Name: Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 20 min
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups (420g) all-purpose flour; 1 ½ tsp baking powder; 1 ½ tsp baking soda; ½ tsp salt; 2 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp ground nutmeg; 1 cup (198g) granulated sugar; 1 cup (213g) brown sugar; ¾ cup (149g) vegetable oil; 1 cup (255g) applesauce, sweetened or unsweetened; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 ½-3 cups diced apples, cut into ¼-inch chunks; ½ cup (107g) brown sugar; ¼ cup (57g) unsalted butter; 2 Tbsp milk; ⅔ cup (76g) powdered sugar, sifted

Meet your new favorite fall treat: Apple Bundt Cake. Overflowing with juicy apple bits and coated in a warm brown sugar glaze, this cake has a tender, moist crumb—every bite delivers the perfect balance of sweet apples and warm, spiced cake. Whether you’re sharing it at a family brunch or savoring a slice with your afternoon coffee, Apple Bundt Cake brings nostalgia and comfort straight from your oven. And with my real-world tested tips, you’ll get a picturesque Bundt loaf that slides out of the pan without a struggle and tastes even better than it looks.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list—each staple plays an essential role in creating perfect texture, deep flavor, and that golden, bakery-worthy finish. Grab your mixing bowls and let’s break down what you’ll need for this stellar Apple Bundt Cake.

All Purpose Flour: The backbone of your cake, providing the structure to support those juicy apple pockets.
Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These rising agents ensure your cake turns out tall, fluffy, and never dense.
Salt: Just a pinch brightens up all the sweet, toasty flavors.
Cinnamon: The classic apple pairing—think of it as your humble, aromatic secret weapon.
Ground Nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth and complexity behind the cinnamon’s spice.
Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps the cake develop that perfect golden hue.
Brown Sugar: Deepens the cake’s flavor and keeps it delightfully moist, while lending character to the glaze.
Vegetable Oil: Yields a soft, tender crumb—no dry cake in sight!
Applesauce: The moisture booster, it binds the crumb and sneaks in more apple goodness.
Eggs: Bind everything together while lending lightness and richness to each slice.
Vanilla Extract: Brings everything together with a gentle, aromatic finish.
Diced Apples: The star players! Go for ¼-inch cubes so every slice has that perfect apple presence without overwhelming the cake.
Unsalted Butter: For that creamy, glossy finish in your brown sugar glaze.
Milk: Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for a luscious pour.
Powdered Sugar: Sifted for a smooth glaze that sets beautifully and adds sweet contrast to the spiced cake.

How to Make Apple Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Preheat the Oven

Start off strong by liberally greasing your Bundt pan with butter and dusting it with flour. This extra attention reaches into every nook, ensuring your Apple Bundt Cake releases beautifully every time. Preheat your oven to 350°F so it’s perfectly warm for even baking.

Step 2: Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and dice your apples into neat ¼-inch cubes. These precise pieces promise consistent bites of apple in every forkful, and help the cake bake evenly. A quick tip: If you like a bit more apple chunk texture, you can go up to ½-inch, but avoid larger so your cake slice holds together.

Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only ensures every bite is flavored evenly, but saves time later—no dry pockets in your baked Apple Bundt Cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, vegetable oil, applesauce, eggs, and vanilla extract. The mixture should come together looking glossy and smooth, promising a moist, delicate crumb in the finished cake.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Stir half of the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, gently mixing until just combined (overmixing leads to a denser texture!). Add the rest of the dry mix along with the diced apples, folding carefully to distribute the apples without toughening the batter.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Scrape every last bit of batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the surface. Bake for 60 minutes, then check—if the top is golden but browning fast, tent with foil. Continue baking another 10 to 20 minutes (totaling 70-80 minutes), or until a toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The inside should read 200-210°F for perfection.

Step 7: Cool and Remove from Pan

Let your freshly-baked Apple Bundt Cake cool in its pan for 15-20 minutes—this prevents sticking. Gently invert onto a wire rack and allow it to finish cooling completely. Patience is worth it here for a clean release and tight crumb.

Step 8: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze

Sift your powdered sugar ahead for a smooth finish. Warm brown sugar, butter, and milk in a pan over medium heat, stirring constantly until butter melts and the syrup gently boils. Cook for one more minute, then remove from heat and whisk in sifted powdered sugar. Let the glaze rest a few minutes so it thickens slightly—pour it in one smooth motion over the cooled cake. Resist the urge to go back for “touch-ups”—the one-pass pour creates a stunning, glossy glaze.

How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake

Garnishes

A warm drizzle of extra brown sugar glaze is always welcome, but get creative! Try a sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, or dust the finished Apple Bundt Cake with powdered sugar for elegant simplicity. Even a little ground cinnamon on top can make the colors pop and enhance that cozy vibe.

Side Dishes

This cake sings alongside a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream. For a brunch spread, pair it with fresh fruit salad or a cup of spiced chai tea—balanced and so satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Bundt Cake into the centerpiece: slice and fan out pieces on a platter, or serve it whole on a cake stand draped with extra glaze and fall-inspired decor. For special occasions, add edible flowers or caramel drizzle for a unique, show-stopping finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cooled Apple Bundt Cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It stays moist and delicious at room temperature for up to three days—just be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight or heat sources.

Freezing

Want to enjoy your Apple Bundt Cake later? Freeze whole or in individual slices. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight at room temperature (leave wrapped) so condensation doesn’t make the cake soggy.

Reheating

To gently warm a slice, microwave for about 10-15 seconds. If you prefer, heat in a low oven (300°F) for 8-10 minutes. Add a fresh drizzle of glaze, and it tastes bakery-fresh!

FAQs

Can I use a different apple variety for Apple Bundt Cake?

Absolutely! Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith work beautifully, but feel free to mix in sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for even more depth. Experimenting can make your Apple Bundt Cake uniquely yours.

What if I don’t have applesauce—can I substitute?

Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of sour cream or yogurt for applesauce. The flavor will change slightly, but the cake will still turn out moist and delicious.

How do I prevent my Apple Bundt Cake from sticking?

Generously grease every crevice of your Bundt pan with butter, and dust thoroughly with flour—tap out any excess. This double layer ensures your cake releases effortlessly.

Can I make the Apple Bundt Cake in advance?

Definitely! In fact, the flavors deepen after a day at room temperature. Just store it tightly wrapped after cooling and apply the glaze before serving for best results.

Is this Apple Bundt Cake recipe freezer-friendly?

It sure is! Whether whole or pre-sliced, it freezes beautifully. Just make sure the glaze is set before wrapping, and always label with the date for best quality.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a crowd-pleaser that feels homey yet impressive, you owe it to yourself to try this Apple Bundt Cake. It’s pure comfort, a bit fancy, and always memorable—share it with loved ones or savor it slice by slice. Let your kitchen fill with the aroma and make your own sweet memories today!