Apple Bundt Cake is a perfect dessert for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating fall with a cozy treat or looking for something sweet to serve at a gathering, this cake delivers on both flavor and texture. Made with tender, spiced apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts, this moist Bundt cake is a true crowd-pleaser. The combination of ingredients creates a cake that is not too sweet but packed with rich, aromatic flavors. It’s a delicious way to highlight the natural sweetness of apples while adding a comforting spiced touch.
Bundt cakes are known for their beautiful, simple appearance, and this Apple Bundt Cake is no exception. With just the right amount of sweetness and spice, this cake makes an excellent companion to a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whether you serve it for breakfast, dessert, or as a snack, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite. Let’s dive into the recipe!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Moist and Flavorful
The combination of fresh apples and butter ensures a moist, tender texture that lasts for days. The apples also add a burst of sweetness and freshness to each bite.
2. Perfect for Fall
Cinnamon and apples are the hallmark flavors of fall. This cake brings those cozy, comforting flavors to life with every slice.
3. Simple to Make
Despite its impressive appearance, this Apple Bundt Cake is easy to prepare with common pantry ingredients. The steps are straightforward, making it a great recipe for bakers of all levels.
4. Customizable
You can easily adjust the recipe by adding other ingredients, such as raisins, cranberries, or even chocolate chips, depending on your preferences.
5. Great for Sharing
Bundt cakes are perfect for sharing with friends and family at gatherings, parties, or potlucks. The rich, satisfying flavors will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Granulated sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Chopped apples
- Chopped walnuts
Variations
- Add Raisins or Cranberries: For an added burst of sweetness, fold in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries along with the apples.
- Use Different Nuts: If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can easily substitute with pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and a little milk over the cooled cake for an extra sweet touch.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger to the batter to make the cake even more flavorful.
How to Make Apple Bundt Cake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Use a spatula to smooth the top, ensuring the batter is evenly spread out. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, slice and enjoy!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use Firm Apples: Make sure to use apples that hold their shape when baked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These varieties will add texture and prevent the cake from becoming too mushy.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: For the best results, make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you begin. This ensures a smoother batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Be careful not to overmix the batter once you add the dry ingredients. Overmixing can result in a dense cake.
- Test for Doneness: Oven temperatures can vary, so check the cake’s doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
How to Serve
Apple Bundt Cake is perfect for serving at any time of day. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee for an afternoon snack or dessert. For an indulgent twist, serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top. You can also drizzle a glaze over the cake for an extra layer of sweetness and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cake will stay moist and delicious.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled Bundt cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. To enjoy, thaw the cake at room temperature or warm it in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer a warm slice, simply microwave a piece for about 20-30 seconds or reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a regular round cake pan or a loaf pan. The baking time may vary, so check the cake with a toothpick to ensure it’s cooked through.
2. What kind of apples should I use?
You can use any firm apple variety, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, for the best texture in the cake.
3. Can I add a glaze to the cake?
Yes! A simple powdered sugar glaze or cream cheese glaze would be a great addition to this cake. Drizzle it over the cooled cake for extra sweetness.
4. Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, if you don’t like nuts, you can skip them altogether or substitute with something like chocolate chips or dried fruit for added texture.
5. Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?
Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for granulated sugar. Brown sugar will add a deeper, molasses-like flavor to the cake.
6. How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?
Toss the chopped apples in a little flour before adding them to the batter. This helps to keep them suspended throughout the cake.
7. Can I use a hand mixer to make the batter?
Yes, a hand mixer works fine for this recipe. Just be careful not to overmix the batter, especially once you add the dry ingredients.
8. How long should I cool the cake before serving?
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures it doesn’t break apart.
9. Can I add more apples to the cake?
Yes, you can add more apples for a fruitier cake, but be sure not to add too much liquid as it may affect the cake’s texture.
10. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can bake this cake a day or two ahead of time. Just keep it covered at room temperature or refrigerate it for longer storage.
Conclusion
Apple Bundt Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the flavors of fresh apples, cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts in a moist, tender cake. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a sweet treat, this cake is sure to impress. Easy to make and packed with warm, comforting flavors, it’s a perfect choice for fall or any time of year. Try it out, and enjoy a slice of homemade goodness!
PrintApple Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Bundt Cake is a moist, cinnamon-infused dessert that’s bursting with the sweetness of fresh apples and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for fall gatherings or any occasion, it’s a comforting, crowd-pleasing treat that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
- cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups chopped apples (about 2–3 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in eggs, one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in the dry flour mixture, mixing until smooth.
- Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then remove from the pan and let cool completely on a wire rack.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can drizzle a simple glaze over the cooled cake, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
- You can use a mix of apple varieties (such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) for a more complex flavor profile.
- If you prefer, substitute walnuts with pecans or omit them for a nut-free version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes