Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
The first slice of this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake reveals more than just a dessert, it uncovers layers of tender spiced cake swirled with chunks of juicy apples and finished with a glossy caramel glaze that drips down every curve of the bundt. The scent alone will pull everyone into the kitchen, and the warm, sticky sweetness makes it impossible to resist.
Behind the Recipe
This cake carries the comfort of autumn afternoons and family gatherings. It was inspired by the classic pairing of crisp apples dipped in sticky caramel, reimagined in the form of a soft, moist cake that feels like a hug in every bite. Bundt cakes, with their iconic rings and ridges, have always been a centerpiece dessert, and here they become the perfect vessel to hold the flavors of orchard-fresh apples and rich caramel.
Recipe Origin or Trivia
Bundt cakes have their roots in European kugelhopf molds, eventually popularized in the United States during the 1950s and 60s. Apples, on the other hand, have long symbolized abundance and harvest, making them a favorite in baked goods during fall. Marrying the two creates a dessert that feels both traditional and inventive, carrying cultural echoes of festive gatherings around the table.
Why You’ll Love Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
There are so many reasons this cake will win over your heart and your taste buds.
Versatile: This cake works as a cozy afternoon treat, a festive dessert, or even a sweet breakfast indulgence with coffee.
Budget-Friendly: Apples and pantry staples make this an affordable bake that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.
Quick and Easy: While the results look impressive, the steps are straightforward and beginner-friendly.
Customizable: Switch up the apple varieties or play with different spices to make it your own.
Crowd-Pleasing: The beautiful bundt shape and caramel drizzle make this cake a guaranteed showstopper at any gathering.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Bake it a day in advance, and the flavors deepen beautifully overnight.
Great for Leftovers: Enjoy it sliced plain, or warm up a piece with extra caramel sauce for a decadent encore.
Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results
A cake this special deserves a few insider secrets to help it shine.
- Always use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance against the sweetness of caramel.
- Generously grease and flour the bundt pan to ensure a smooth release.
- Let the cake cool at least 15 minutes before inverting, so it holds its shape.
- Warm your caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for that perfect glossy finish.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
To bring this cake together, a few simple tools will make the process smoother.
Bundt Pan: Essential for achieving the signature ringed cake shape.
Mixing Bowls: For whisking wet and dry ingredients separately.
Whisk and Spatula: For gentle mixing without overworking the batter.
Cooling Rack: Allows air circulation so the cake cools evenly.
Saucepan: For making or warming the caramel glaze.
Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour 375 g
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp allspice
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar 200 g
- 1 cup packed brown sugar 200 g
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs room temperature
- 1 tbsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream 120 g
- 3 medium apples peeled and diced (about 3 cups / 375 g)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
- For the Caramel Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter 113 g
- 1 cup packed brown sugar 200 g
- ⅓ cup heavy cream 80 ml
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Make Batter: In a large bowl, beat together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla and sour cream. Gradually mix in dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in apples and nuts if using.
- Bake: Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake 50–55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes, then turn onto a wire rack.
- Make Caramel Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil and cook 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt. Let cool slightly until thickened.
- Glaze Cake: Drizzle warm caramel glaze over cooled bundt cake.
Notes
- Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp balance the sweetness best.
- For extra flavor, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries.
- Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5–6 days.
Ingredients in Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
Every element of this cake plays a role in creating balance, texture, and flavor.
- All-Purpose Flour: 3 cups, the backbone of the cake providing structure.
- Baking Powder: 2 teaspoons, helps the cake rise beautifully.
- Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon, balances acidity and ensures a tender crumb.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon, enhances sweetness and flavors.
- Ground Cinnamon: 2 teaspoons, adds warmth and spice.
- Ground Nutmeg: ½ teaspoon, a subtle note that deepens the flavor.
- Unsalted Butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened, brings richness and moisture.
- Granulated Sugar: 1 ½ cups, provides sweetness and texture.
- Brown Sugar: ½ cup, adds depth and a hint of molasses.
- Large Eggs: 3, bind the batter and add richness.
- Vanilla Extract: 2 teaspoons, infuses flavor throughout.
- Buttermilk: 1 cup, keeps the cake moist and tender.
- Apples: 3 medium, peeled and diced, bring freshness and juiciness.
- Caramel Sauce: 1 cup, for drizzling over the baked cake.
If you love indulgent cakes, don’t miss this German Chocolate Poke Cake.
Ingredient Substitutions
Sometimes you may need to swap a few ingredients, and that’s perfectly fine.
Buttermilk: Use 1 cup milk mixed with 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar.
Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a deeper flavor.
Butter: Replace with vegetable oil for a lighter texture.
Apples: Try pears for a different fruity twist.
Ingredient Spotlight
Apples: The star of the show, their tartness cuts through the cake’s sweetness and keeps it balanced.
Caramel Sauce: The finishing touch, adding a luxurious sweetness that ties everything together.
Instructions for Making Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
Now let’s bake this beauty step by step.
- Preheat Your Equipment: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan thoroughly.
- Combine Ingredients: In one bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until fluffy, then beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla. Gradually mix in dry ingredients, alternating with buttermilk. Fold in diced apples.
- Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Pour batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top.
- Assemble the Dish: Give the pan a gentle tap to release any trapped air bubbles.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Finishing Touches: Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely. Warm caramel sauce and drizzle generously over the cooled cake.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice and serve with extra caramel drizzle or a dollop of whipped cream.
Texture & Flavor Secrets
This cake combines tender, moist crumb with juicy apple chunks that soften as they bake. The warm spices bloom in the oven, wrapping every bite in cozy aromatics, while the sticky caramel glaze adds a luscious layer of sweetness that clings to each curve of the bundt.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Here are a few extra hints to keep your cake flawless.
- Measure flour correctly by spooning and leveling, not scooping.
- Let eggs and butter come to room temperature for better mixing.
- Dice apples small so they bake evenly throughout the cake.
You might also like these sweet and simple Honey Glazed Carrots as a side dish for your fall table.
What to Avoid
Even seasoned bakers can run into pitfalls, but here’s how to dodge them.
- Overmixing the batter, which makes the cake tough.
- Using overly sweet apples, which can throw off the flavor balance.
- Rushing the cooling time, which risks breaking the cake during unmolding.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 12
Calories per serving: 420
Note: These are approximate values.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
This cake stores beautifully, making it a baker’s best friend. Prepare it a day ahead and let the flavors mingle overnight. Store at room temperature covered for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for 5 days. Freeze slices individually wrapped for up to 2 months, then thaw and rewarm with a fresh drizzle of caramel.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
Pair slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert, or serve it with a mug of hot apple cider for the ultimate fall treat. A sprinkle of chopped nuts or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a lovely finishing touch.
Creative Leftover Transformations
Leftovers don’t have to be boring. Try these tasty twists:
- Cube and layer with whipped cream for a quick apple trifle.
- Toast slices and spread with cream cheese for a sweet breakfast.
- Crumble into parfait glasses with yogurt and granola.
Additional Tips
Keep your caramel sauce slightly warm when serving so it glides smoothly. For extra flavor, add a pinch of cardamom to the batter. Always test doneness with a toothpick inserted in the thickest part of the cake.
For another cozy bake, try this Blueberry Coffee Cake.
Make It a Showstopper
For an eye-catching presentation, drizzle caramel slowly so it cascades down each ridge of the bundt. Garnish with thin apple slices fanned out in the center, or sprinkle with crushed pecans for texture and flair.
Variations to Try
- Apple-Pecan Bundt: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans for crunch.
- Spiced Chai Apple Bundt: Use chai spice blend instead of cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Caramel Pear Bundt: Swap apples with pears for a new fruity twist.
- Maple Caramel Bundt: Use maple caramel sauce for a deeper sweetness.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make this cake without a bundt pan?
Yes, you can use a 9×13-inch pan or two loaf pans, though baking times may vary.
Q2: What are the best apples for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith work best, but Honeycrisp or Fuji add sweetness.
Q3: Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch?
Absolutely, homemade caramel adds a richer flavor, but store-bought works too.
Q4: How do I keep the cake moist?
Buttermilk and butter ensure tenderness, and proper storage keeps it from drying out.
Q5: Can I freeze this cake?
Yes, wrap slices tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
Q6: How long will the cake stay fresh?
At room temperature, about 3 days, refrigerated up to 5 days.
Q7: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes, but reducing too much may alter the texture and moisture.
Q8: What’s the best way to reheat slices?
Warm gently in the microwave and drizzle with fresh caramel.
Q9: Can I add nuts to the batter?
Yes, pecans or walnuts add wonderful crunch and flavor.
Q10: Is this cake suitable for special diets?
It contains gluten and dairy, but substitutions like gluten-free flour and dairy-free butter can be made.
Conclusion
This Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is more than dessert, it’s a celebration of cozy flavors, autumn harvests, and the joy of sharing something sweet with loved ones. Trust me, you’re going to love this. One slice and you’ll see why it’s worth every bite.
