There is something truly magical about this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe that makes it a standout dessert for any occasion. Imagine tender, moist cake infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and chunks of fresh apples, all perfectly baked in a gorgeous bundt shape that’s as inviting as the taste itself. This recipe brings together simple, staple ingredients in a way that feels both comforting and a little bit special each time you slice into it. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or treating yourself on a quiet afternoon, this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe feels like a little slice of autumn happiness all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe plays an important role, delivering taste, texture, and that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. From the rich vegetable oil that keeps the cake moist to the fresh apples adding a juicy bite, these ingredients are simple yet essential to creating a perfect bundt cake.
- Vegetable oil (1¼ cups): Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender without overpowering other flavors.
- Brown sugar (1 cup): Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness and moistness to the cake’s crumb.
- Granulated sugar (1 cup): Balances sweetness and light texture in the batter.
- Large eggs (3): Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Contributes tanginess and moist texture, making the cake incredibly tender.
- Pure vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances the overall flavor with a warm aromatic note.
- All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides structure and body for the cake’s tender crumb.
- Baking soda (1½ teaspoons): Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
- Kosher salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Adds warmth and spice that perfectly complements the apples.
- Chopped apples (3 cups): Fresh, crisp apple pieces distribute juicy flavor throughout each bite.
- Turbinado sugar (¼ cup): Used for a crunchy, sweet topping post-bake.
- Extra ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Mixed with the turbinado sugar to create that signature cinnamon sugar crust.
- Unsalted butter (¼ cup, melted): Brushed over the cake to help the cinnamon sugar stick and add buttery richness.
How to Make Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F, making sure it reaches the perfect gentle heat that allows the cake to bake evenly. While you wait, prepare your bundt pan by spraying it generously with nonstick spray. This step is crucial to ensure your cake releases beautifully after baking, showcasing its classic shape.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, both brown and granulated sugars, eggs, sour cream, and vanilla extract. This combination creates a luscious batter where the sugars will melt into the wet ingredients, setting the stage for a moist, flavorful cake.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, and the first measure of cinnamon. Mixing these together thoroughly helps the leavening agent distribute evenly so your cake rises just right. Then, gently pour this dry mixture into the wet ingredients and stir until just combined, leaving a few flour streaks to ensure the batter doesn’t become tough.
Step 4: Fold in the Apples
Now the magic part — fold the freshly chopped apples into the batter. This step evenly spreads the juicy apple pieces so every slice has that perfect burst of fruit, enhancing both texture and flavor with natural sweetness and moisture.
Step 5: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing it gently to fill all nooks of the mold. Bake the cake for 55 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This slow bake ensures the cake maintains its tenderness without drying out.
Step 6: Cool and Unmold
Once out of the oven, allow the cake to cool in its pan on a wire rack for one hour. This resting time helps the cake set perfectly. Then carefully invert it onto your serving platter to reveal that classic bundt shape ready for finishing touches.
Step 7: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, combine the turbinado sugar with the extra cinnamon. This mixture will add a sweet and crunchy topping that celebrates the flavors baked inside the cake.
Step 8: Finish with Butter and Cinnamon Sugar
Brush the entire cake with the melted butter, allowing it to soak in lightly. Then generously sprinkle the cinnamon sugar all over the top, creating a beautiful, shiny, and flavorful crust that’s pure indulgence.
How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar makes a beautiful, snowy finish on your Apple Bundt Cake Recipe, while a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds creamy richness that complements the cake’s warm spices and apple chunks perfectly.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a steaming cup of spiced tea or coffee to balance the sweetness. For brunch gatherings, serving alongside fresh fruit or a simple salad with a citrus vinaigrette can make for a well-rounded meal that highlights the apple’s natural flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, try drizzling a caramel or maple glaze atop the bundt after brushing on the butter to amp up its sweetness and visual appeal. You can also insert thin apple slices or cinnamon sticks around the base for a rustic, charming presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cake tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This preserves the moisture and keeps the cinnamon sugar topping intact.
Freezing
If you want to save your Apple Bundt Cake Recipe for longer, wrap it well in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in an airtight freezer bag. It freezes beautifully for up to two months, making it an excellent make-ahead treat.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake fresh from the freezer, let it thaw overnight at room temperature. Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds to restore that fresh-baked softness and to reawaken the comforting apple-cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a mix of sweet and tart apples gives your Apple Bundt Cake Recipe a nice balance of flavors and textures. Varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work wonderfully here.
Is sour cream necessary, or can I substitute it?
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang that brightens the cake’s flavor, but you can substitute with Greek yogurt or buttermilk if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep the quantity the same to maintain texture.
How do I know when the cake is done baking?
The best test is inserting a toothpick or skewer into the center of the cake — it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs clinging to it. Be careful not to overbake to keep the cake tender.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend suitable for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help replicate the cake’s structure.
What is turbinado sugar, and can I use regular sugar instead?
Turbinado sugar has larger crystals and a mild molasses flavor, adding a crunchy texture to the topping. If you don’t have it, coarse sanding sugar or raw sugar can work as alternatives, but regular granulated sugar may not have the same effect.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe a try because it’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in cake form. It’s simple to make, packed with cozy flavors, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Once you taste that tender crumb and sweet apple pieces against the crispy cinnamon sugar topping, it will likely become a beloved recipe in your baking rotation too!
