Apple Bundt Cake Recipe

If there is one dessert that perfectly captures the cozy essence of fall and the comforting warmth of home baking, it has to be the Apple Bundt Cake. This beloved treat is packed with tender chunks of fresh apples, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and baked into a moist, golden masterpiece that’s just begging to be sliced and shared. Whether you’re looking for a weekend baking project or an impressive dessert to bring to your next gathering, this Apple Bundt Cake hits every note — from its enticing aroma to its rich, inviting flavors.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of an Apple Bundt Cake lies in its simplicity and balance of ingredients. Each item plays a crucial role, contributing to the cake’s moist texture, warm spice profile, and its irresistible flavor that keeps everyone coming back for more.

• 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour: Provides the structure needed for that perfect crumb.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Ensures a lovely rise and tender crumb.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and enhance flavor.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings that cozy, warm, classic apple spice taste.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle depth that plays beautifully with the cinnamon.
• 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar: Sweetens perfectly without overpowering the apples.
• 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed: Gives a caramel-like richness that’s pure comfort on a plate.
• 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil: Keeps the cake unbelievably moist and tender.
• 3 large eggs, room temperature: Helps bind everything together and adds some lift.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: The secret ingredient that layers in sweetness and warmth.
• 3 medium apples (about 3 cups or 375g), peeled, cored, and diced: Fresh apples create bursts of delightful flavor and texture.
• 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar, sifted: For the glaze that adds the perfect finishing touch (optional).
• 2-3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk: Adjusts glaze consistency to your liking.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds an extra layer of flavor to the glaze.

How to Make Apple Bundt Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Pan

Preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) is essential, but don’t skip the step of greasing your bundt pan thoroughly. A well-lubricated pan means your Apple Bundt Cake will come out flawlessly without sticking, preserving that gorgeous shape. My best trick is rubbing the pan with butter, then dusting with flour—this combo works every time. If life’s hectic, a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray works just fine too!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step might seem straightforward, but getting those spices evenly blended sets a perfectly balanced foundation, ensuring every bite of the Apple Bundt Cake is bursting with warm, inviting flavors. Take a minute to really mix it well—it’s worth it.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth and silky. Add the eggs one by one, ensuring each mixes in nicely before adding the next, then stir in the vanilla extract. This mixture will be your cake’s moist, flavorful base, so don’t rush it; there’s a special satisfaction in seeing it come together beautifully.

Step 4: Bring It All Together with Apples

Gently add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, folding just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want every bite tender and delightful. Now, the fun part: folding in those diced apples. Watching the batter transform with specks of apple is pure joy, and it promises that every slice will have those juicy, sweet pops of fruit.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour your batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the surface with a spatula. Pop it into the oven for about 55 to 60 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The scent wafting through your kitchen as it bakes? Pure magic. It’s the moment when everyone starts to gather, eager for the first slice of this beautiful Apple Bundt Cake.

Step 6: Cool and Add a Glaze

After removing the cake from the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack. If you want to elevate it, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a smooth glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled cake. This addition gives it a beautiful sheen and a sweet finish that ties the whole dessert together perfectly. But if you’re feeling a bit more rustic, the Apple Bundt Cake is also delicious all on its own.

How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake

Garnishes

Garnishing your Apple Bundt Cake can be fun and adds a lovely visual and flavor lift. Think fresh apple slices dusted with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, or even a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy effect. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side can turn this cake into a dreamy dessert experience.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of cider or coffee, making it an ideal companion for breakfast or afternoon tea. If you want to go all out, serve it alongside a creamy custard or a simple vanilla yogurt to balance its rich, spiced sweetness. For a brunch spread, fresh fruit salad or lightly roasted nuts complement it beautifully without overpowering its delicate apple charm.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress your guests? Serve your Apple Bundt Cake sliced on a wooden board with seasonal décor like cinnamon sticks, star anise pods, or dried orange slices. You can also place individual slices on pretty plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a sprinkle of sea salt for a gourmet twist. Wrapping leftover slices in parchment paper tied with a ribbon is a thoughtful way to share this comfort in a gift-like style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Apple Bundt Cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. This keeps it moist and delicious, though its flavor often deepens overnight, making the next day’s slice arguably even better.

Freezing

If you want to bake ahead or save some for later, this cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then foil, or place slices in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen Apple Bundt Cake can last up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To bring your Apple Bundt Cake back to life after chilling or freezing, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just enough to get that softness back without drying it out. For a bit more flair, pop slices in a toaster oven at a low temperature to get a lightly crisp edge that’s wonderfully inviting.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for the Apple Bundt Cake?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully because they hold their shape and balance sweetness, feel free to experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile. Just remember to dice them small enough to distribute evenly.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is recommended for this recipe to ensure the cake has a tender, smooth texture. The skins can sometimes create firmer bites or uneven spots. But if you enjoy a bit of texture and rustic charm, leaving the skins on won’t ruin your cake—just chop them finely.

Can I substitute vegetable oil with butter?

You can substitute melted butter for the vegetable oil, which will add a rich flavor, though it might slightly alter the moistness of your Apple Bundt Cake. If you do, use the same amount and be sure it’s cooled before mixing to avoid curdling your eggs.

What is the best way to prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Grease the pan very well with butter or nonstick spray, then dust with flour, tapping out the excess. This creates a perfect nonstick layer, allowing your Apple Bundt Cake to come out cleanly and look beautiful when unmolded.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum, you can make a gluten-free version. The texture might vary slightly, but the warm apple flavors will still shine through wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Baking this Apple Bundt Cake feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of flavor and warmth. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your repertoire for years to come, perfect for family moments, holidays, or just because. Trust me, once you try making this luscious apple-spiced cake, you’ll find yourself craving it again and again. So grab your bundt pan and let the joyful baking begin!

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