How to Make This Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray, ensuring that the cake won’t stick when baking.

Step 2: Mix the Cake

In a large bowl, crack the 3 eggs and beat them lightly with a whisk or fork. Add the entire box of cake mix and the can of pie filling (without draining the liquid). Stir everything together until fully combined. The batter will be thicker than typical cake batter, but this is exactly what you want to achieve the pudding-cake texture.

Step 3: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure it’s even. Place the pan in the oven and bake for 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it as it bakes. The cake should be golden brown on top, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean when it’s done.

Step 4: Let It Cool and Serve

Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before cutting into it. The cake will have a light, pudding-like texture in the center with crispy, golden edges. Serve warm for the best experience, or refrigerate it and serve cold for a refreshing treat.

Tips + Tricks & More For Recipe Success

Experiment with Cake Mixes and Fillings: The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Try different combinations of cake mixes and pie fillings to create unique flavors. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Pineapple cake mix and blueberry filling

Chocolate cake mix and cherry filling

Yellow cake mix and apple filling

Butter pecan cake mix and apple filling

Yellow cake mix and blackberry filling

Texture Variations: If you prefer a softer, more pudding-like texture, reduce the baking time by a few minutes. For a firmer cake, bake a bit longer.

Add a Glaze or Whipped Cream: For extra sweetness, drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, or top with whipped cream.

Use Fresh or Frozen Fruit: If you don’t have canned pie filling on hand, you can substitute it with fresh or frozen fruit mixed with sugar and cornstarch. This will give you a homemade filling option.

How to Serve

The “Are You Kidding” Cake can be served in a variety of ways:

As a Dessert: Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert experience. The warm cake and cold ice cream create a perfect contrast of temperatures.

With Fruit: If you used a fruit filling, consider adding fresh, complementary fruit on top. Fresh berries, banana slices, or even a few extra pieces of chopped apples can be a refreshing addition.

For Breakfast or Brunch: This cake is sweet enough to be enjoyed as part of a brunch spread. Serve it alongside coffee, tea, or a glass of juice for a delicious morning treat.

Serving Suggestions

For the ultimate indulgence, try these serving ideas:

A Scoop of Ice Cream: Pair the cake with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or cinnamon ice cream to complement the flavors.

Topped with Whipped Cream: Lightly sweetened whipped cream can bring a soft, airy texture that contrasts beautifully with the rich cake.

Drizzle with Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: If you want to elevate the dessert, drizzle it with chocolate or caramel sauce for extra sweetness and decadence.

Dust with Powdered Sugar: A light dusting of powdered sugar on top of the cooled cake gives it an elegant touch, making it perfect for gatherings or special occasions.

Time

This cake is as quick as it is delicious. Here’s how the time breaks down:

Prep Time: 5 minutes (mixing the ingredients)

Cook Time: 35 minutes (baking)

Total Time: 40 minutes

In conclusion, The “Are You Kidding” Cake is a fun, simple, and delightful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a special event, or just to satisfy a sweet craving, this cake is sure to impress. With its light, pudding-like center and crispy edges, it’s a treat that everyone will love—and best of all, it’s made with just three ingredients! The versatility of the recipe allows you to experiment with different flavors, so the possibilities are endless.