Apple Bundt Cake: A Deliciously Moist Treat

Name: Apple Bundt Cake
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided); 3 large eggs; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon salt; 3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced); ½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick); ½ cup heavy cream; 1 cup light brown sugar (packed); Pinch of salt

There’s something enchanting about the aroma of baked apples and warm cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. This Apple Bundt Cake is not only a feast for the senses but also a celebration of the crisp, tart Granny Smith apples that give it a refreshing zing. Perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting dessert after a family meal, this cake has a tender crumb and a beautiful, golden-brown exterior. Topped with a luscious caramel glaze, each slice offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more. Whether you are serving it for a special occasion or enjoying a quiet afternoon treat, this cake will surely become a favorite.

Ingredients

2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a delightful texture.
1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and adds richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided): Enhances the flavor profile with a warm, aromatic essence.
3 large eggs: Provides structure and stability to the cake.
3 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake, creating a sturdy yet tender crumb.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Works as a leavening agent to help the cake rise.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with a warm, spiced aroma that complements the apples.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor.
3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced): Adds moisture, flavor, and texture with a slight tartness.
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick): Essential for the caramel glaze, providing richness and depth.
½ cup heavy cream: Adds creaminess to the glaze, creating a smooth finish.
1 cup light brown sugar (packed): Forms the sweet, caramelized notes in the glaze.
Pinch of salt: Enhances the sweetness of the glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan. This helps prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually incorporate this dry mixture into the wet mixture, mixing gently until just combined.
Add Apples: Carefully fold in the diced Granny Smith apples to ensure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Transfer to Pan: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
Bake the Cake: Place the bundt pan in the oven and bake for 55-65 minutes. When done, a toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Cool on Rack: After 15 minutes, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Make the Caramel Glaze: In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir in the heavy cream, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. Mix until well combined.
Simmer the Glaze: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
Serve: Slice the cake and serve it at room temperature or slightly warm. Enjoy!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Calories: Approximately 350 calories per slice

Tips, Storage & Variations

Baking Tip: Ensure your apples are evenly diced so they incorporate well and distribute moisture throughout the cake.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Freezing Advice: The cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, sealing it in an airtight container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Flavor Variations: For a twist, add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter. Swap the Granny Smith apples for your favorite apple variety for a different flavor profile.

FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other apples, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a sweeter flavor.

2. How do I know when the cake is baked through?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean, the cake is done baking.

3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cake a day in advance and store it, covered, at room temperature.

4. How can I fix a dry cake?
If your cake turns out dry, you can brush it lightly with simple syrup or serve it with whipped cream or ice cream to add moisture.

5. What can I use instead of vegetable oil?
You can replace vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or unsweetened applesauce for a healthier option.

6. What should I do if my glaze is too thick?
If your glaze is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream and stir until you reach the desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Apple Bundt Cake is a heartwarming dessert that will brighten your table with its delightful flavors and rich textures. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and share it with friends and family. Whether enjoyed on a cozy evening or a festive occasion, this cake is bound to create lovely memories. Enjoy the simple pleasure of baking and savor every slice!

Apple Bundt Cake

Print Recipe

A deliciously moist treat featuring tart Granny Smith apples and topped with a luscious caramel glaze, perfect for any occasion.

Author: hannah-reed
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 65 minutes
Total Time: 90 minutes
Yield: 12 slices 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (divided)
3 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
3 cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and diced)
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup light brown sugar (packed)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan.
In a large bowl, mix the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.
In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt, then gradually mix with the wet ingredients.
Fold in the diced apples.
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 55-65 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean, then let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes.
Turn the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
For the caramel glaze, melt butter in a saucepan, then stir in the cream, brown sugar, and salt. Bring to a boil, simmer for 3-4 minutes, and stir in the remaining vanilla extract.
Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake.
Slice and serve at room temperature or slightly warm. Enjoy!