Apple pie cake gives you all the flavor of a homemade apple pie without the fuss of making pie crust. This apple pie cake doesn’t use a boxed cake mix, instead it uses pantry staples for a from scratch cake that your family will love.

This simple apple cake recipe can be served as part of a brunch in its coffee cake style or be eaten as dessert. Or maybe even a snack with tea. Truly there’s not a wrong time to eat apple pie cake.

Pie Filling

The thing that makes this cake so very easy is that it uses pre-made pie filling. I used a homemade, canned apple pie filling here but something purchased from the store would work just as well.

While not specifically tested, I imagine any fruit pie filling would work here. Feel free to try using cherry or berry instead of apple if that’s what you have on hand.

Spice Options

You may want to skip additional spice in the cake and streusel topping if your pie filling is already heavily spiced.

If desired, you could easily switch up the spice as well. Use cardamom or nutmeg instead of cinnamon in the cake batter, especially if cinnamon is already in the pie filling.

Use ginger or some other spice in the struesel for an additional kick of flavor.

Gluten-Free & Vegan Variations

Switch the flour for your favorite gluten-free flour blend to keep it gluten-free and make sure to use a gluten-free apple pie filling.

For vegans switch the butter for a plant based spread instead and use a flax egg. Use nut or other plant based milk.

Optional Additions

Want to make the cake even heartier? Here are some ideas:

• Stir in up to 1 cup of chopped nuts
• Use seeds like sunflower or pumpkin instead of nuts
• Add 1 cup of dried fruit (cranberries, raisins)

Serving Ideas

A person could drizzle the cooled cake with just a bit of vanilla glaze for a very lovely presentation.

This is a very coffee-cake like baked good. Serve it as a part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit, eggs, coffee and tea.

To make this a dessert, serve it with some whipped cream or ice cream

Other Fruit Cakes

Fruit cakes are a great way to treat your family and use fresh or preserved seasonal fruits. If you need more fruit cake ideas, try the pear cranberry spoon cake, it’s a family favorite!

Thanks for sharing!