Apple Bundt Cake

Looking for the perfect dessert to celebrate fall or simply satisfy your sweet tooth year-round? My Apple Bundt Cake is packed with juicy apples, warm spices, and crunchy nuts, all draped in a luscious homemade caramel glaze.

It’s that comforting, cozy slice of heaven you’ll crave with every season. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or just want a treat for the weekend, this cake delivers in both flavor and presentation.

In this recipe, I’ll walk you through everything—from the simple ingredients you’ll need to tips for getting the texture just right. Trust me, the smell alone while it bakes is worth the effort!

Ingredients List

For the Cake

• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (your choice!)
• 3 cups peeled and finely diced apples (about 3–4 medium apples; Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)

For the Caramel Glaze

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) salted butter, softened
• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Apple Bundt Cake come out beautifully moist with that crisp edge we all love, here are the essential kitchen tools I recommend:

1. Microwave-safe bowl (for reheating glaze) – Because you’ll want to drizzle warm caramel right before serving.
2. Electric Hand or Stand Mixer – Great for beating the wet ingredients to a fluffy base.
3. Bundt Cake Pan (10–12 cup capacity) – This is the secret behind that iconic ring shape and perfect texture.
4. Mixing Bowls – You’ll need at least two: one for wet ingredients and one for dry.
5. Spatula or Wooden Spoon – For gently folding in the apples and nuts without overmixing the batter.
6. Saucepan – To make the rich, buttery caramel glaze from scratch.
7. Wire Cooling Rack – Ideal for letting the cake cool evenly and soak in the glaze.
8. Toothpick or Cake Tester – Helps check for doneness deep inside the bundt.

How to Make Apple Bundt Cake from Scratch

Making this apple bundt cake is easier than you think. The key is combining the ingredients just right, folding in those apples and nuts with care, and letting the oven do its magic. Follow these step-by-step instructions and you’ll have a tender, flavorful cake that’s bursting with fall goodness.

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, grease and flour your Bundt pan thoroughly. This ensures that the cake releases easily after baking and keeps its beautiful shape. I like using a baking spray that includes flour for extra insurance.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat together:

• 3 large eggs
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Mix until the blend is smooth and slightly fluffy. This step creates a moist base and helps the cake rise well.

Step 3: Sift and Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk or sift together:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed just until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix—this can lead to a dense cake.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples and Nuts

Now it’s time for the stars of the show:

• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
• 3 cups peeled and finely diced apples

Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold these into the batter. The apples add moisture and bursts of natural sweetness, while the nuts bring in that rich, nutty crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Smooth the top with a spatula if needed. Bake in the preheated oven for 70–80 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Don’t be alarmed if the top browns a little—that’s exactly what gives this cake its slightly crispy exterior and deep flavor.

Step 6: Cool Slightly Before Glazing

Once baked, remove the cake from the oven but leave it in the pan. Let it rest while you prepare the caramel glaze. This allows the cake to firm up and get ready to soak in that delicious buttery topping.

Make the Dreamy Caramel Glaze

This buttery caramel glaze is rich, smooth, and adds the perfect finishing touch to the warm spices and tender apples in the cake. It soaks into the cake while it’s still warm and creates that irresistible gooey bite we all love.

Step 1: Cook the Caramel Glaze

In a medium saucepan, combine the following:

• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• ¾ cup (1 ½ sticks) salted butter, softened
• ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring constantly with a whisk or wooden spoon. Once the mixture starts bubbling, let it boil gently for 2 minutes, whisking non-stop to prevent it from burning. This step helps the sugar dissolve completely and gives the glaze its silky, glossy texture.

After 2 minutes, remove the pan from the heat and stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract. Set aside and get ready to glaze!

Glaze the Cake While It’s Still Warm

Here’s where the magic happens—and the flavor really soaks in.

1. Poke Holes for Soaking
   While the cake is still warm and in the pan, use a long wooden skewer or chopstick to poke holes all over the top (which will be the bottom when inverted). This helps the glaze seep deep into the cake for that moist, caramel-infused texture.
2. Pour on the First Layer of Glaze
   Slowly pour about ¾ cup of the hot caramel glaze over the cake. Try to distribute it evenly so it soaks into every bite. Let the cake rest in the pan for 15–20 minutes to absorb the glaze fully.
3. Invert and Cool
   After the glaze has soaked in, carefully invert the cake onto a wire cooling rack. Let it cool completely before applying the final glaze layer. The aroma will make this part a true test of patience!
4. Reheat and Drizzle the Remaining Glaze
   Once the cake has cooled, microwave the remaining caramel glaze in 10-second bursts, just until it’s warm and pourable again. Then drizzle it generously over the top of the cake. Don’t worry about perfection—it’s meant to look homemade and delicious.

Serving and Storing Your Apple Bundt Cake

Now that your cake is baked, glazed, and ready to impress, it’s time to serve it up in style—or store it for later without losing any of that fresh-baked flavor.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Bundt Cake is rich, moist, and flavorful enough to shine all on its own, but if you want to dress it up for guests (or treat yourself), here are a few ideas:

• Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate fall dessert.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a light and fluffy touch.
• Pair it with coffee or spiced chai for a cozy afternoon pick-me-up.
• Top with extra chopped nuts or thin apple slices for a rustic, Instagram-worthy presentation.

Storage Instructions

This cake keeps surprisingly well—perfect for making ahead or enjoying leftovers (if there are any!).

To Keep It Fresh

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, you can refrigerate it instead, but be sure to bring it to room temp before serving to enjoy its full flavor and texture.

Freezing Apple Bundt Cake

Yes, you can freeze it! Here’s how:

1. Cool the cake completely and skip the final glaze drizzle if freezing.
2. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil.
3. Place in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container.
4. Freeze for up to 3 months.

To serve, thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature for a few hours, then warm the glaze and drizzle before serving. It’s just as good the second time around!

Conclusion

Baking this Apple Bundt Cake is like wrapping your kitchen in the warm scents of fall—no matter the season. With tender chunks of apple, crunchy nuts, cozy spices, and that rich caramel glaze, it’s a recipe that brings comfort and joy in every bite. Whether you’re making it for a special gathering or just to treat yourself, this cake is simple to make, beautiful to serve, and impossible to resist.

So go ahead—gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and let this homemade apple bundt cake become a new favorite in your baking rotation. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a recipe worth making again and again.