article may contain affiliate links. For more info, see the Disclaimer Policy
It’s the perfect fall boxed cake dessert for busy weeknights, Thanksgiving dinner, holiday potlucks, or any time you want something cozy that tastes like you worked way harder than you did.
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Spice Cake
- Only 3 ingredients. No measuring oil, water, or a long list of extras.
- Super moist. The pie filling keeps the cake tender and juicy.
- Tastes homemade. Warm spice cake flavor plus caramel apples is a classic combo.
- Beginner friendly. Mix, pour, bake. That’s it.
- Great for sharing. It feeds a crowd and travels well.
Easy Caramel Apple Spice Cake (Just 3 Ingredients!)
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 35
- Total Time: 40
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 box spice cake mix (about 15.25 oz)
- 1 can caramel apple pie filling (about 21 oz)
- 3 large eggs
For the Vanilla Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish.
- In a large bowl, add the dry spice cake mix, the entire can of caramel apple pie filling, and the eggs.
- Stir until just combined. The batter will be thick and chunky, and that’s exactly right.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool for 10 to 15 minutes.
- While the cake cools, make the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the cake, slice, and serve.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Spice Cake
- Don’t overmix. Stir just until the dry mix disappears for the softest texture.
- Break up big apple chunks. If your pie filling has large slices, chop them a little so every slice gets even apple flavor.
- Check at 30 minutes. Ovens vary, so start testing with a toothpick a little early.
- Cool before cutting. The cake sets up as it cools, so you get cleaner slices.
Serving Ideas
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Fresh whipped cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A sprinkle of cinnamon sugar or chopped pecans
- A simple cream cheese frosting
Easy Variations
- Cinnamon streusel topping: Mix brown sugar, butter, and flour and sprinkle on before baking.
- Add nuts: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Cupcakes: Fill lined muffin tins about 2/3 full and bake 18 to 22 minutes.
- Bundt cake: Pour into a well-greased bundt pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean, checking after 40 minutes.
Storage
- Room temperature: Cover and store up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store covered up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Wrap slices tightly and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
FAQ
Can I use regular apple pie filling? Yes! Add a drizzle of caramel sauce on top or swirl some into the batter for the same flavor.
Do I need to add oil or water? No. The pie filling and eggs provide all the moisture you need.
Can I use a different cake mix? Yellow or white cake mix works too, but spice cake gives the best fall flavor.
What size pan should I use? A 9×13 pan works great for this recipe.
This easy caramel apple spice cake proves you don’t need a long ingredient list to make something delicious. Three ingredients, one bowl, and a cozy dessert your whole family will ask for again and again.
Related Article
2 Ingredient Pumpkin Spice Cake with Vanilla Glaze
This 2 ingredient pumpkin spice cake uses just a box of spice cake mix and a can of pumpkin, then gets drizzled with a simple vanilla powdered sugar glaze. No eggs, no oil, so easy!
Two Ingredient Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls
Did you know there is a caramel apple pie filling? Make two ingredient caramel apple cinnamon rolls with canned rolls and filling. Easy and gooey.
100+ Fall Snack Ideas For Ladies Night Out
Click now for amazing fall snack ideas for ladies night out.