If you love the flavor of warm apple pie but want something simpler than rolling out crust, this Apple Pie Filling Cake is your new go-to. It is tender, cinnamon-kissed, and crowned with a buttery streusel that makes every bite taste like a hug.
Apple Pie Filling Cake
Equipment
- 1 9x13-inch metal baking pan
- 1 Parchment Paper sling for easy removal
- 2 Mixing Bowls
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Fork or pastry cutter to cut in butter
- 1 Butter knife for swirling filling
- 1 Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1.75 cup all-purpose flour substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 0.5 tsp baking soda
- 0.5 tsp fine sea salt
- 2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg add a pinch of cardamom for a floral note
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 0.5 cup light brown sugar
- 0.5 cup neutral oil such as canola or grapeseed; melted coconut oil works dairy-free
- 0.5 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 cup milk or apple cider oat milk works well
- 2 large eggs room temperature
- 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 can apple pie filling 21 oz (595 g); chop apples so they distribute evenly
Streusel Topping
- 0.75 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.33 cup brown sugar
- 0.25 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- pinch of fine salt
- 5 tbsp cold unsalted butter cold, cubed
- 0.5 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
Optional Vanilla Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 to 3 tbsp milk as needed
- 0.5 tsp vanilla extract
- pinch of fine salt
Shortcut Option (Cake Mix)
- 1 box spice or yellow cake mix 15.25 oz
- 2 eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 0.5 cup melted butter or oil
- Use the same apple filling and streusel; bake 30 to 38 minutes at 350°F.
Instructions
Prep the Pan and Oven
- Heat oven to 3506F (1756C). Grease a 9x13 inch metal pan and line with a parchment sling for easy removal.
Make the Streusel
- Combine flour, both sugars, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork until pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in nuts if using, then chill while you mix the batter.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
- In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
- In a second bowl, whisk granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and emulsified.
Combine Into a Batter
- Pour wet into dry. Gently whisk or fold just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix to keep the crumb tender.
Assemble with the Apple Filling
- Spread all the batter into the pan. Chop the apple pie filling into smaller pieces, then dollop evenly over the surface. Lightly swirl with a butter knife, taking care not to dig into the parchment. Sprinkle the chilled streusel across the top.
Bake
- Bake 35 to 42 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted 1 to 2 inches from the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read about 2056F for a fully set crumb.
Cool and Glaze
- Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then whisk the glaze and drizzle over warm cake. Slice and serve while cozy and fragrant.
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Filling Cake
- Effortless comfort: pantry staples and canned apple pie filling do the heavy lifting.
- Moist, tender crumb with a gooey apple ribbon and crisp streusel top.
- Versatile: bake from scratch or use a cake mix shortcut without losing flavor.
- Great make-ahead dessert for potlucks, holidays, or weeknights.
- Tested tips and precise measurements for reliable, bakery-quality results.
Apple Pie Filling Cake Ingredients & Substitutions
- All-purpose flour: 1 3/4 cups (220 g). Substitute a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Baking powder: 2 tsp. Baking soda: 1/2 tsp.
- Fine sea salt: 1/2 tsp.
- Ground cinnamon: 2 tsp. Ground nutmeg: 1/4 tsp. Add cardamom for a floral note.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200 g). Light brown sugar: 1/2 cup (100 g).
- Neutral oil: 1/2 cup (120 ml) such as canola or grapeseed. Melted coconut oil works dairy-free.
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt: 1/2 cup (120 g). Use dairy-free yogurt if needed.
- Milk or apple cider: 1/2 cup (120 ml). Oat milk works well.
- Large eggs: 2, room temperature. For egg-free, use 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce plus 1 tsp extra baking powder.
- Pure vanilla extract: 2 tsp.
- Apple pie filling: 1 can, 21 oz (595 g). Chop the apples so they distribute evenly. Homemade is great too.
