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    You Are Here: Home → Desserts → Cake

    Apple Bundt Cake

    October 15, 2022 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    93 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    apple bundt cake on white plate with a slice taken out
    close-up of apple bundt cake on white plate
    apple bundt cake on white plate

    With a crunchy exterior, moist interior and tons of apples, this apple bundt cake is the perfect old fashioned dessert everyone will love.

    apple bundt cake on white plate

    When it comes to desserts that are flavored with fruit - apples are always at the top of the list. From an apple custard pie to apple empanadas to apple pie with crumb topping, the options are endless.

    But the original apple dessert might be this apple bundt cake. The bundt cake started gaining popularity in the 1950's and 60's with the apple cake being one of the main reasons.

    It seems like most families have their version and this one comes from my wife's great grandmother. The list of ingredients is pretty standard and no mixer is involved but the taste is hard to top.

    Why This Recipe Works

    • Simple - There is no fancy decorating and you use standard baking equipment. The cake can be ready in under 2 hours.
    • Texture - Because the batter is so thick and mixed with sugar, you get a crunchy exterior but the interior remains moist.
    • Flavorful - if you are a fan of warm spices and apples (who isn't), then you will love this apple bundt cake.
    Jump to:
    • Why This Recipe Works
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Ingredient Swaps
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Equipment
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Other Cake Recipes
    • Apple Bundt Cake
    overhead shot of ingredients for apple bundt cake

    Ingredient Notes

    • Sugar - helps sweeten the cake while also creating a crunchy exterior.
    • Vegetable oil - the base fat for the cake.
    • Flour - all-purpose flour is best.
    • Eggs - adds structure to the cake.
    • Cinnamon - adds some warm notes to flavor profile.
    • Apples - Granny Smith are my go-to as they have high acidity so they aren't super sweet but also hold well together when baked.

    Ingredient Swaps

    Like any recipe, you can mix up some of the ingredients. Some variations include:

    • Granulated sugar is the standard here, but light brown sugar or even coconut sugar can be used. Just keep in mind the texture and color will change slightly.
    • While vegetable oil is go-to, you can use canola oil or melted butter.
    • If you want to go a little healthier than all-purpose flour, try whole wheat flour or use half whole wheat and half all-purpose. If you are gluten-free, I recommend Bob's Red Mill Gluten-Free Flour.
    • I'm a fan of Granny Smith apples, but Honeycrisp is a good substitute.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    Please note full ingredient list and instructions can be found in recipe card below.

    process shots of mixing sugar and oil in one bowl and mixing dry ingredients in another bowl

    In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and the wet ingredients with a wooden spoon until it is pale yellow.

    In another bowl, mix together the dry ingredients.

    process shots of mixing wet ingredients with dry ingredients before adding apples

    Add the dry ingredients into the bowl of the wet ingredients and mix until combined. Fold in the sliced apples with your hands so they don't break up.

    process shots of adding batter to bundt cake pan and baking

    Add the batter to a greased 9 inch bundt pan. Bake at 325°F for 90 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

    FAQs

    What are the Best Kind of Apples to Use?

    Granny Smiths are best for apple desserts as they hold their shape and give the filling a great sweet-tart flavor. However if you like your cake sweeter, you can use apples like Galas, Pink Ladies or Honeycrisps.

    Why is My Cake Dry?

    This means that the cake was more than likely overbaked. Every oven is different so start checking doneness at 75 minutes and check every 5 minutes after that. Keep in mind the exterior will be very hard and brown.

    Can I Add a Glaze?

    I'm of the opinion this cake is sweet enough and tasty enough that it doesn't need a glaze. But if you want to go that route, try a maple glaze.

    Can I Bake in a Different Size Pan?

    Yes. You can bake in a 9x13 pan at 300°F for 50-60 minutes or until done.

    How Long Does Cake Last?

    To maximize the shelf life of the apple bundt cake, place it in a covered airtight container or cover with plastic wrap to prevent it from drying out.

    • Cake at room temperature will last 2-3 days
    • Cake in the fridge will last 1 week
    • Cake in the freezer will last 4 months

    Equipment

    The equipment you use is important to how the apple bundt cake turns out. What is needed is the following:

    • Large bowl - need a bowl to be able to mix together the ingredients.
    • Wooden spoon - you want a quality wooden spoon to mix the ingredients together.
    • Bundt pan - a 9 inch bundt pan works best here.

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • When adding the apples and mixing into the batter, mix with your hands. The batter is super thick and is just easier to use your hands.
    • While I like sliced apples, you can also dice into ½" cubes.
    • If you want some added crunch, fold in 1 cup toasted walnuts.
    • You know the cake is done when you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean.
    • Allow the cake to completely cool for at least 20 minutes before removing from the bundt pan.
    apple bundt cake on white plate with a slice taken out

    Other Cake Recipes

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    If you’ve tried this apple bundt cake or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    apple bundt cake on white plate
    Print Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Apple Bundt Cake

    With a crunchy exterior, moist interior and tons of apples, this apple bundt cake is the perfect old fashioned dessert everyone will love.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time1 hr 30 mins
    Total Time1 hr 40 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 442kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups granulated sugar
    • 1 cup vegetable oil
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 3 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and thinly slice (3 apples)
    • powdered sugar for topping

    Instructions

    • Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9 inch bundt pan.
    • In a large bowl, beat together the sugar, oil, eggs and vanilla extract with a wooden spoon.
    • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Stir into the wet ingredients until just combined. The batter will be very stiff. Fold in the apples. Might be best to use your hands at this point.
    • Transfer to the greased bundt pan and bake for 75-90 minutes or until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.
    • Allow to cool for 20 minutes before inverting on wire rack. Sprinkle with powdered sugar and serve.

    Notes

    • When adding the apples and mixing into the batter, mix with your hands. The batter is super thick and is just easier to use your hands.
    • While I like sliced apples, you can also dice into ½" cubes.
    • If you want some added crunch, fold in 1 cup toasted walnuts.
    • You know the cake is done when you insert a toothpick in the center and it comes out clean.
    • Allow the cake to completely cool for at least 20 minutes before removing from the bundt pan.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 442kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 8g | Monounsaturated Fat: 8g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 312mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 38g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    93 shares