Apple Bundt Cake is the perfect dessert for the fall season, or any time you’re craving a moist, flavorful cake packed with the sweetness of fresh apples and the richness of walnuts. The combination of cinnamon, apples, and walnuts creates a warm and inviting flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. This cake is easy to prepare and delivers a beautiful presentation, thanks to the classic Bundt shape. With its soft texture, hint of spice, and slightly crunchy walnut topping, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your friends and family.
Whether you’re serving it at a family gathering, a special occasion, or just as a treat with your afternoon coffee, Apple Bundt Cake is versatile and delicious. The best part is that it’s simple to make, and the results are always incredible. From its golden-brown exterior to its tender crumb filled with apples and nuts, this cake is a treat in every bite. Serve it with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or enjoy it as is — it’s perfect either way!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Perfect for Fall Flavors
With apples and cinnamon, this cake captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
2. Moist and Tender
Thanks to the butter, eggs, and apples, this Bundt cake stays moist and tender for days.
3. Easy to Make
With just a few simple steps, this recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort to achieve perfect results.
4. Versatile Topping Options
You can dress it up with a glaze, powdered sugar, or even serve it with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.
5. Great for Sharing
This large cake is perfect for parties, gatherings, or simply to share with family and friends. It makes a beautiful presentation too!
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Variations
- Add Raisins or Cranberries: For a bit of tartness and color, add raisins or dried cranberries to the batter.
- Use Different Nuts: Swap walnuts for pecans or almonds if you prefer.
- Make it Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
- Try a Caramel Glaze: Drizzle the cake with caramel sauce for an extra layer of sweetness and flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will help create a soft, tender cake.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs, one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend in the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Add Apples and Walnuts
Fold in the chopped apples and walnuts, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, the cake is ready to serve!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Check for Doneness: Baking times can vary, so check the cake at the 55-minute mark. If the cake starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with foil to prevent overbaking.
- Use Firm Apples: Opt for firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to ensure they hold up during baking.
- Let It Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to ensure it sets properly and the flavors meld together.
- Even Mixing: When adding the apples and walnuts, fold them in gently to avoid overworking the batter and affecting the texture.
How to Serve
Apple Bundt Cake can be enjoyed as-is, or you can add a little extra flair by dusting it with powdered sugar or topping it with a simple glaze. For an indulgent dessert, pair it with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. It’s also great with a hot cup of coffee or tea.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. The cake stays moist and delicious, and it will only get better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Freezing
You can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. To defrost, let it sit at room temperature for several hours or overnight.
Reheating
Reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or you can warm slices in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until warm.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought applesauce instead of fresh apples?
For best results, fresh chopped apples are recommended to maintain the texture of the cake. Applesauce may make the cake too moist.
2. Can I use a different pan?
Yes, if you don’t have a Bundt pan, you can use a regular round or square cake pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly.
3. Can I substitute the butter for something else?
You can substitute the butter with vegetable oil or applesauce for a slightly lighter texture, but it may alter the flavor.
4. Is it necessary to add walnuts?
If you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can leave them out or replace them with another nut like pecans.
5. How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the pan?
Grease and flour the Bundt pan generously, or use a baking spray that contains flour for easy removal.
6. Can I make this cake in advance?
Yes, this cake can be made in advance and stored for a few days or frozen for longer storage.
7. How do I make the cake extra moist?
Make sure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can result in a dense cake. Also, using fresh, juicy apples will add moisture to the cake.
8. Can I substitute granulated sugar with brown sugar?
Yes, brown sugar will add a bit more moisture and a slight molasses flavor to the cake.
9. Can I glaze the cake?
Yes, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese glaze would be delicious on top of the cake.
10. Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this cake gluten-free. Be sure to also use a gluten-free baking powder.
Conclusion
Apple Bundt Cake is a simple yet flavorful dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With its soft, moist texture, aromatic cinnamon-spiced flavor, and chunks of fresh apples and walnuts, it’s a cake that will have everyone coming back for more. Easy to prepare and full of warm flavors, this cake will quickly become a staple in your recipe collection. Whether served plain, with a glaze, or alongside a scoop of ice cream, this dessert is sure to delight!
PrintApple Bundt Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 12–16 servings 1x
Description
This Apple Bundt Cake is a delicious and moist dessert filled with tender chunks of apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or any time you crave a comforting homemade treat.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually blend in the flour mixture until just combined, then fold in the chopped apples and walnuts.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Notes
- You can use any variety of apples you like for this cake, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.
- To add extra flavor, try adding a teaspoon of nutmeg or allspice to the dry ingredients.
- If you prefer, you can drizzle a simple glaze made of powdered sugar and milk over the cooled cake for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour