Simple Apple Bundt Cake with Warm Caramel Glaze
Looking for an easy fall dessert that’s sure to impress? This Simple Apple Bundt Cake with Warm Caramel Glaze is a must-try! Bursting with fresh apple flavor and warm spices, this moist bundt cake is topped with a rich, homemade caramel glaze that perfectly complements every bite. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or just craving something cozy, this cake brings the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort. It’s simple to make, yet tastes like a true bakery treat—perfect for any occasion!
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:
For the Apple Bundt Cake:
- 1½ Cups Cooking Oil (or 3 Sticks Butter, melted): Provides moisture and richness to the cake, making it tender and soft.
- 2 Cups Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a soft crumb.
- 4 Eggs: Adds structure and helps bind the ingredients together for a fluffy cake.
- 3 Cups Flour: The base of the cake, giving it body and texture.
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise, creating a light, airy texture.
- ½ Tsp Cinnamon: Adds a warm, spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- ½ Tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract: Infuses a rich, sweet flavor throughout the cake.
- 5 Granny Smith Apples (peeled and chopped): Adds tartness and moisture, creating juicy apple chunks in every bite.
- 1 Cup Pecans (optional, finely chopped): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor, complementing the apples.
For the Caramel Icing Glaze:
- 1½ Sticks Butter: Creates a smooth, rich base for the caramel glaze.
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar (packed): Adds sweetness and gives the glaze a deep caramel flavor.
- ½ Cup Milk: Helps smooth out the glaze, creating a creamy texture.
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the caramel flavor with a hint of sweetness and warmth.
WHY APPLE BUNDT CAKE WILL BE A HOLIDAY FAMILY FAVORITE?
- Tastes like the holidays: The warm apple and caramel flavors are perfect for cozy holiday vibes.
- Super easy to make: Simple steps and ingredients make it great for busy holiday prep.
- Everyone loves it: The soft apple cake and sweet caramel glaze will be a favorite with both kids and adults.
HOW TO PREPARE CARAMEL GLAZED APPLE BUNDT CAKE?
Time needed: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Mix wet ingredients:
Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of cooking oil (or melted butter) and 2 cups of sugar until well combined. Add the 4 eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. - Blend dry and wet mixtures:
In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain. - Add apples and pecans:
Fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples and optional finely chopped pecans (if using). Stir gently to distribute evenly through the batter. The batter will be on the thicker side and this ok it’s supposed to be this way. - Bake the cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check it at the 45-minute mark to ensure the cake doesn’t overbake. - Cool the cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely. - Make the caramel glaze:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1½ sticks of butter. Stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar and ½ cup of milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Mix Until Smooth:
Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool slightly (the glaze will thicken more as it cools) before pouring it over the cooled bundt cake. - Glaze the cake:
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm caramel glaze evenly over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. The glaze will thicken more and more as it cools.
Enjoy your delicious apple bundt cake with warm caramel glaze!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Granny Smith apples work best because their tart flavor balances the sweetness of the cake.
Yes, you can replace the oil with 3 sticks of melted butter for a richer flavor.
Yes, peeling the apples gives the cake a smoother texture without chewy apple skins.
Grease and flour the bundt pan well, or use a non-stick baking spray with flour.
Let the caramel glaze cool slightly before drizzling over the cake to help it thicken.
APPLE BUNDT CAKE RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Swap apples for pears: Use ripe pears instead of apples for a sweeter cake.
- Use different nuts: Try walnuts or almonds instead of pecans for a different nutty crunch.
- Add dried fruit: Mix in raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the cake gluten-free.
- Cinnamon sugar topping: Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the cake before baking for a sweet, and crunchy topping.
- Caramel apple variation: Add small caramel chunks into the batter for a gooey caramel apple twist.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH APPLE CARAMEL GLAZED CAKE?
This Simple Apple Bundt Cake with Warm Caramel Glaze is a delicious treat for fall and the holiday season. For a cozy dessert, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or some whipped cream to make it even sweeter. It goes great with a hot cup of coffee or tea, perfect for chilly afternoons or holiday get-togethers. You can also add fresh fruit or a light fruit salad to balance the cake’s richness and make your dessert spread even better.
HOW DO YOU STORE LEFTOVER CARAMEL GLAZED APPLE CAKE?
To store leftover apple bundt cake, make sure it cools completely before wrapping it up. Place the cake in an airtight container or cover it tightly with plastic wrap to keep it fresh. You can store it at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to enjoy a slice later, simply take it out and let it sit for a bit to come to room temperature. After that, for an extra treat, warm it slightly in the microwave before serving. Additionally, don’t forget to drizzle on some caramel glaze to add even more flavor! Enjoy every delicious bite!
CAN LEFTOVER APPLE BUNDT CAKE BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Leftover apple bundt cake can definitely be frozen for later consumption. To do this, first allow the cake to cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. Alternatively, you can place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag for extra protection. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw the cake in the refrigerator overnight. After that, let it sit at room temperature before serving, and you can warm it up slightly if you like. Enjoy your delicious cake!
LOOKING FOR MORE DESSERT OPTIONS? TRY THESE!
The Ultimate Butterscotch-Chocolate Chip Cookie: Imagine biting into a cookie that perfectly balances the deep, caramelized sweetness of butterscotch with the classic, comforting taste of chocolate chips.
Simple Blueberry Cheesecake Crumble Bars: Imagine the creamy richness of classic cheesecake combined with the juicy burst of fresh blueberries, all nestled under a buttery crumble topping.
Irresistible Pear Cake with a Hint of Cinnamon: This cake blends the sweet taste of ripe pears with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon, making it perfect for any occasion
Simple Apple Bundt Cake with Warm Caramel Glaze
Equipment
- Bundt Cake Pan
Ingredients
Apple Bundt Cake:
- 1½ Cups Cooking Oil (or 3 Sticks Butter)(melted)
- 2 Cups Sugar
- 4 Eggs
- 3 Cups Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- ½ Tsp Cinnamon
- ½ Tsp Salt
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 5 Granny Smith Apples (peeled and chopped)
- 1 cup Pecans Optional: finely chopped
Caramel Icing Glaze:
- 1½ Sticks Butter
- 1 Cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- ½ Cup Milk
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
For the Apple Bundt Cake:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of cooking oil (or melted butter) and 2 cups of sugar until well combined. Add the 4 eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
- Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt.
- Blend dry and wet mixtures: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring just until the batter is smooth and no lumps remain.
- Add apples and pecans: Fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples and optional finely chopped pecans (if using). Stir gently to distribute evenly through the batter.
- Bake the cake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Check it after 45 minutes to ensure you do not overbake it.
- Cool the cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Caramel Icing Glaze:
- Melt the butter: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1½ sticks of butter.
- Add sugar and milk: Stir in 1 cup of packed brown sugar and ½ cup of milk. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
- Simmer and thicken: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens slightly.
- Add vanilla: Remove the pan from heat and stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the cooled bundt cake.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm caramel glaze evenly over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. The glaze will thicken more and more as it cools.
- Enjoy your delicious apple bundt cake with warm caramel glaze!