The 3 Ingredient Applesauce Cake is a no-fuss, one-bowl dessert made with just unsweetened applesauce, sweetened condensed milk, and self-rising flour — no eggs, no butter, no mixer needed.
Have you ever craved a homemade cake but didn’t want to deal with a long list of ingredients or fancy steps?
That’s exactly where this 3 ingredient applesauce cake comes in. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and perfect for those moments when you want dessert without a fuss.
I love this recipe because it turns a few pantry staples into a soft, flavorful cake that feels homemade with almost no effort.
The applesauce keeps the cake moist, the condensed milk gives it sweetness and richness, and the self-rising flour makes it light and fluffy.

It bakes up moist, lightly sweet, and full of cozy apple flavor, perfect for beginners or anyone craving cake without the hassle.
I stir it together in under 5 minutes, pop it in the oven, and let the magic happen — great plain, with a sprinkle of cinnamon, or topped with caramel and ice cream. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again because it’s forgiving, fast, and always delivers.
It’s the kind of recipe that works for weeknight baking, last-minute guests, or even a simple holiday dessert.
Why You Will Love Applesauce Cake Recipe?
- It needs only 3 simple ingredients.
- No mixer, no special tools—just a bowl and a spoon.
- You can dress it up with apples, nuts, or spices.
- Perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.
Why 3 Ingredients Are All You Really Need?
Because these three do all the heavy lifting. Applesauce keeps things moist, condensed milk brings sweetness and richness, and self-rising flour gives the cake its lift. Together, they balance each other out beautifully—no butter, sugar, or eggs required.
How to Make 3 Ingredient Applesauce Cake Recipe?
Recipe Overview
This easy 3 ingredient applesauce cake recipe is soft, moist, and sweet with no complicated steps. Perfect for beginners or anyone who wants a no-fuss dessert.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Cuisine: American
- Course: Dessert
- Difficulty: Easy
- Yield: 1 cake (8 servings)
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories per Serving: ~230 kcal
Equipment Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- 8-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup (185 g) unsweetened applesauce
- 1 (14 oz / 397 g) can sweetened full-fat condensed milk
- 1 ¼ cups (156 g) self-rising flour
Optional Add-ins: sliced apples, walnuts, raisins, or cinnamon.
Ingredient Notes
- Applesauce: Use unsweetened applesauce for better control of sweetness. If you only have sweetened, reduce the condensed milk slightly.
- Condensed Milk: Sweetened condensed milk is key—it gives richness and moisture. Don’t swap with evaporated milk.
- Self-Rising Flour: This already has baking powder and salt mixed in. If you don’t have it, you can make your own (see recipe note below).
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
2. Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, stir together applesauce and condensed milk until smooth.
3. Add flour: Fold in the self-rising flour gently. The batter will be thick but spreadable. Don’t overmix or the cake may turn dense.
4. Optional extras: Stir in sliced apples, walnuts, or raisins if you like.
5. Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
7. Serve: Slice and enjoy as is, or dust with powdered sugar.
Nutrition (per slice)
- Calories: 230
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
Tips and Variations
✔Spices: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm fall flavor.
✔Fruity Touch: Fold in diced apples, raisins, or cranberries.
✔Nutty Twist: Walnuts or pecans add crunch.
✔Chocolate Version: Stir in mini chocolate chips.
Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months.
Serving Suggestions
Wondering how to serve applesauce cake? Here are a few ideas:
1. With a dusting of powdered sugar.
2. Warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
3. Drizzled with caramel or chocolate sauce.
4. Served plain with coffee or tea for breakfast.
Recipe Notes
- Can You Make Self-Rising Flour? Yes! Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt.
- Can You Use Homemade Applesauce In This Recipe? Absolutely. Just make sure it’s smooth and not too chunky.
Other Cake Recipes You Might Like
▶ Best Paula Deen Strawberry Cake Recipe
▶ Butter Pecan Ice Cream Cake Recipe
▶ Vanilla Buttercream Chocolate Cake
▶ Easy Ice Cream Sandwich Cake
▶ Cake Boss Vanilla Cake Recipe
FAQ
What Are The 3 Ingredients In Applesauce Cake?
Applesauce, condensed milk, and self-rising flour.
Can You Make A 3 Ingredient Applesauce Cake Without A Box Mix?
Yes, this recipe uses flour—not cake mix—so it’s completely homemade.
Does Applesauce Cake Have Eggs?
Not in this recipe. The condensed milk acts as the binder.
How Do You Make A 3 Ingredient Apple Cake?
Simply mix applesauce, condensed milk, and self-rising flour, then bake.
Why Did My Applesauce Cake Turn Out Dry?
It’s likely overbaked or overmixed. Check at 30 minutes and avoid stirring the batter too much.
Does Applesauce Cake Need Refrigeration?
It keeps well at room temperature for 2 days, but refrigeration extends freshness.
Is Apple Cake Easy To Make?
Yes—this one is about as easy as it gets.
How Many Cups Of Applesauce Do I Need For A Cake?
This recipe uses ¾ cup.
Conclusion
This 3 ingredient applesauce cake proves that simple really is better. It’s soft, moist, and ready in less than an hour without any complicated steps.
Give it a try the next time you’re craving something sweet—you’ll be amazed at how delicious such a simple recipe can be.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment, share your tips, or tell me if you added your own twist.

3 Ingredient Applesauce Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups & spoons
- 8-inch cake pan
- Parchment paper (optional)
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup 185 g unsweetened applesauce
- 1 14 oz / 397 g can sweetened full-fat condensed milk
- 1 ¼ cups 156 g self-rising flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8-inch cake pan with parchment paper.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a bowl, stir together applesauce and condensed milk until smooth.
- Add flour: Fold in the self-rising flour gently. The batter will be thick but spreadable. Don’t overmix or the cake may turn dense.
- Optional extras: Stir in sliced apples, walnuts, or raisins if you like.
- Bake: Spread the batter evenly in the pan. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Serve: Slice and enjoy as is, or dust with powdered sugar.
Notes
- Can You Make Self-Rising Flour? Yes! Mix 1 cup all-purpose flour with 1 ½ tsp baking powder and ¼ tsp salt.
- Can You Use Homemade Applesauce In This Recipe? Absolutely. Just make sure it’s smooth and not too chunky.