We Tried Betty Crocker’s Original Recipe for Apple Cinnamon Cake
While there’s always a time and a place for an elaborate dessert like cannoli cake or truffle pie, sometimes you just want something simple. But simple doesn’t necessarily mean dull. There are plenty of shortcuts you can take to whip together a quick, delicious dessert, and some are even age-old tricks.
One classic in that category? Betty Crocker’s Apple Cinnamon Cake, which appeared on a box of spice cake mix. All you need are five ingredients and a few minutes of prep to pull off this tasty dessert. It sounds almost too good to be true, so we put it to the test.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Cake
This old-fashioned snack cake is quick and easy to throw together (it’s practically a dump cake). The cinnamon-sugar mixture takes the cake to a whole new level.
Ingredients
1 package Betty Crocker SuperMoist spice cake mix
3 eggs
1 (21-ounce) can apple pie filling
3 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Whipped cream or topping
Molly’s Tip: Make homemade whipped cream for a special touch.
Tools You’ll Need
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Prepare a 13×9-inch pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prep the batter
In a large mixing bowl, add the dry cake mix, eggs and pie filling. Beat on low for 2 minutes.
Step 3: Layer the batter
In a small bowl, combine the sugar and cinnamon. Spread half of the prepared batter into the pan and top it with half of the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Spread the rest of the batter in the pan and sprinkle it with the remaining sugar.
Step 4: Bake!
Bake the cake for 30 minutes. To check if it’s finished, insert a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, remove the cake from the oven. Allow the cake to cool before slicing and serving with whipped cream on top.
Here’s What I Thought
At first glance at the recipe, I was skeptical about how this cake might turn out. I’ve never been a fan of canned apple pie filling because of its gooey consistency. Luckily, that doesn’t come through in the cake.
With three eggs and an entire can of pie filling, the batter was hard to spread in the pan. I added a splash of water to my batter to make it easier to evenly distribute into the pan. This allowed the process of layering the yummy cinnamon sugar that much simpler.
The aroma that filled my kitchen while the cake baked was reason enough for me to make it again. Once cooled, it was jam-packed with flavor from the spice mix and enhanced even further by a smattering of apple chunks and the crackly cinnamon sugar topping. A dollop of whipped cream made it that much more delicious.
This is the perfect cake to bake on a cool fall morning to serve for dessert that night. Or, if you can’t wait that long, plan to pair it with a cup of coffee and cozy up for a mid-morning treat.
More Apple Cinnamon Recipes
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These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they're just as delicious any other time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
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You'll love the smell in your kitchen—and the smiles on everybody's faces—when you make this scrumptious caramel apple pie recipe. It takes me back home to Virginia and being at my granny's table. —Jean Castro, Phoenix, Arizona
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I live in apple country, and a delicious crisp is one good way to use them that doesn't take a lot of time. —Gertrude Bartnick, Portage, Wisconsin
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This apple doodle recipe originally started as an apple cake. But I worked it into a recipe for cookies and have been making them this way ever since. It's a nice way to feature fall's delicious produce. —Cecilia Lorraine Ruiz, Sunnyvale, California
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My grandmother occasionally brought over this wonderful cake warm from the oven. The spicy apple flavor combined with the sweet cream cheese frosting made this recipe one that we treasured. Even though I've lightened it up, it's still a family favorite. —Lauris Conrad, Turlock, California
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I remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested, "Maybe a slice of my homemade apple pie will make you feel better." One bite, and Grandma was right. If you want to learn how to make homemade apple pie filling, this is really the only recipe you need. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington
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These apple streusel muffins remind us of coffee cake, and my husband and kids love them as a quick breakfast or snack on the run. The drizzle of glaze makes them pretty enough for company. —Dulcy Grace, Roaring Spring, Pennsylvania
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I got this apple quick bread recipe a long time ago and with a few changes it's become one of our favorites. Everyone who's ever tasted this apple bread has asked for the recipe! —Phyllis Herlocker, Farlington, Kansas
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This apple cheesecake won the grand prize in an apple recipe contest. With caramel both on the bottom and over the top, every bite is sinfully delicious. —Lisa Morman, Minot, North Dakota
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This recipe is about family, comfort and simplicity. My mom made this delicious sweet treat many a winter night and served it warm with some of her famous homemade ice cream. I like to make a double batch and pass on the love! —Elizabeth Monfort, Celina, Ohio
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I live in a big apple-producing state, so I think this recipe represents our region well. I tasted this pie many years ago when my children's babysitter made it. I asked for the recipe and have made it many times since.
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A fellow home cook shared this recipe for a sweet, fruit-filled pastry. My son, who isn’t a dessert fan, was disappointed when he came home to find his dad had polished off the last kolache in the batch. —Ann Johnson, Evansville, Indiana
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I bake my family-favorite fall cake to usher in this abundant season. It looks so luscious that eating one piece is nearly impossible. —Jamie Jones, Madison, Georgia
Apple Crisp Pizza
While visiting a Wisconsin orchard, I tried a tempting apple crisp pie. At home, I put together this apple pizza. As it bakes, the enticing aroma fills my kitchen, and friends and family linger waiting for a sample. —Nancy Preussner, Delhi, Iowa
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The combination of flavors makes this recipe a perfect treat for a cool fall day. These apple and pumpkin muffins are great for breakfast, dessert or an after-school snack. —Beth Knapp, Littleton, New Hampshire
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During apple season, I always look forward to making this yummy torte. It has a cream cheese layer and apples galore. —Margaret Wilson, San Bernardino, California
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My husband and I came to Canada from Holland more than 40 years ago. This traditional Dutch recipe is a family favorite and has frequently gone along with me to potluck suppers and other get-togethers. —Elizabeth Peters, Martintown, Ontario
Upside-Down Apple Pie
This pie has won eight ribbons at area fairs. People say it looks and tastes like a giant apple-cinnamon bun. I take time off from work around the holidays to fill pie requests from family and friends. The recipe has become everyone's favorite. —Susan Frisch, Germansville, Pennsylvania
Apple Caramel Cheesecake Bars
The streusel topping that comes with this recipe for apple cream cheese bars is absolutely irresistible. If you can’t resist a “taste test” before a party, just arrange each apple bar on a serving platter and no one will know a piece is missing from the pan! —Katherine White, Henderson, Nevada
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This is baked stuffed french toast casserole a great breakfast dish to make ahead for holidays or Sunday brunch. I run a bed and breakfast and tea room cafe, and this recipe is often requested by customers. —Kay Clark, Lawrenceburg, Kentucky
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Nothing beats these tender baked apple slices over ice cream for satisfying harvest flavor. This old-fashioned treat gives a new twist to traditional baked apples. They are also excellent served over waffles or with ham. I make sure to save room for dessert! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Cinnamon Apple Cheesecake
An attractive topping of cinnamon-spiced apple slices and a homemade oat-and-walnut crust make this creamy dessert a definite showstopper. —Emily Ann Young, Edmond, Oklahoma
Crisscross Apple Crowns
Wake ’em up on chilly mornings with the tempting aroma of apples and cinnamon filling the house. “I love making these for breakfast. They’re different and so easy.” —Teresa Morris, Laurel, Delaware
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This pie is absolutely delicious! If you’re a beginner, use a store-bought pie crust to get a head start. You’ll still get a bushel of compliments. —Virginia Olson, West Des Moines, Iowa
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This moist quick bread combines both apples and pumpkin, making it a must in autumn. Every slice is chock full of nuts and spices.
Apple Coffee Cake
Tart sour cream flavors this moist apple cinnamon coffee cake covered with brown sugar and crunchy nuts. The yield is two pans, so you can serve one and freeze the other for a busy morning or unexpected company. —Dawn Fagerstrom, Warren, Minnesota
Apple Pear Cake
When my sister Catherine made her apple cake for me, I knew I needed the recipe. When I made it, I added some pears from the trees on our acreage. The resulting apple pear cake is so moist and tastes so good. Now every time I make it, people want my recipe. —Mary Ann Lees, Centreville, Alabama
Apple Cornbread Crisp
With its hearty ingredients and quick prep time, this warm apple crisp makes a smart dessert for any fall night. It reminds me of the recipe my grandmother would serve after our big family seafood dinners. It's absolutely wonderful topped with ice cream. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
Swedish Apple Pie
This decadent apple pie serves up homemade flavor in every bite. This is a perfect snack with coffee or as an after-dinner treat. —Sarah Klier, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Rustic Caramel Apple Tart
Like an apple pie without the pan, this scrumptious tart has a crispy crust that cuts nicely and a yummy caramel topping. —Betty Fulks, Onia, Arkansas
Chunky Apple Cake
After taste testing apple cake recipes, I've found this particular recipe the best. Full of old-world comfort, the yummy brown sugar sauce really makes the cake special. For a festive occasion, top with a dollop of whipped cream. —Debi Benson, Bakersfield, California
Sugar-Free Apple Pie
This sugar-free pie is so delicious, you can't even detect the artificial sweetener in the filling. I always get rave reviews when I bring it to church potlucks. —Teresa Garlick, Glendale, Arizona
Hand-Held Apple Pies
When I was in high school, my best friend's mother baked this mini apple pie recipe every year. I was thrilled when she shared it with me—I finally felt like an adult! —Katie Ferrier, Houston, Texas
Apple Dumpling Roll-Ups
A family friend gave me a simple way to make apple dumplings without lots of steps. I love the sticky cinnamon topping. —Jenny Leighty, West Salem, Ohio
Dutch Cranberry-Apple Pie
Fresh cranberries bring tongue-tingling tartness and festive Christmas color to classic apple pie. With orange peel, spices and a crumb topping, this is a warm and wintry favorite. —Jerri Gradert, Lincoln, Nebraska
Creamy Apple Crumb Pie
I revised this classic apple pie recipe from a church cookbook. I knew it was a keeper when my mother-in-law asked for a copy. Linda Pawelski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apple Pear Coffee Cake
A friend gave me this apple pear coffee cake recipe to make for a breakfast I was hosting. The pan was empty before the breakfast was over! It's one of my most-requested recipes, probably because it's a bit different. —Joanne Hoschette, Paxton, Massachusetts
Apple Pie Pastries
My coworker Debbie treated the office to these spectacular mini apple pies. Everyone fell in love with the warm filling and flaky, buttery crust of this apple pastry. —Ginny Alfano, Canastota, New York
Caramel Apple Walnut Pie
Loaded with lots of tender apples and adorned with a nutty caramel topping, this pleasing pie recipe is always a hit with old and young alike. —Winifred Eckerle, Gering, Nebraska
Apple Dumpling Bake
I received this recipe for baked apple dumplings with Mountain Dew from a friend of mine, then tweaked it to suit my family's tastes. The soda is definitely the secret ingredient in this rich apple dessert. —Chris Shields, Monrovia, Indiana
Note: Recipes submitted by our trusted contributors are created and tested in their kitchens.
The post We Tried Betty Crocker’s Original Recipe for Apple Cinnamon Cake appeared first on Taste of Home.
