If you have a soft spot for classic autumn flavors wrapped up in a tender, moist cake, then this Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe is about to become your go-to comfort dessert. Imagine the sweet aroma of cinnamon swirling through juicy chunks of fresh apples, all encased in a golden Bundt cake with a perfectly tender crumb. This recipe brings together simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients in a way that feels both nostalgic and delightfully fresh. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering, a cozy brunch, or just treating yourself to a slice with a cup of tea, this Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe will charm your taste buds and warm your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward baking a Bundt cake that’s bursting with flavor and perfect texture. Each element plays a role in creating the cake’s moistness, spice, and irresistible crumb.
- All-purpose flour: Provides the structure and body of the cake for that perfect tender crumb.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and stay light.
- Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds that warm, spicy note that complements the apples perfectly.
- Unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture to every bite.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to a lovely golden color.
- Large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and help with leavening.
- Vanilla extract: Adds depth and a sweet fragrance to the batter.
- Chopped apples: Fresh apples provide juicy bursts and natural sweetness throughout the cake.
- Chopped walnuts (optional): Offers a delightful crunch and earthy flavor contrast.
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it warms up, make sure to grease and flour your Bundt pan well so the cake releases easily once baked—this step is key to getting a beautifully shaped cake without any sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Mixing these dry ingredients ahead ensures they are evenly distributed throughout the batter, so every bite has that perfect blend of spice and texture.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
Using a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This creates a wonderful base that traps air, which helps your cake rise beautifully and stay moist inside.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat the eggs in one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and aromatic depth that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually blend the dry flour mixture into your wet ingredients, mixing just until smooth to avoid overworking the batter. This careful blending keeps your cake tender and prevents it from becoming dense.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Gently fold the chopped apples and walnuts (if using) into the batter. The apples add juicy pockets of flavor, while walnuts introduce a subtle crunch that beautifully contrasts with the cake’s softness.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in your preheated oven for about 1 hour to 1 hour 10 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 8: Cool and Release
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period helps the cake set so it doesn’t break when you remove it. Then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.
How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe
Garnishes
A light dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of caramel sauce can instantly elevate the presentation and flavor of your apple cinnamon Bundt cake. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped walnuts add a beautiful finishing touch and a bit of texture.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a simple smear of cream cheese frosting for an indulgent treat. A hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea brings out the cinnamon notes and makes for a delightful autumn afternoon snack.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve slices on rustic wooden boards with cinnamon sticks and apple wedges artfully arranged around the platter. You can also slice the cake into cubes and serve as part of a brunch spread with mini skewers for easy grabbing and sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
The Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe stays fresh when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. Keep it away from direct sunlight to preserve its moisture and flavor. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it wrapped tightly in plastic wrap to maintain softness.
Freezing
You can freeze this Bundt cake either whole or sliced. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep beautifully frozen for up to 3 months, ready to thaw for a special occasion or a cozy night in.
Reheating
To bring the cake back to life, warm slices gently in the microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven at 300°F until just warmed through. This helps revive its moist texture and enhances the comforting apple cinnamon aroma.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! Varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work great. Just choose apples that hold their shape and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness to complement the cinnamon.
Is it necessary to use walnuts in the Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe?
Not at all! Walnuts add a lovely crunch and flavor, but if you have allergies or prefer a nut-free dessert, simply omit them or substitute with pecans or even raisins.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend meant for baking. Just be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well for best results.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
The best test is the toothpick test: insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s done. The cake should also pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I add frosting or glaze to this Bundt cake?
Definitely! A simple vanilla glaze or cream cheese frosting enhances the flavors beautifully. Just drizzle or spread it on once the cake has cooled completely so it doesn’t melt off.
Final Thoughts
The Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe is more than just a dessert—it’s a little celebration of fall in every slice. With its tender crumb, warm spices, and juicy apples, it’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Give it a try and see how this delightful cake quickly becomes a beloved staple in your baking repertoire.
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Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
This classic Apple Bundt Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert that combines tender apples, crunchy walnuts, and warm cinnamon spice, all baked to perfection in a Bundt pan. Perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy evenings, this cake offers a delightful balance of sweetness and texture.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Add-ins
- 3 cups chopped apples (about 2–3 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until well combined. Set aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Dry and Wet Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until smooth and no dry flour remains.
- Fold in Apples and Walnuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts to distribute evenly throughout the batter without overmixing.
- Fill the Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly using a spatula.
- Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangy flavor or sweeter varieties like Fuji if you prefer a sweeter cake.
- Walnuts are optional but add a nice crunch; pecans can be substituted if preferred.
- Make sure the butter is softened to room temperature to achieve a light, fluffy batter.
- Do not overmix once the dry ingredients are added to avoid a dense cake.
- Allowing the cake to cool properly helps maintain its structure and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
