Introduction
The aptly named “Are You Kidding” Cake is a delicious dessert that’s almost too easy to believe! With just three simple ingredients—cake mix, eggs, and pie filling—you can whip up a cake with a soft, pudding-like consistency and crispy edges that will leave everyone asking, “Are you kidding?!” The result is a quick and scrumptious cake that looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re in need of a last-minute dessert for a gathering or simply want to satisfy your sweet tooth with minimal effort, this cake has got you covered.
One of the best things about this cake is how customizable it is. You can mix and match your favorite cake mixes with different pie fillings to create endless flavor combinations. Whether you’re a fan of chocolate and cherries, or prefer something lighter like pineapple and blueberry, the possibilities are endless. Let’s dive into how to make this simple yet decadent treat!
Ingredients:
- 3 large eggs
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor of your choice)
- 1 can pie filling (any flavor, typically 21 oz)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 3 large eggs. Add the box of cake mix and the can of pie filling to the bowl. Using a hand mixer or spatula, mix the ingredients together until they are well combined. You’ll notice the batter will be slightly thicker than a typical cake batter, thanks to the pie filling.
Step 3: Pour the Batter
Once the ingredients are fully combined, pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, ensuring it reaches all the corners.
Step 4: Bake
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should have a slightly crispy edge (similar to a brownie) and a moist, almost pudding-like center. The fruit from the pie filling will create little spots of flavor throughout the cake.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Slice it into squares and serve as-is, or with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream for extra indulgence.
Cooking Notes:
- Consistency: This cake is known for its unique texture. It has a light, pudding-like consistency that’s softer than a traditional cake but not as dense as a pound cake.
- Edge Crunch: The edges will be delightfully crispy, similar to the corners of a brownie, which offers a nice contrast to the soft, moist interior.
- No Frosting Needed: Thanks to the richness of the fruit filling, this cake is perfectly sweet on its own and doesn’t need frosting. However, you can add a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of glaze if you like.
Flavor Combinations:
One of the best things about the “Are You Kidding” Cake is how versatile it is. Here are some flavor combination suggestions to try:
- Pineapple cake mix + Blueberry pie filling
- Chocolate cake mix + Cherry pie filling (Black Forest Cake-inspired)
- Yellow cake mix + Cherry pie filling (a fruity classic)
- Yellow cake mix + Blueberry pie filling
- Butter pecan cake mix + Apple pie filling (perfect for fall)
- Yellow cake mix + Apple pie filling
- Yellow cake mix + Blackberry pie filling
- Strawberry cake mix + Blueberry pie filling
Feel free to experiment with different cake mix and pie filling flavors to create your own delicious combinations!
Serving Suggestions:
This “Are You Kidding” Cake is best served slightly warm, but it’s just as delicious at room temperature. Here are some serving ideas:
- Top with whipped cream: Add a dollop of freshly whipped cream for extra richness.
- Serve with ice cream: Pair a slice of warm cake with a scoop of vanilla or fruity ice cream.
- Dust with powdered sugar: If you want a simple and elegant finish, lightly dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar.
- Drizzle with glaze: You can make a simple glaze with powdered sugar and milk to drizzle over the top for added sweetness.
Tips:
- Mixing Tips: Make sure to stir the batter thoroughly, so the eggs, cake mix, and pie filling are evenly distributed. However, don’t overmix—the cake should remain a bit lumpy because of the fruit.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate the cake if you prefer, which will keep it fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: This cake freezes well! Just wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply microwave the slices for 20-30 seconds.
Prep Time:
5 minutes
Cooking Time:
35-40 minutes
Total Time:
40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fat: 12g
- Sugars: 28g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on the specific cake mix and pie filling used.)
Conclusion
The “Are You Kidding” Cake is the ultimate easy, no-fuss dessert that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. With only three ingredients, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that’s spotted with delicious bits of fruit and has a wonderfully crispy edge. Whether you’re trying out a new combination of cake mix and pie filling or sticking with a classic, this cake is always a hit. Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or just a quick weeknight treat, this cake will have everyone wondering how you made something so delicious with just three ingredients!