I’m This cake has become legendary among home bakers because it defies all logic. No oil, no butter, no milk, no water — just three ingredients, one bowl, and pure magic in the oven. The result? A moist, flavorful, tender cake that tastes like it took hours to make.
A Little History**
The “Are You Kidding Me Cake” became popular in the 1970s, a time when quick, convenient baking was booming. Home cooks wanted easy desserts that still tasted homemade, and someone discovered that combining a boxed cake mix with pie filling and eggs created a shockingly delicious treat. The name came naturally — “Are you kidding me?” — because it’s that simple.
Ingredients**
You only need 3 ingredients, but feel free to get creative!
- 1 box of cake mix – Any flavor works!
(Examples: chocolate, vanilla, lemon, spice, or yellow cake mix) - 1 can (12 oz / 340 g) pie filling – Choose one that complements your cake flavor.
(Cherry for chocolate, apple for spice, blueberry for vanilla, lemon for white cake, etc.) - 3 large eggs
Optional Add-ins (for extra flair):
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for warmth)
- ½ teaspoon almond extract (pairs beautifully with cherry)
- A handful of chopped nuts or chocolate chips
- Cinnamon or nutmeg (especially good with apple pie filling)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or line it with parchment paper. - Mix the Batter:
In a large mixing bowl, add the cake mix, eggs, and pie filling.
- Stir with a spatula or hand mixer until everything is combined.
- The mixture will be thick and lumpy — that’s okay! The fruit chunks make the cake moist and flavorful.
(No need to add water, milk, or oil from the cake box instructions.)
- Pour and Spread:
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top. - Bake:
Place in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Cool Completely:
Let the cake cool in the pan before slicing. This helps it set and enhances the flavor. - Decorate (Optional but Fun):
- Dust with powdered sugar for a simple, elegant finish.
- Top with a layer of cream cheese frosting, whipped cream, or even ice cream.
- For an extra treat, drizzle with chocolate syrup, caramel, or fruit glaze.
Flavor Combinations You’ll Love**
| Cake Mix Flavor | Pie Filling Flavor | Extra Touch |
|---|---|---|
| Chocolate | Cherry | Add almond extract and dark chocolate chips |
| Yellow | Apple | Sprinkle cinnamon on top before baking |
| Vanilla | Blueberry | Add lemon zest for a fresh kick |
| Spice | Pumpkin | Add a dash of nutmeg and top with cream cheese frosting |
| Lemon | Raspberry | Dust with powdered sugar for a tart, sweet finish |
Why It Works
- The pie filling acts as the fat and moisture base (replacing oil and water).
- The eggs give structure and richness.
- The cake mix provides sweetness and leavening.
Together, they create a perfectly balanced cake with almost no effort.
Benefits
- Only 3 ingredients — perfect for beginners or busy days.
- Incredibly moist and flavorful.
- Customizable** — endless flavor combinations.
- No mixer, no fuss, no mess.
- Kid-friendly** and great for last-minute desserts.
For the Lovers of This Cake
If you’re the kind of person who loves quick magic in the kitchen, this cake is your soulmate. It’s a hit for:
- Potlucks and picnics
- Last-minute guests
- Kids’ baking fun
- Midnight cravings
Serving Ideas
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit.
- Serve cold with coffee or tea for an afternoon delight.
Nutrition (per slice, approx.)
(Based on 12 servings, using a standard cake mix and fruit filling)
- Calories: ~220
- Fat: 6g
- Carbs: 38g
- Sugar: 22g
- Protein: 3g
Conclusion
The “Are You Kidding Me Cake” is proof that you don’t need fancy ingredients or complex steps to create something delicious. It’s nostalgic, fun, and endlessly adaptable. The best part? Everyone who tries it will say the same thing — “Are you kidding me? That’s it?!”
So grab a box of cake mix, a can of pie filling, and some eggs… and prepare to impress without breaking a sweat
