Name: Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1 teaspoon salt; 3 cups diced apples (from about 2 apples) peel optional; 1 Tablespoon lemon juice; 3/4 cup oil (vegetable or canola oil); 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 large egg; 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter; 3/4 cup light brown sugar; 1 Tablespoon water; pinch salt; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1/4 cup evaporated milk or heavy cream

Jump to Recipe·5 from 18 reviews

Get ready to fall in love bite after bite: this Apple Bundt Cake is tender, plush with juicy apple pockets, and drenched in a decadent caramel glaze that’s practically impossible to resist. Whether it’s a crisp autumn day or you just need a sweet hug year-round, this classic American dessert never disappoints. Not only is it wonderfully easy (no mixer needed!), it also comes together with real, fresh ingredients that let each flavor truly shine. If you’re a fan of fruit-forward cakes and crave cozy spices that taste like nostalgia, Apple Bundt Cake will quickly become your go-to treat.

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s magical about Apple Bundt Cake is how a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients can turn humble apples into a showstopping dessert. Each component here plays a necessary role, from building the cake’s structure to setting the sweetly spiced tone that makes every slice so comforting.

All-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s structure and helps it hold up all those juicy apple bits.
Baking soda: Gives the cake its lovely rise and balanced crumb.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Deliver that irresistible warm spice note in every mouthful.
Salt: Enhances all the other flavors, making the sweetness and spice pop.
Diced apples (3 cups): Pick a mix of tart and sweet, dice them small for ultimate tenderness, and decide if you want to leave the peel for added texture.
Lemon juice: Not only keeps your apples from browning, but its brightness also lifts the whole cake.
Oil (vegetable or canola): Creates an ultra-moist, tender crumb that tastes fresh for days.
Granulated and light brown sugar: Team up to offer the right amount of sweetness and a touch of molasses depth.
Unsweetened applesauce: Boosts the apple flavor while making the cake extra soft and moist.
Vanilla extract: Adds warmth and rounds out the flavors.
Large egg: Binds the mixture and adds a bit of richness.
For the caramel sauce: Unsalted butter, brown sugar, water, a pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and evaporated milk or heavy cream—these simple ingredients combine for a luscious, pourable glaze.

How to Make Apple Bundt Cake

Step 1: Make the Caramel Sauce

Start by prepping your decadent caramel sauce—it only takes a few minutes but rewards you with serious flavor! Grease a medium saucepan, add in the butter, brown sugar, a splash of water, and a pinch of salt, then gently melt everything together over medium-low heat. Once melted, bring the mix just to a boil, stirring all the while so nothing sticks. Let it simmer for a good 8 minutes until thick, golden, and glossy, then pull it from the heat and stir in the vanilla and evaporated milk or cream. Your kitchen will smell like a dream! (You can even make this ahead; it keeps beautifully in the fridge for weeks.)

Step 2: Prepare the Apples and Pan

Next, grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan thoroughly—nothing ruins the unveiling like a stuck cake! Dice your apples nice and small for a tender bite, toss them with a spoonful of lemon juice to preserve their freshness and color, and set them aside for later. This tiny step ensures every slice of Apple Bundt Cake is speckled with sweet, juicy fruit.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a medium bowl and whisk together your flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This evenly distributes the leavening and spices, so you get balanced, consistent flavor throughout. There’s something soothing about watching those warm spices transform the flour into a speckled, fragrant mixture—it’s the base for all the cozy flavors to come!

Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a larger bowl, stir together the oil, white sugar, and brown sugar until everything looks sandy and blended. Mix in the applesauce and vanilla, then crack in the egg and give it a good stir. This mixture sets the stage for the cake’s ultra-moist texture and deep flavor.

Step 5: Bring the Batter Together

Add the dry ingredients to the wet, gently folding just until no dry streaks remain—be careful not to over-mix, as that can toughen the crumb. Fold in your lemony apples last. The batter will be thick and lumpy, studded with little apple treasures. Breathe in that aroma: you’re almost there!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Spoon the batter evenly into your prepped Bundt pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the preheated 350-degree oven, then bake for 50 to 65 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick poked into the deepest part comes out clean. Let it cool in the pan for about 5 to 10 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to finish cooling—this is when the pan prep really pays off!

Step 7: Drizzle and Serve

Right before serving, give your Apple Bundt Cake an absolute showstopper finish with generous drizzles of the silky caramel sauce. Watch it cascade over the nooks, gathering in the middle—pure dessert bliss. You can serve extra sauce on the side for anyone who wants to double down on decadence.

How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake

Garnishes

While the caramel glaze is plenty luxurious, sprinkle your Apple Bundt Cake with a dusting of powdered sugar for elegance or adorn with a few toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream makes each slice dreamy—especially if you serve the cake just a bit warm.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a pot of strong coffee, a chai latte, or even apple cider to play up those autumnal vibes. For a brunch spread, offer some sharp cheddar cheese on the side—it’s a classic Midwest trick that somehow makes the apple flavors pop! Or round out dessert with a platter of juicy grapes or berries for a light, bright contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For an extra-special presentation, slice your Apple Bundt Cake and serve each piece in vintage dessert bowls with a swirl of caramel and a crumble of shortbread cookies. Host a fall tea party and cut the cake into bite-sized cubes for a rustic trifle layering cake, whipped cream, and apple slices. You can even package up individual slices in wax paper for the world’s happiest lunchbox treat!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This Apple Bundt Cake keeps shockingly well. Simply cover leftover slices with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. (If it’s a humid day or your kitchen runs warm, tuck the container in the fridge to keep everything fresh.) The flavor actually deepens as it sits!

Freezing

Want to have Apple Bundt Cake on hand for busy days? Once completely cooled, wrap the whole cake tightly in a layer of plastic wrap followed by aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. If you’ve already glazed the cake, freeze the sauce separately; bring both to room temperature to enjoy. Individual slices can be frozen, too—just pop them in resealable bags for grab-and-go snacks.

Reheating

To enjoy your Apple Bundt Cake warm, microwave individual slices for 10 to 20 seconds; the caramel glaze will turn lush and gooey all over again. If you’re reheating a whole cake for company, wrap it in foil and warm it slowly in a 300-degree oven until nice and soft. Serve with fresh caramel drizzle for that straight-from-the-oven experience.

FAQs

Can I use any kind of apple for Apple Bundt Cake?

Absolutely! Mix and match your favorite apple varieties—one sweet (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) and one tart (like Granny Smith) gives the cake wonderful depth and a mix of textures.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the Bundt pan?

Be generous with your greasing and flouring—make sure to get all those nooks and crannies! Using a baking spray made specifically for cakes can also help, as does letting the cake cool for about 10 minutes before trying to invert it.

Can I make the caramel glaze ahead of time?

Definitely. The caramel sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to two weeks. Warm it up gently before drizzling over your Apple Bundt Cake for that glossy, pourable consistency.

Is there a way to add a cream cheese filling?

Yes! For extra indulgence, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, and an egg, then layer it between two halves of the cake batter in the pan before baking. This results in a luscious swirl of creamy goodness in every slice.

How do I know when the Apple Bundt Cake is done baking?

The best cue is the toothpick test—insert it into the thickest part of the cake and look for clean crumbs, not wet batter. The cake should also pull slightly away from the pan edges and spring back when lightly pressed.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both homespun and wow-worthy, Apple Bundt Cake always delivers. From the tender crumb jam-packed with apples to that swoon-worthy caramel drizzle, every slice tastes like a celebration. Trust me—whether you’re sharing it with friends or sneaking a late-night piece solo, this cake is too good to miss. Give it a try and let it become your new family favorite!