The Ultimate Apple Bundt Cake Recipe

Apple bundt cake is an inviting dessert that beautifully blends tender cake texture with the natural sweetness and tartness of fresh apples.

Infused with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is a celebration of autumn flavors any time of year. Unlike many recipes, this version uses applesauce alongside oil to boost moisture without weighing down the crumb, ensuring a tender yet structured bite.

Whether for a casual family dessert or a festive occasion, mastering this recipe will give you a reliable go-to cake that balances flavor, texture, and aroma impeccably.

Ingredients for Apple Bundt Cake

Before baking, it’s essential to gather ingredients that contribute both flavor and structure. This list highlights why each element matters for your cake’s success.

• Apples (2 cups peeled, diced): Choose firm baking varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Jonagold to retain texture and add natural tartness.

• Applesauce (½ cup): Adds moisture and a subtle apple flavor without extra fat.

• All-purpose flour (2½ cups): Provides the structure to hold the cake together.

• Granulated sugar (1¾ cups): Sweetens while helping to create a tender crumb.

• Vegetable oil (½ cup): Keeps the cake moist and soft.

• Eggs (3 large): Bind ingredients and contribute to rise and texture.

• Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Leavens and helps the cake rise.

• Ground cinnamon (2 teaspoons): Adds warmth and depth.

• Ground nutmeg (½ teaspoon): Complements cinnamon with a spicy note.

• Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.

• Vanilla extract (1 tablespoon): Elevates all the flavors with aromatic sweetness.

• Chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, ½ cup): Add crunch and nuttiness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps carefully to create a perfectly balanced apple bundt cake with moist interior and lightly crisp crust.

1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice apples into uniform small cubes for even distribution in the batter.

2. Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly to ensure easy release.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly combined.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugar, oil, applesauce, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.

5. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry mix into the wet mixture, stirring gently just until combined—avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

6. Fold in Apples and Nuts: Carefully fold diced apples and nuts into the batter, distributing evenly.

7. Pour Batter: Transfer batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

8. Bake: Place in oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

9. Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Results

These practical tips will help you avoid common pitfalls and enhance your apple bundt cake every time.

• Apple Selection: Mixing tart and sweet apples enhances flavor complexity and texture.

• Even Dice: Cut apples uniformly to avoid some pieces turning mushy while others remain crunchy.

• Accurate Measurements: Use a kitchen scale for flour to prevent dense cakes.

• Avoid Overmixing: Stir batter just until ingredients combine to prevent a tough crumb.

• Check Oven Temperature: Use an oven thermometer to ensure consistent baking temperature.

• Pan Preparation: Grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly or use baking spray with flour for easy cake release.

• Cooling Time: Cooling the cake slightly before removing prevents breakage and sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your apple bundt cake experience with these complementary serving ideas.

• Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of freshly whipped cream.

• Drizzle with homemade caramel or cream cheese glaze for added richness.

• Dust lightly with powdered sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a rustic finish.

• Pair with a hot beverage like chai tea or spiced cider for an autumn-inspired treat.

• Garnish with toasted pecans or apple slices for visual appeal.

Final Thoughts

Apple bundt cake is a timeless dessert that marries the natural sweetness of apples with the comforting spices of fall.

By choosing the right apples, maintaining proper batter consistency, and applying thoughtful baking techniques, you can create a cake that is both tender and flavorful.

This recipe’s added applesauce ensures moistness without excess oil, while optional nuts add a delightful crunch. Experiment with glazes and serving accompaniments to make it uniquely yours.

Whether for a holiday table or everyday indulgence, this apple bundt cake promises to be a crowd-pleaser that keeps everyone coming back for more.