If you’re looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with tender, juicy apples, a hint of cinnamon spice, and a moist crumb that practically melts in your mouth, this cake strikes the perfect balance of sweet and cozy. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or a simple family treat, this recipe brings comfort and delight in every slice, filled with flavors that make you wish autumn lasted all year long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are the heart and soul of our Apple Bundt Cake Recipe, each playing a crucial role in the depth of flavor, texture, and visual appeal of the final cake. From the classic combination of sugars and spices to fresh apples and the optional crunchy nuts, every element is simple but essential.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure and crumb for a tender cake.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a delicate texture.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Introduces a rich, caramel-like flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures the cake rises nicely and keeps it light.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works with baking soda for perfect lift and fluffiness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings warmth and spice, vital for that signature apple cake flavor.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
- 4 large eggs: Bind ingredients while adding moisture and structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a lovely fragrant depth that rounds out the spices.
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples is best to give bursts of juicy flavor.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds texture and a toasty contrast to the soft cake.
How to Make Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan with butter or a good non-stick spray—this ensures your cake comes out perfectly shaped and doesn’t stick in any tricky spots.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients first creates an even distribution of sweeteners and leavening agents and infuses that warm cinnamon flavor throughout the batter.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs
In a separate bowl, take the softened butter and beat it with an electric mixer until it’s light, fluffy, and creamy—about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key to giving your cake its tender crumb. Add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next one. Finally, stir in the vanilla extract to lend the batter a delicate aromatic touch.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Now, slowly add your dry ingredients into the butter and egg mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. You want to avoid overmixing here because that can make the cake dense and tough instead of soft and light.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in the chopped apples and, if you’re using them, the walnuts or pecans. This step is where the magic happens—the tender apple pieces will keep your cake moist and provide delightful bursts of flavor, while the nuts add a nice crunch contrast.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a perfectly cooked cake inside and out.
Step 7: Cool and Optional Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 to 15 minutes—this helps it set so it will release easily from the pan. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. For an extra touch of sweetness, consider drizzling a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk once the cake is cooled.
How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of cinnamon glaze instantly elevates your Apple Bundt Cake Recipe. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts on top make for a pretty presentation and hint at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that perfect balance of warm spices and cool creaminess. A hot cup of coffee or spiced apple cider also complements the cozy vibe perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For festive occasions, slice your cake and serve it on a rustic wooden board with extra apple slices and cinnamon sticks. You can also pipe some cream cheese frosting or sprinkle a bit of toasted oats for added texture. It’s a great way to impress guests with both flavor and style.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your Apple Bundt Cake Recipe tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This will keep the cake moist and fresh, ready for that next craving.
Freezing
If you want to make this cake ahead of time, it freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil, placing it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature.
Reheating
For that freshly baked feel, warm slices of the Apple Bundt Cake Recipe in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or briefly in a low oven wrapped in foil. This will refresh the cake’s softness and bring back its inviting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this cake?
Absolutely! Using a combination of sweet and tart apples gives the cake a balanced flavor, but you can experiment with your favorites like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for varying textures and sweetness levels.
Is it necessary to use nuts in this recipe?
Nuts are totally optional. They add a lovely crunch and depth to the cake but if you or your guests have allergies or prefer nut-free, simply leave them out and the cake will still be delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that can be used one-to-one. Just be sure the blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to keep the cake’s texture just right.
What’s the best way to keep my cake moist?
Using the softened butter and not overmixing the batter helps maintain moisture. Folding in fresh apples also adds juiciness naturally. Lastly, storing the cake in an airtight container ensures it retains its softness for days.
Can I add other spices to the Apple Bundt Cake Recipe?
Definitely! A pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves pairs wonderfully with cinnamon and apples, giving the cake a more complex flavor profile that’s perfect for fall and winter.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe enough if you want to bake something that feels both special and comforting. It’s amazing how simple ingredients come together to create such a tender, flavorful dessert that everyone will ask for again. So grab your bundt pan, pick your apples, and get ready to fill your kitchen with the delicious aroma of homemade goodness!
Print
Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Loaded with tender chunks of sweet and tart apples, warm cinnamon spice, and a rich buttery batter, it offers a delightful balance of textures and flavors. The addition of walnuts or pecans adds a satisfying crunch, making it an ideal treat for family gatherings, holidays, or simply a cozy afternoon snack with tea or coffee.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Mix-Ins
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (mix of sweet and tart preferred)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly with butter or non-stick spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. This ensures all dry components are evenly distributed.
- Cream Butter: In a separate bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy. This should take about 3 to 5 minutes and creates a smooth base for the batter.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and maintain the batter’s light texture. Then mix in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture. Mix gently and just until combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the cake tough.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold in the chopped apples and optional nuts, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter without breaking them up.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter into the greased bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula for a smooth surface to promote even baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs but no wet batter.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This prevents the cake from becoming soggy and helps it maintain its shape.
- Optional Glaze: For an extra touch of sweetness, drizzle the cooled cake with a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk, adding a glossy and sweet finish.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- Make sure the butter is softened, not melted, to achieve a fluffy batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once you combine wet and dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool properly before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- The optional nuts add texture but can be omitted for nut allergies or preferences.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