Streusel Topping
- All-purpose flour: 3/4 cup (90 g)
- Brown sugar: 1/3 cup (67 g)
- Granulated sugar: 1/4 cup (50 g)
- Cinnamon: 1 tsp, pinch of salt
- Cold unsalted butter: 5 tbsp (70 g), cubed. Use vegan butter for dairy-free.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts: 1/2 cup (50 g), optional
Optional Vanilla Glaze
- Powdered sugar: 1 cup (120 g)
- Milk: 2 to 3 tbsp, plus 1/2 tsp vanilla and a pinch of salt
Shortcut Option
- 1 box spice or yellow cake mix (15.25 oz), 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, 1/2 cup melted butter or oil. Use the same filling and streusel.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Apple Pie Filling Cake
Prep the Pan and Oven
Heat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch metal pan and line with a parchment sling for easy removal.
Make the Streusel
Combine flour, sugars, cinnamon, and salt. Cut in cold butter with a fork until pea-sized crumbs form. Stir in nuts if using, then chill while you mix the batter.
Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a second bowl, whisk sugar, brown sugar, oil, sour cream, milk, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and emulsified.
Combine Into a Batter
Pour wet into dry. Gently whisk or fold just until no dry streaks remain. Do not overmix to keep the crumb tender.
Assemble with the Apple Filling
Spread all the batter into the pan. Chop the apple pie filling into smaller pieces, then dollop evenly over the surface. Lightly swirl with a butter knife, taking care not to dig into the parchment. Sprinkle the chilled streusel across the top.
Bake
Bake 35 to 42 minutes, until the top is deeply golden and a toothpick inserted 1 to 2 inches from the center comes out with a few moist crumbs. An instant-read thermometer inserted in the center should read about 205°F for a fully set crumb.
Cool and Glaze
Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then whisk the glaze and drizzle over warm cake. Slice and serve while cozy and fragrant.
Tips for Success
- Chop the apples in the filling so layers bake evenly and the center sets.
- Measure flour by weight or fluff, spoon, and level to avoid a dense cake.
- Use room temperature eggs and dairy for a smooth, lump-free batter.
- If the top browns fast, tent loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes.
- Metal pans bake more evenly than glass. If using glass, add 3 to 5 minutes.
Variations of Apple Pie Filling Cake
- Caramel Apple: Drizzle 1/3 cup warm caramel over the filling before adding streusel.
- Crumbless Snack Cake: Skip streusel for a simple, lighter-top cake.
- Maple Pecan: Swap 1/4 cup sugar for maple syrup and add 1/2 cup toasted pecans.
- Chai Spiced: Replace cinnamon and nutmeg with 2 tsp chai spice blend.
- Cake Mix Route: Use the shortcut batter and proceed with filling and bake times.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Apple Pie Filling Cake
- Vanilla ice cream or cinnamon whipped cream
- Warm caramel or maple drizzle
- Sharp cheddar alongside for a sweet-savory nod to classic apple pie
- Freshly brewed coffee, chai, or mulled cider
Storage & Reheating Instructions
- Room temperature: Cover and keep up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Store airtight up to 5 days. Warm slices before serving.
- Freezer: Wrap slices individually and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or microwave 15 to 20 seconds until just warm.
Memories Made Around the Table
This cake reminds me of weekends at my grandma’s house, where the scent of cinnamon floated through the hallway and a warm slice appeared the moment you took off your coat. Simple bakes often carry the sweetest memories.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling? Yes. Cook 4 cups chopped apples with 1/3 cup sugar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp cornstarch, 1 tsp cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 2 tbsp butter over medium heat until saucy and tender, 6 to 8 minutes. Cool before swirling into the batter.
How do I make this with a cake mix? Mix 1 box spice or yellow cake mix with 2 eggs, 1/2 cup milk, and 1/2 cup melted butter or oil. Spread in the pan, add apple filling, top with streusel, and bake 30 to 38 minutes at 350°F.
Why is my center underbaked? Chop apples smaller, avoid over-swirling, and check doneness at multiple spots. Bake until 205°F in the center and tent with foil if needed to prevent over-browning.
Can I make it dairy-free or gluten-free? Yes. Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and dairy-free yogurt and milk plus vegan butter in the streusel.
What other pan sizes work? Two 8 inch rounds bake 28 to 34 minutes, a 9 inch square bakes 35 to 40 minutes, and a 10 inch skillet bakes 30 to 36 minutes.
Final Thoughts
Apple Pie Filling Cake delivers all the cozy apple pie vibes with minimal effort. Keep a can of pie filling in the pantry and you are never far from a warm, crowd-pleasing dessert.