Imagine the warmth of cinnamon swirling through tender chunks of apple, all wrapped up in a beautifully golden cake that practically melts in your mouth. That is exactly what you get with this Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe, a dessert that feels like a cozy hug on a chilly day. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just because you deserve something sweet, this cake delivers a perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and moist texture that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite dessert!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the ingredient list fool you—this Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe comes together with simple, everyday pantry staples. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s building flavor, ensuring the perfect crumb, or adding that irresistible moistness to every bite.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, giving it structure and body.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances out the sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings that comforting, warm spice we all love.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional): Adds a subtle, aromatic depth if you choose to include it.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake with a light, clean flavor.
- 1 cup brown sugar: Packed tightly, it gives a rich, caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake incredibly moist and tender.
- 3 large eggs: At room temperature, they help bind everything and add richness.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses the cake with its lovely aromatic sweetness.
- 3 medium apples (peeled and diced): Little bursts of juicy, fresh apple in every bite.
- 1 cup powdered sugar: For the optional glaze, providing a sweet finishing touch.
- 2-3 tablespoons milk: Adjusts the glaze’s consistency perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Adds a hint of extra sweetness to the drizzle.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepping your bundt pan. This step is key because nothing is more heartbreaking than a cake stuck in its pan. I like to grease mine with butter and dust it with flour to make sure the beautiful Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake comes out effortlessly. If you’re in a rush, nonstick cooking spray works just fine too.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
Next, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. Getting those spices evenly distributed here sets the stage for consistent flavor throughout the cake. It’s amazing how this simple mix transforms the whole dessert with cozy autumn vibes.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Stuff
In another bowl, beat together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Then add eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Finally, stir in that wonderful vanilla extract. I usually do this by hand with a whisk to keep things simple and to stay connected with the batter as it comes together.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Be gentle here—over-mixing can lead to a dense cake, and we want this Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake to be light and tender. Lastly, fold in the diced apples carefully so that every slice of cake will have those juicy apple pockets bursting with flavor.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the surface. Pop it in the oven for about 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell while baking is absolutely heavenly, filling your kitchen with warm, comforting scents that make waiting oh-so-worthwhile.
Step 6: Cool and Glaze
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before flipping it onto a wire rack to cool completely. If you want to add a special finish, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a simple glaze and drizzle it over the top. This glaze adds a lovely sweet shine that makes the cake feel festive and even more irresistible.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of powdered sugar or a handful of toasted chopped nuts can add that extra little wow factor to your Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe. Some fresh apple slices or a dusting of cinnamon make a pretty and delicious garnish that instantly elevates presentation.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy touch, consider serving it with a warm cup of spiced tea or hot apple cider. These pairings enhance the cake’s cozy flavors and make for an inviting dessert experience.
Creative Ways to Present
For a party or special occasion, try cutting the cake into wedges and serving each slice with a drizzle of caramel sauce or a spoonful of spiced yogurt. You can also transform leftover slices into decadent trifle layers with whipped cream and cinnamon-spiced fruit compote for a show-stopping dessert twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, keep your Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, ready whenever you want a delightful treat.
Freezing
You can freeze this cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Store it in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feeling, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds, or place the whole cake in a low oven (300°F/150°C) covered with foil for 10–15 minutes. Just enough to take the chill off and awaken those glorious apple cinnamon aromas once more.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well because they hold their shape and add a nice tang, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp will also bring wonderful flavor and softness to the cake.
Do I have to use a bundt pan?
Not necessarily. You can bake this cake in a standard loaf pan or even a square cake pan, but bake times may vary. Keep an eye on it and test with a toothpick for doneness.
Is there a dairy-free option for the glaze?
Yes! Substitute regular milk with almond milk, oat milk, or any other plant-based milk to keep the glaze dairy-free without sacrificing taste or texture.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely. Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins gives a nice texture and flavor contrast. Just fold them in with the apples during the mixing step.
How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Greasing the bundt pan thoroughly with butter and dusting with flour is your best bet. Alternatively, nonstick baking spray designed with flour can save time and still work wonders.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dessert that feels both classic and comforting, this Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe is a must-try. Its tender crumb, warm spices, and juicy apples create a combination that’s hard to resist. Trust me, once you bake this cake, it will quickly claim a spot at your family gatherings and cozy weekend treats. Go ahead, bake up a slice of happiness today!
Print
Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Bundt Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for cozy gatherings. It combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with tender chunks of fresh apple, baked in a classic bundt pan to create a charming centerpiece. The optional vanilla glaze adds a gentle sweetness and a beautiful finish, making every bite irresistible.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups (375g) all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (200g) brown sugar, packed
- 1 cup (240ml) vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Other
- 3 medium apples (about 3 cups or 375g), peeled, cored, diced
Glaze (optional)
- 1 cup (125g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 2–3 tablespoons (30-45ml) milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease your bundt pan thoroughly with a butter and flour mixture to prevent sticking; alternatively, use nonstick spray if short on time.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined. This ensures your spices are well distributed throughout the cake.
- Combine the Wet Stuff: In a separate bowl, beat the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for rich flavor.
- Bring It All Together: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overworking the batter. Gently fold in the diced apples using a spatula, ensuring even distribution without breaking them down too much.
- Bake It Up: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Expect a warm, inviting aroma filling your kitchen.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before carefully turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. If desired, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to create a glaze, then drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet finishing touch.
Notes
- Make sure to grease the bundt pan well to avoid the cake sticking.
- Use room temperature eggs for better batter consistency and rise.
- Don’t overmix the batter once adding dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- The glaze is optional but adds a lovely sweetness and presentation.
- You can substitute apples with pears for a different but delicious twist.
