Introduction
This Easy and Decadent Fruit-Filled Cake is a simple yet luxurious dessert that you can whip up in no time. With just three ingredients—eggs, cake mix, and pie filling—this cake is perfect for when you need a quick dessert that still feels special. The result is a cake with a soft, pudding-like center, crispy edges, and bursts of sweet, tangy fruit in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Overview of the Recipe
This recipe uses a store-bought cake mix and canned pie filling to create a moist and flavorful cake with minimal effort. The eggs help bind the ingredients together, creating a texture that is both light and rich. The beauty of this cake lies in its versatility—you can choose any flavor of cake mix and pie filling to suit your taste or the occasion.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per Serving: 220 kcal
Ingredients
- 3 large eggs: These add structure and moisture to the cake, helping it rise and giving it a tender crumb.
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor): The base of the cake, providing both flavor and structure. Choose your favorite flavor to pair with the pie filling.
- 1 can pie filling (any flavor): Adds fruitiness and moisture, creating a pudding-like center with pieces of fruit throughout the cake.
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
2. Mix the Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 large eggs, 1 box of cake mix, and 1 can of pie filling. Use a spatula or a hand mixer to mix the ingredients until they are fully combined and smooth. The batter will be thick and slightly lumpy due to the fruit pieces.
3. Pour and Spread the Batter
- Pour the batter into the greased 9Ă—13-inch baking pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter evenly across the pan, ensuring it reaches all the corners.
4. Bake the Cake
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The edges should be golden brown and slightly crispy, while the center remains soft and moist.
5. Cool and Serve
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before slicing. This will help the cake set and make it easier to cut. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature, and enjoy the contrast between the crispy edges and the soft, fruit-filled center.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
This Easy and Decadent Fruit-Filled Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it further with these serving suggestions:
- Ice Cream: Serve a slice of the warm cake with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for a classic pairing.
- Whipped Cream: Top the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an extra touch of indulgence.
- Fresh Fruit: Complement the flavors of the pie filling by serving the cake with fresh fruit on the side, such as berries, sliced peaches, or apple slices.
- Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, dust the top of the cake with powdered sugar before serving.
Variations of the Recipe
The beauty of this recipe lies in its flexibility. Here are a few variations you can try:
- Flavor Combinations: Mix and match different cake mixes and pie fillings. For example, try a chocolate cake mix with cherry pie filling, or a vanilla cake mix with peach pie filling.
- Nutty Addition: Add a handful of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the batter for added texture and flavor.
- Spice It Up: Stir in a teaspoon of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor, especially good with apple or pumpkin pie filling.
- Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one lemon or orange to the batter for a bright, citrusy flavor that complements fruity pie fillings like blueberry or cherry.
Health Benefits and Notes
While this cake is undeniably indulgent, it does offer some benefits when you consider the fruit content:
- Fruit: The pie filling adds fruit to your dessert, contributing vitamins, fiber, and natural sweetness. Choosing a pie filling with less added sugar can help reduce the overall sugar content.
- Customization: By using a sugar-free or reduced-sugar cake mix and pie filling, you can make a lighter version of this cake that’s lower in calories and sugar.
FAQs
Q: Can I use homemade pie filling instead of canned?
A: Yes, you can use homemade pie filling. Just make sure it has a similar consistency to canned filling so that the cake bakes evenly.
Q: Can I use a different size pan?
A: You can use a different size pan, but the baking time may need to be adjusted. For example, a smaller pan will result in a thicker cake, which may need more time to bake through.
Q: How should I store the leftovers?
A: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I add other ingredients to the batter?
A: Absolutely! Consider adding chocolate chips, dried fruit, or nuts to the batter for extra flavor and texture.
Q: What if my cake turns out too dense?
A: This cake is meant to be moist and slightly dense due to the pie filling. However, if you prefer a lighter texture, you can add 1/4 cup of water or milk to the batter to thin it out slightly.
Conclusion
This Easy and Decadent Fruit-Filled Cake is the perfect dessert for when you need something quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing. With minimal ingredients and effort, you can create a moist, flavorful cake that tastes like it took hours to make. The versatility of the recipe allows you to experiment with different flavor combinations, making it a go-to for any occasion. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, and enjoy a slice of this easy, comforting treat!