If you are searching for a warm, comforting dessert that feels like a hug in every bite, this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Combining sweet and tart apples with a softly spiced batter, this cake offers the perfect balance of moistness, crunch, and flavor. It’s incredibly versatile, suitable for intimate family gatherings, festive occasions, or just a cozy weekend treat. Each slice is bursting with fresh apple goodness and subtle cinnamon warmth that feels like fall year-round. You’ll adore how effortlessly it comes together and how it brightens up any table with its rustic charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe is simple yet essential, playing a vital role in creating that perfect texture, sweetness, and delightful aroma. From the soft butter that ensures moistness to the cinnamon that adds a hint of spice, every element works in harmony to make this cake truly unforgettable.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides a tender structure to the cake while keeping it light and fluffy.
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Adds essential sweetness and helps with browning the crust beautifully.
- ½ cup packed brown sugar: Infuses a subtle molasses flavor and extra moisture for richness.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise perfectly, giving it a wonderful crumb.
- 1 teaspoon baking powder: Works alongside baking soda for a light and airy texture.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Offers that nostalgic, warm spice note that complements apples perfectly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds buttery richness and keeps the cake moist and tender.
- 4 large eggs: Act as a binding agent and contribute to the cake’s structure.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Deepens the flavor with a sweet, fragrant aroma.
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples: The star of the show, providing juiciness and natural sweetness; a mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal.
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional): Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor if you want a little extra texture.
How to Make Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly with butter or a non-stick spray to ensure your cake releases easily after baking. Taking these little prep steps upfront saves you from sticky situations later!
Step 2: Whisk the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisking them together evenly distributes the leavening agents and spices, so every bite is perfectly balanced with flavor.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs
In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer until it becomes light and fluffy, which usually takes about 3 to 5 minutes. Then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to build a smooth, silky batter base. Finish this step by stirring in the vanilla extract to infuse lovely aroma and subtle sweetness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined. Mixing too much here can make the cake dense, so be gentle to keep it tender and light.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Carefully fold in the chopped apples along with the nuts if you’re using them. This step adds the moist, fruity bursts and crunch that make this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe so special and delightful to bite into.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The kitchen will soon fill with an inviting, cinnamon-spiced aroma that’s impossible to resist!
Step 7: Cool and (Optional) Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. For extra decadence, you can drizzle a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake, adding a lovely finish.
How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple toppings like a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce highlight the sweet apple flavors beautifully. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can add an elegant touch without overpowering the cake’s natural charm.
Side Dishes
This Apple Bundt Cake Recipe loves company on your dessert table. Try serving it alongside vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a scoop of cinnamon-spiced yogurt to bring a creamy contrast to the cake’s tender texture.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, arrange apple slices in a fan shape on each plate next to a slice of cake. You could also serve individual mini Apple Bundt cakes for parties or drizzle a tangy caramel sauce artfully on the dessert platter to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Apple Bundt Cake stays delicious for several days if stored properly. Keep it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain moisture. This way, any leftovers stay fresh and just as tasty.
Freezing
If you want to prepare in advance, this cake freezes wonderfully. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight for best results.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly baked warmth, reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or warm gently in an oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This will revive the soft, tender texture as if it was just baked.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While a mix of sweet and tart apples is ideal for a balanced flavor, you can use just one variety depending on your preference. Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp all work wonderfully, offering their own unique twist to the cake.
Do I have to include nuts in the Apple Bundt Cake Recipe?
The nuts are completely optional and can be omitted if you prefer a nut-free dessert or want a softer texture. If you love a little crunch and nuttiness, walnuts and pecans are both excellent choices.
How can I tell when my cake is fully baked?
The foolproof test is inserting a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven early to prevent collapse.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
You can experiment by swapping the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend designed for baking. Keep in mind that texture may change slightly, so look for blends that include xanthan gum or other binders to mimic the original texture.
What’s the best way to add extra flavor to the glaze?
Try adding a splash of lemon juice or a pinch of cinnamon to the powdered sugar glaze for an exciting twist. This brightens the sweetness and ties the glaze beautifully with the cake’s spiced apple flavor.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe a try because it’s one of those comforting classics that never loses its magic. Whether you’re baking for someone special or just treating yourself, this cake is a warm slice of joy you’ll keep going back to. Happy baking and even happier eating!
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Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Apple Bundt Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for all occasions. Packed with a delightful blend of sweet and tart apples, warm cinnamon, and optional crunchy nuts, this recipe yields a tender cake with a beautiful golden crust. Easy to prepare and bake, it makes a wonderful treat for family gatherings, holidays, or an everyday indulgence.
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
Fruits & Nuts
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples (mix of sweet and tart preferred)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly with butter or use a non-stick spray to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until well combined to ensure even distribution of leavening agents and spices.
- Cream Butter: Using an electric mixer, cream the softened unsalted butter until it becomes light and fluffy, which should take about 3 to 5 minutes. This step helps in creating a tender texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to combine fully and maintain the batter’s fluffiness. Then stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the creamed wet ingredients, mixing gently just until combined. Be careful to avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender and soft.
- Fold in Apples and Nuts: Gently fold the chopped apples and optional nuts into the batter to distribute them evenly without breaking down the fruit.
- Prepare for Baking: Pour the batter evenly into the greased bundt pan, spreading the mixture smoothly for even cooking.
- Bake the Cake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean when the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the bundt pan for 10 to 15 minutes before carefully inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely, ensuring it retains its shape.
- Optional Glaze: For added sweetness and a glossy finish, drizzle with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar mixed with a small amount of milk.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor and texture in the cake.
- Ensure the butter is softened but not melted to achieve the best creaming results.
- Do not overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to prevent a dense cake.
- Let the cake cool slightly in the pan before removing to avoid breakage.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and visual appeal.
