These sweet little apple pie cupcakes are made with 3 ingredients including cake mix, apple pie filling, and eggs. It doesn’t get much easier than this!
Why this recipe works
These 3-ingredient apple pie cupcakes are a tasty fall treat you can whip up in under 30 minutes. When you combine pie filling with cake mix in a blender, it results in a moist and ultra-soft batter that pillows up to perfection in the oven eliminating the need for oil or water. And not only does it provide moisture to the cupcake but it adds flavor to a regular white cake mix.
Related Recipe – Stabilized Whipped Cream
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CAKE – You will need one 16.25 oz standard size white box cake mix, though a yellow cake mix will work too. You do not need the ingredients listed on the back of the box. Just 3 large eggs as called for in the recipe card below. When you blend the apple pie filling into the batter, it eliminates the need for the oil and water you typically add to box mixes.
PIE FILLING – We are using a 21 oz can of apple pie filling. You can try this method with pretty much any pie filling you’d like, see our cherry pie cupcakes for example! You can also experiment with blueberry, blackberry, and strawberry pie fillings. You may also use your own homemade pie filling if you’d like. It’ll be mixed into the batter with a blender or food processor so the size of your apple slices won’t matter in the long haul.
How to Make 3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cupcakes
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Combine the cake mix, eggs, and apple pie filling in a food processor or a blender.
- Fill cupcake liners or muffin pan 3/4 full with batter.
- Bake in a 350 F oven for 22-24 minutes.
- Cool completely on wire rack. If you like, you can top your cupcakes with whipped cream or frosting, a sprinkle of cinnamon, apple pie spice, apple pie filling, or sliced apples.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Yes, absolutely. Feel free to experiment with whichever kind of pie filling you like most. Raspberry, strawberry, blueberry, and blackberry are all great options! We have made these cupcakes using cherry pie filling with success in the past.
Sure! You can easily make these cupcakes ahead of time. If you are using whipped cream as a topping, I would hold off on adding that until you are ready to serve. Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Serving Suggestions
Optionally top your apple pie cupcakes with some whipped cream, a sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice, a drizzle of caramel, sliced apples, or some chopped apple pie filling. Personally, I think these would also taste amazing with vanilla cream cheese frosting, if you’d like a recipe for that frosting hop over to our banana cake post!
If you plan on topping your cupcakes with apple pie filling, I would suggest using a sturdier frosting as whipped cream likely isn’t stable enough to hold for long.
More Apple Recipes
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
3-Ingredient Apple Pie Cupcakes
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 16.25 oz box white cake mix
- 21 oz apple pie filling
- 3 large eggs beaten
Optional Topping Ideas
- whipped cream or cool whip
- cream cheese frosting
- chopped apple pie filling
- caramel drizzle
- sprinkle of cinnamon or apple pie spice
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Nutrition information does not include any toppings.
- Store in an air-tight container at room temperature for 3-4 days.
Instructions
- Combine the cake mix, eggs, and apple pie filling in a food processor or a blender.
- Fill cupcake liners or pan 3/4 full with batter.
- Bake in a 350 F oven for 22-24 minutes.
- Cool completely on wire rack. If you like, you can top your cupcakes with whipped cream or frosting, a sprinkle of cinnamon, apple pie spice, or apple pie filling.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
Latest posts by Amanda Davis (see all)
- Christmas Tree Pull Apart Bread - December 2, 2024
- Homemade Turkey Gravy - November 25, 2024
- Watergate Salad - November 21, 2024
Roxann says
Made these for football Sunday. They were an absolute hit. Very moist with little bits of apple.Delicious!
Elizabeth Dickson says
Brilliant! I follow WW, so I made these with a sugar free cake mix and sugar free apple pie filling. Sprinkled the tops with reduced sugar apple cinnamon instant oatmeal and sprayed with Pam before baking to create a quasi-streusel topping. They are a delicious 2 point treat! Thanks, Amanda!
Vicky Sweat says
Have not tried this yet, I’m confused about the only ingredient is eggs and pie filling. Most cake mixes require oil/butter.
Amanda Davis says
Correct, that’s why it’s called a “3 Ingredient cupcake”!
CHARLOTTE WINKLER says
IN THE 3 INGRIEDENT CUPCAKE RECIPE IT CALLS FOR USE OF BLENDER WITH THE PIE FILLING. I DO NOT HAVE BLENDER OR FOOD PROCESSER. CAN I USE THE PIE FILLING AS IS? THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR REPLY
Amanda Davis says
The blender is for breaking up the apple pieces. You can use a hand mixer if you like – or if you don’t have one of those, simply chop and smash the apples the best you can.
Beverly Klompenhower says
I have a 15.25 oz. box of lemon cake mix. Will that work in place of the 16. 25 oz. white cake mix?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes, it will have a lemon flavor of course
Lynn S says
I want to try this but will it turn out ok in a 13×9 and if it will, approx how many minutes bake time?
Amanda Formaro says
Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking after 28. Test with a toothpick in the center.
Anna says
Amanda =) I cant wait to try these !!! could i ask what food processor do you use? I need to buy one that is worthy.. hahaha.. thank you for such a great recipe !!!!
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Anna! I use a Cuisinart similar to this one https://amzn.to/3RaKmjx
Susan G says
This recipe is. awesome! I have the same food processor but 13 cup size and love it!
Heather says
So should the batter be completely smooth, or should there be a few pieces of the pie filling remaining?
Amanda Formaro says
The food processor should break up the pieces fairly well, but a few bits remaining will be fine.
Monica says
Can these be frozen?
Amanda Formaro says
Yes
Catherin says
Unfortunately, my cupcakes were a disaster. They appeared to be done when tested, however when biting into one, it was gooey. So, no, this recipe is not a keeper.
Amanda Formaro says
Hmm, as you can see from the photos ours worked fine. What adjustments did you make? Do you have an oven thermometer, have you tested to make sure it’s reaching the correct temp?
Anna says
You probably did not cook them long enough.. try again =)
Jeanne moore says
Can you just use a mixer instead of a food processor
Amanda Formaro says
Yes as long as the apples get broken up
Barb says
I can my own unsweetened, unseasoned applesauce. Shouldn’t I be able to just add typical apple pie spices to it? Or do you think I would have to add sugar?
Amanda Formaro says
Apple pie filling is likely going to have sugar in it, so I would imagine you may have to.