Few things say “comfort baking” like a Fresh Apple Bundt Cake. With chunks of juicy apples, warm spices, and a soft, moist crumb, this old-fashioned apple cake is the perfect dessert for fall—or any time you’re craving something sweet, cozy, and homemade.
Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, looking for a simple dessert to impress, or just want to use up extra apples, this bundt cake is a timeless choice. Let’s dig into everything you need to know to bake the perfect apple bundt cake from scratch.
Why You’ll Love This Fresh Apple Bundt Cake
- 🍎 Packed with real apples – Fresh chunks create a moist, fruity bite in every slice.
- 🧁 Moist and tender texture – Oil and eggs create a rich, bakery-style crumb.
- 🍂 Warm fall spices – Cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla bring comforting autumn flavors.
- 👩🍳 Easy to make – No mixer needed, just a bowl and whisk.
- 🎁 Perfect for gifting or gatherings – Beautiful presentation and travels well.
- ❄️ Freezes like a dream – Great for baking ahead.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you need to make a flavorful, moist apple bundt cake from scratch. No fancy ingredients—just pantry staples and fresh fruit.
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup neutral oil (like vegetable or canola)
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups peeled, chopped apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work great)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional – pecans or walnuts)
Optional Glaze or Topping:
- Powdered sugar – for dusting
OR - Vanilla glaze – 1 cup powdered sugar + 2 tbsp milk + ½ tsp vanilla extract
OR - Caramel drizzle – store-bought or homemade
Best Apples for Baking
Not all apples are created equal when it comes to baking. Choose varieties that hold their shape and offer a balance of sweetness and tartness.
Top Apple Picks:
- Granny Smith – Tart and firm, perfect for contrast in sweet cakes.
- Honeycrisp – Juicy, sweet-tart, and holds texture beautifully.
- Fuji – Mildly sweet and dense, great for moistness.
- Braeburn or Jonagold – Excellent for flavor and texture balance.
Use a mix for depth of flavor!
How to Make Fresh Apple Bundt Cake
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10–12 cup bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Gradually mix dry ingredients into wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in chopped apples (and nuts, if using).
- Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 60–75 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center.
- Let cake cool in pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert onto a wire rack.
- Once completely cool, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with glaze/caramel.
🔥 Pro Tip: For extra caramelization and flavor, brush the inside of your bundt pan with melted butter before flouring.
Make-Ahead, Storing & Freezing Tips
- Make-ahead: Bake 1–2 days in advance. Keep at room temp in an airtight container.
- Room temperature: Store tightly wrapped for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerate: Lasts up to 5–6 days in the fridge, though texture is best at room temp.
- Freeze: Wrap in plastic and foil, freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before serving.
Optional Glazes and Toppings
1. Simple Vanilla Glaze
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla. Drizzle over cooled cake.
2. Maple Glaze
Swap milk with maple syrup in the vanilla glaze for a cozy fall twist.
3. Salted Caramel Sauce
Drizzle warm caramel over the cake and sprinkle with sea salt for a decadent finish.
4. Cream Cheese Frosting
Use a thin cream cheese glaze for richness and tang—perfect for fall parties.
Variations to Try
Make it your own with these ideas:
- Add raisins or dried cranberries for bursts of sweetness.
- Use brown sugar for deeper, molasses-like flavor.
- Add chopped dates or coconut for texture.
- Spice it up with cloves, allspice, or cardamom.
What to Serve with Apple Bundt Cake
This cake is delightful on its own but pairs beautifully with:
- A warm cup of coffee or spiced tea
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream
- A drizzle of warm caramel sauce
- A dollop of whipped cream
- Fresh fruit like berries or sliced apples
FAQs About Fresh Apple Bundt Cake
Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?
Applesauce will alter the texture and make it more like a spice cake. For the best results, stick with fresh chopped apples.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling ensures a smooth, tender bite. Skins can become chewy in the baked cake.
What type of bundt pan should I use?
Use a standard 10–12 cup bundt pan. Make sure it’s non-stick and well-greased/floured to prevent sticking.
Can I make this in a regular cake pan?
Yes. You can use a 9×13 inch pan or two 9-inch round pans. Reduce baking time to 45–55 minutes and check for doneness.
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Final Thoughts
This Fresh Apple Bundt Cake is the kind of recipe that brings people together. It’s simple yet stunning, moist yet fluffy, and bursting with the natural sweetness of fresh apples and cinnamon spice.
Whether you’re making it for a fall potluck, Thanksgiving dessert, or a cozy Sunday treat, this cake never disappoints. Once you try it, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your seasonal baking lineup.
Print
Fresh Apple Bundt Cake: A Moist and Flavorful Fall Favorite
Ingredients
• 3 cups all-purpose flour • 2 tsp baking powder • 1 tsp cinnamon • ½ tsp nutmeg • ½ tsp salt • 1 cup butter, softened • 1½ cups granulated sugar • 3 eggs • 1 cup milk • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 2 cups fresh apples, peeled and diced • ½ cup chopped walnuts
FOR CINNAMON GLAZE: • 1 cup powdered sugar • 2-3 tbsp milk • ½ tsp cinnamon • 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Grease and flour 10-inch Bundt pan
- Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt
- Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well
- Add vanilla extract
- Alternate adding flour mixture and milk
- Fold in diced apples and walnuts
- Pour into prepared pan
- Bake 50-60 minutes until toothpick comes clean
- Cool 15 minutes in pan
- Invert onto wire rack to cool completely
- Mix glaze ingredients until smooth
- Drizzle over cooled cake
PREP TIME & NUTRITION: Prep Time: 25 mins, Cook Time: 60 mins, Total Time: 1 hour 25 mins, Servings: 12, Calories: 320, Net Carbs: 42g, Fats: 14g, Protein: 5g