Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe

If there’s one dessert that embodies the comfort of autumn in every glorious bite, it’s Caramel Apple Bundt Cake. Picture this: tender, spiced cake swirled with juicy apples, crowned with a gorgeous bourbon caramel glaze that slides into every crevice. This showstopper isn’t just beautiful, it’s irresistibly delicious and absolutely perfect for family gatherings or when you want to make any day feel extra cozy. There’s no better way to celebrate apple season or simply treat yourself and your loved ones to something special.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients—each one plays a starring role in creating that signature taste and tantalizing texture. Every element brings its own sparkle to this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake, from the spice-infused batter to the luscious caramel glaze.

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides the perfect sturdy but tender structure to support the apples and keep the cake moist.
• Baking Soda: Gives the cake its lightness and helps it rise beautifully in the bundt pan.
• Apple Pie Spice (or Cinnamon & Cloves): Delivers a warm, aromatic depth; go for pie spice for complexity or cinnamon for an old-fashioned vibe.
• Salt: Just a little bit brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: For sweetness and moisture, it also helps achieve a golden crust.
• Light Brown Sugar: Adds hints of caramel and a slight chewiness that takes every bite up a notch.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake is luscious and moist, even days after baking.
• Vanilla Extract: A splash goes a long way to round out all those rich flavors.
• Large Eggs: Bring the batter together with structure, richness, and lift.
• Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness pops against the sweet caramel, and they hold their shape for that perfect apple bite.
• Honeycrisp Apple (or Another Sweet Variety): For a hit of natural juiciness and balance to the tart apples.
• Lemon-Lime Soda or Fresh Lemon Juice: A touch keeps the apples from browning and adds a fresh, subtle tang.
• Unsalted Butter: The base of the glaze, bringing richness and a beautiful finish.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the caramel glaze extra silky and decadent.
• Fine Sea Salt: Enhances the caramel and cuts through any excess sweetness.
• Bourbon (optional): For a grown-up flavor twist; feel free to skip or swap if you prefer.
• Powdered Sugar (optional): A light dusting makes the cake look as magical as it tastes.

How to Make Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 325°F. Grab your favorite bundt pan (silicone or metal) and give it a good spray with nonstick cooking spray. This little bit of prep ensures your Caramel Apple Bundt Cake will pop out with every intricate ridge perfectly intact—no heartbreaking sticking disasters allowed!

Step 2: Mix Your Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk up the flour, baking soda, apple pie spice (or yummy cinnamon plus a touch of cloves), and salt. Don’t skip this step—it’s how you get those spices evenly distributed, so every slice of cake is packed with warm flavor from the inside out.

Step 3: Whip Up the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, blend the granulated sugar, brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and eggs using a mixer on medium. The mixture should look creamy and thick, a sure sign you’re on your way to an ultra-moist cake. Trust me, using both sugars adds a beautiful caramel backbone to the whole cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredient mix to your wet mixture, blending until they’re just combined. Go easy here—overmixing is the only way to mess with that tender, fluffy crumb we’re after! Once everything’s together, set it aside while you get your apples ready.

Step 5: Prep the Apples

Dice your Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples into small, juicy pieces. Toss them in a bowl with the lemon-lime soda or lemon juice to keep them bright, and sprinkle on more apple pie spice or cinnamon for an extra pop of flavor. If you like your apples perfectly distributed through the cake, toss them in a tablespoon of flour from your measured amount before folding them into the batter.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the spiced apple mixture into your thick batter by hand. This keeps the fruit intact while ensuring it’s nestled throughout every bite—no need to be heavy-handed, just a few gentle turns will do.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Place the pan on a baking sheet (handy for catching any drips!) and bake for 60 to 75 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a bakery! Check doneness with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool for 15 to 20 minutes in the pan before carefully inverting onto a wire rack.

Step 8: Make the Caramel Glaze

While your Caramel Apple Bundt Cake cools, melt butter, heavy cream, brown sugar, and sea salt together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar is entirely dissolved and the sauce is gently bubbling. Remove from heat, then add bourbon (if using) and vanilla—watch for that gorgeous caramel foam! Let the glaze thicken for a few minutes so it hugs every curve of your cake.

Step 9: Glaze and Serve

(Optional) Dust the cooled cake with a bit of powdered sugar to create a snow-dusted look. Then, with dramatic flair, pour your warm caramel glaze over the top. Watch how it trickles into every groove. Slice and serve while the glaze is still decadently gooey!

How to Serve Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

Garnishes

A little powdered sugar sifted over the top gives this cake a dreamy, elegant finish, but don’t stop there! Try adding extra diced apples, a sprinkle of chopped pecans, or a drizzle of extra caramel sauce for a swoon-worthy presentation. Each adds a new layer of texture and a handcrafted touch to your Caramel Apple Bundt Cake.

Side Dishes

This cake steals the show solo, but if you want to create a dessert spread, serve each slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Some crisp apple chips or a spiced chai latte on the side turn this treat into a full-blown autumnal celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd-pleaser, turn your Caramel Apple Bundt Cake into a centerpiece by serving it atop a rustic wooden cake stand. Slice ahead and fan out the pieces, or tuck little “cake flags” into each slice for fun. Hosting brunch? Cut into cubes and layer in parfait glasses with caramel and whipped cream for a playful, bite-size twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, cover the remaining Caramel Apple Bundt Cake tightly and keep it at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The cake retains its moisture and flavor, making it just as dreamy the next day.

Freezing

You can definitely freeze this cake! Simply skip the glaze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Pop it in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, let it thaw at room temperature, then glaze and enjoy as if it were fresh-baked.

Reheating

If the caramel glaze has thickened in the fridge, simply reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each, until it’s pourable again. For the cake itself, a few seconds in the microwave brings back that just-baked magic.

FAQs

What apples work best in Caramel Apple Bundt Cake?

A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet varieties like Honeycrisp gives a wonderful balance of flavor and texture—Granny Smiths hold up beautifully, while Honeycrisp adds that juicy sweetness. Feel free to experiment based on what you have!

Can I make Caramel Apple Bundt Cake without bourbon?

Absolutely. The bourbon in the glaze is totally optional. The cake will still be rich and flavorful if you leave it out, or substitute with a splash of apple juice or just extra vanilla extract.

How do I keep my apples from sinking to the bottom?

Toss your diced apples in a tablespoon or two of the flour mixture before adding them to the batter—this helps them stay suspended and evenly distributed throughout your Caramel Apple Bundt Cake. If you don’t mind apples pooling at the bottom, skip this step for a pie-like surprise in each slice.

Can I use a different pan if I don’t have a bundt pan?

You sure can! Try using two loaf pans or even a 9×13 pan. Adjust the baking time accordingly, and keep an eye on the cake—start checking for doneness at the 50-minute mark for smaller pans.

Is it possible to make Caramel Apple Bundt Cake ahead of time?

Yes, and it’s a great idea! You can bake the cake a day ahead and keep it tightly covered in the refrigerator. The flavor actually deepens overnight. Wait to add the caramel glaze until just before serving for the best texture and wow factor.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something soul-warming about sharing a big, beautiful Caramel Apple Bundt Cake with friends and family. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to bring it out for every special occasion—or just because you deserve a little treat. I hope this recipe brings as much comfort and joy to your table as it does to mine!

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