If you are looking for a cozy, irresistible dessert that fills your kitchen with warm, inviting aromas, this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe is exactly what you need. The tender crumb, packed with juicy chunks of fresh apples and a hint of cinnamon, creates a comforting blend of flavors that feels like a hug in cake form. Perfect for any occasion, this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe offers not just taste but also a delightful texture contrast from the chopped walnuts. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that brings simple, wholesome ingredients together into a scrumptious treat that everyone will adore.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Apple Bundt Cake Recipe masterfully uses everyday pantry staples and fresh apples that each bring unique qualities to the final cake, making it moist, flavorful, and visually appealing. Every ingredient plays a vital role in creating this balanced and delicious dessert.
- All-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise, giving it a light and airy texture.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness perfectly.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and a classic spiced note that complements the apples beautifully.
- Unsalted butter: Gives the cake richness and moistness while ensuring a clean buttery flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and aids in creating a tender crumb.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness to the batter.
- Vanilla extract: A subtle flavor enhancer that rounds out the taste of the cake.
- Chopped apples: The star of the recipe, providing natural sweetness, moisture, and texture.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor contrast.
How to Make Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Bundt Pan and Dry Ingredients
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing and flouring your Bundt pan to prevent sticking. Then, in a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This dry mix will infuse the cake with gentle warmth and help it rise beautifully once baked.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is key for an airy texture, so take your time to get it just right—it’s where much of the cake’s tenderness begins.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract, which will bring a lovely depth of flavor that complements the apples and cinnamon in a subtle, inviting way.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients with Wet
Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the wet batter, gently mixing until smooth. Be careful not to overmix here, as it could make the cake dense instead of tender and soft.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Now comes the best part: fold in the chopped apples and walnuts if you’re using them. These additions not only introduce fresh bursts of flavor but also create a wonderful texture contrast that keeps every bite exciting.
Step 6: Bake Your Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Bake for about 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes will only add to your anticipation of this delightful dessert.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up slightly, then carefully remove it and transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Proper cooling ensures the cake slices perfectly and maintains the ideal texture.
How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes like a light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze can elevate the Apple Bundt Cake Recipe beautifully. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts on top provide an extra touch of elegance and texture that’s sure to impress.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for dessert. If serving during brunch, offer alongside a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced tea or coffee to enhance the warm flavors of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, serve slices with caramel sauce drizzled on the plate or sandwich a layer of cream cheese frosting between two thinner cake slices for a fun twist. You can also offer mini Bundt cakes as individual servings for a charming, personalized touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover Apple Bundt Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it fresh longer, refrigerate it for up to a week, making sure it’s well covered to avoid drying out.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil for protection. It will keep in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw the frozen cake overnight in the refrigerator before serving to enjoy it at its best.
Reheating
To reheat, warm individual slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven until just heated through. Reheating enhances the fresh-baked texture and brings back the cozy aroma of the Apple Bundt Cake Recipe.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Each type brings a unique flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment to suit your taste preferences.
Is it necessary to use walnuts?
No, the walnuts are completely optional. They add a lovely crunch and nutty note, but if you have allergies or don’t prefer nuts, you can simply omit them without affecting the overall deliciousness of the cake.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
To make this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum. This ensures the cake still rises and has a good texture.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it, your cake is perfectly baked. If there’s wet batter, it needs more time in the oven.
Can I add spices other than cinnamon?
Definitely! Nutmeg, allspice, or ginger are great additions that complement the apple flavor beautifully. You can add a pinch of one or combine a few for a more complex spice profile.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about sharing a homemade Apple Bundt Cake Recipe with the people you care about. This cake combines simple ingredients in a way that feels both classic and comforting, delivering a perfect bite every time. Whether you’re enjoying it as a cozy afternoon treat or celebrating a special moment, I encourage you to try this recipe and create warm memories around the table. Happy baking!
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Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Bundt Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. Packed with tender chunks of apple and optional crunchy walnuts, it combines warm cinnamon and vanilla in a tender crumb, baked to golden perfection in a Bundt pan.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 3 cups chopped apples (about 2–3 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy release after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Set this aside for later incorporation.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light, creamy, and fluffy, which helps create a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to fully incorporate them. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently until just smooth and combined—you want to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Carefully fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter without breaking them down.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes to firm up, then carefully remove it from the pan and allow it to cool completely on a wire rack before slicing.
Notes
- Ensure the apples are chopped into small, even pieces for the best texture.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch and flavor contrast.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
- Test the cake at the 1-hour mark to avoid overbaking and dryness.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan to prevent breakage.
