“ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE saved my sanity the first time I had surprise guests and nothing but a cake mix, some eggs, and a can of pie filling in the pantry. If that sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, trust me, this little shortcut cake is the opposite. It bakes up tender, sweet, and wildly easy, with a light fruity vibe that makes it feel special. You mix everything in one bowl, pour, and bake. No frosting drama, no fancy tools, no stress. It is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen hero with almost no effort. 
What to Expect from This Cake
At its heart, the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE is a simple three ingredient cake that tastes like you worked much harder than you did. It is soft and moist, with a texture somewhere between a snack cake and a tender coffee cake. The edges get lightly golden while the center stays plush. Every bite carries the flavor of your chosen fruit filling, which is why this recipe never gets boring.
The Story Behind This Recipe
From my kitchen to yours—“ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE mixes everyday ingredients with a buttery finish. Tested, tasted, and ready for your table. “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE saved my sanity the first time I had surprise guests and nothing but a cake mix, some eggs, and a can…
Texture and Flavor
Here is the magic. The eggs create lift and strength, the pie filling adds moisture and sweetness, and the cake mix brings structure and that classic bakery aroma. Pick cherry for a bright, slightly tart finish. Choose apple for cozy fall vibes. Go blueberry for a mellow, jammy flavor. Once it is baked, you can dust with powdered sugar or drizzle a quick glaze. I often keep it bare because it already looks and smells amazing when it comes out of the oven.
Want a similar soft crumb in a more traditional style cake for next time? Try this moist vanilla cake recipe your family will love. It is a great contrast to the carefree feel of this cake, and it pairs nicely when you are feeding a crowd.
I made this for my book club and everyone asked for the recipe. No one believed it was only three ingredients. It is now my go to emergency dessert. Simple, reliable, and so tasty.
Bottom line if you need something sweet and dependable, the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE delivers. It is the bake you pull out when timing is tight and expectations are high. 
Variations on this Recipe
The fun of this cake is how flexible it is. You can swap the pie filling, change the cake mix flavor, or add small touches to make it feel new every time. Here are a few of my favorite variations.
- Cherry pie filling with devil’s food cake mix for a playful black forest twist.
- Apple pie filling with spice cake mix for cozy cinnamon warmth.
- Blueberry pie filling with lemon cake mix for a bright, bakery style finish.
- Peach pie filling with yellow cake mix and a splash of vanilla for a sunny, summer vibe.
- Stir in a handful of chocolate chips or chopped pecans for texture.
If you like the idea of small, snackable desserts, these irresistible Oreo cheesecake bites are a fun project. They are bite sized, creamy, and make a great companion dessert on a party tray next to the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE.
You can also change the topping. A dusting of powdered sugar looks pretty and is super simple. A thin glaze made with powdered sugar and a little milk creates a light sheen. For a rustic finish, warm a spoonful of the leftover pie filling and drizzle it over slices.
Pro tip if you want a slightly taller cake, bake in a smaller pan, like an 8 inch square. If you want it to bake faster and feed more people, use a 9 by 13 inch pan. Just keep an eye on doneness and test with a toothpick near the center.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
I call this my blue ribbon recipe because it nails that sweet spot where minimal effort meets maximum payoff. The crumb is tender, the color is golden, and the fruit keeps each slice moist. I have served it warm with ice cream and chilled with coffee, and both ways got serious love from the table. You can take it to a potluck, bake it for a birthday when you are short on time, or keep it as your late night sweet tooth fix. It is forgiving, dependable, and easy to remember.
Baker’s Notes
Use room temperature eggs so they blend smoothly. If you want a touch more lift, add one extra egg. If your pie filling is very chunky, give it a quick chop or mash so it mixes evenly. Grease your pan well, then line the bottom with parchment for clean slices. Let it cool at least 15 minutes before cutting so it sets up.
If you appreciate cakes with a little drama in the look department, you might also enjoy this moody and festive black velvet Halloween cake. It offers a totally different mood while your “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE brings the easy comfort factor.
Storage is simple. Cover and keep at room temp for up to two days or chill for up to four. Rewarm slices in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds if you like that fresh baked feel. Freeze leftovers wrapped well for up to two months and thaw on the counter.
How To Make Are You Kidding Cake
What You’ll Need
- 1 box cake mix, 15.25 ounces, any flavor
- 1 can pie filling, 21 ounces, any flavor
- 2 large eggs, room temperature
- Optional add ins: 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1 cup chocolate chips or nuts
- Nonstick spray or butter for the pan, plus parchment if you want clean edges
Simple Step by Step
- Preheat your oven to 350 F. Grease a 9 by 13 inch pan or line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, crack in the eggs and give them a quick whisk.
- Add the pie filling and stir until combined.
- Sprinkle in the dry cake mix and fold together until no big dry pockets remain. A few small lumps are fine.
- Stir in any optional add ins. Do not overmix.
- Pour into the pan and spread evenly. The batter will be thick.
- Bake 25 to 35 minutes, depending on pan size and oven. The top should spring back, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool 15 minutes, then slice and serve. Dust with powdered sugar if you like.
Make it a brunch star serve warm slices with coffee and bacon on a lazy weekend. If you are planning a savory bake too, this cheese bacon strata cake is a fantastic partner on the table.
Why it works The eggs give structure, the pie filling adds moisture and flavor, and the cake mix brings in the right balance of sugar, leavening, and flour. The result is the cozy magic of the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE with almost no measuring involved.
Discover More
Once you get the hang of this cake, you will start seeing shortcuts everywhere. Keep a few cake mixes and pie fillings in the pantry, and you are always ten minutes from a batter. Rotate flavors with the seasons, or use what you already have. If you are cooking for kids, let them pick the filling. If you are feeding adults, brew a strong pot of coffee and set out a bowl of whipped cream for topping.
For an airy weekend treat that uses a totally different technique, you might want to try something playful and fluffy like Japanese style pancakes another time. They are not as quick as the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE, but they make a fun project and a great breakfast showpiece.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use any pie filling?
A: Yes. Cherry, blueberry, apple, peach, and strawberry all work. Thicker or chunkier fillings may need a quick chop for even mixing.
Q: Do I need water, oil, or milk?
A: No. Skip the directions on the cake mix box. For the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE you only need the eggs and the pie filling.
Q: Can I make cupcakes?
A: You can. Fill liners about two thirds full and bake 16 to 22 minutes. Check early since ovens vary.
Q: How do I know it is done?
A: The top should look set and lightly golden. A toothpick in the center should come out mostly clean with a few crumbs, not wet batter.
Q: Can I frost it?
A: Absolutely. A simple glaze or cream cheese frosting is great, but I often keep it plain and just add powdered sugar.
Ready to Bake It?
There is a reason the “ARE YOU KIDDING ME” CAKE has such a loyal following. It is fast, flexible, and tastes like a hug. If you want more background or extra ideas, I found helpful notes from other home bakers here at Are You Kidding Me Cake – Out of the Box Baking and a classic version with reviews at Are You Kidding Me Cake | Just A Pinch Recipes. Grab a cake mix and a can of pie filling, and bake your own little miracle tonight. You have got this.
Are You Kidding Me Cake
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9 by 13 inch pan or line with parchment.
- In a large bowl, crack in the eggs and give them a quick whisk.
- Add the pie filling and stir until combined.
- Sprinkle in the dry cake mix and fold together until no big dry pockets remain. A few small lumps are fine.
- Stir in any optional add-ins. Do not overmix.
- Pour into the pan and spread evenly. The batter will be thick.
- Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, depending on pan size and oven. The top should spring back, and a toothpick should come out with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing and serving. Dust with powdered sugar if desired.
