Apple Bundt Cake is a classic dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the warmth of cinnamon and a rich caramel glaze. This made-from-scratch cake is perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday feasts, or any time you crave a comforting, sweet treat. The bundt cake’s dense yet tender crumb, filled with chunks of juicy apples, pairs beautifully with the buttery caramel glaze that drips down its sides. Whether you’re an experienced baker or just starting out, this recipe is straightforward and rewarding, promising a delicious and visually stunning dessert.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through each step of creating this delightful Apple Bundt Cake. From preparing the cake batter to making the caramel glaze and assembling the final product, you’ll find all the tips and tricks needed to ensure your cake turns out perfectly every time. Let’s dive into the world of baking and create a dessert that will impress your family and friends.
Ingredients Breakdown
To achieve the perfect Apple Bundt Cake, it’s essential to use high-quality ingredients and understand their roles in the recipe.
Cake Ingredients:
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
- 1½ cups (327 g) vegetable oil: Provides moisture and keeps the cake tender.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 large eggs, room temperature: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
- 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour: Gives structure to the cake.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and complements the apples.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
- 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Provide tartness and a juicy texture.
Caramel Glaze Ingredients:
- ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter: Adds richness and a silky texture.
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream, room temperature: Adds creaminess to the glaze.
- ½ cup light brown sugar, packed: Sweetens the glaze and adds a caramel flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Enhances the flavor of the caramel.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Lightly spray a 9-inch bundt pan with cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. Set aside.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to beat together 2 cups of granulated sugar, 1½ cups of vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 3 large eggs until well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and free of lumps.
- Blend Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a tough cake.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced Granny Smith apples by hand, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour Batter into Pan: Pour the cake batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
- Bake: Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 55-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking at the 55-minute mark.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. This helps the cake set and makes it easier to remove from the pan.
Making the Caramel Glaze
- Combine Glaze Ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of unsalted butter, 2 teaspoons of heavy cream, and ½ cup of packed light brown sugar. Stir occasionally until the sugar is dissolved and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the pan from the heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. This adds a lovely depth of flavor to the glaze.
- Thicken the Glaze: Allow the caramel glaze to sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken slightly. This makes it easier to drizzle over the cake and ensures it stays in place.
Assembling the Cake
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled to room temperature, drizzle the thickened caramel glaze over the top. Allow it to drip down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve. The combination of the moist, apple-filled cake and the buttery caramel glaze is sure to delight your taste buds.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Bundt Cake is a versatile dessert that can be enjoyed in various settings. Here are a few serving suggestions to make your dessert experience even more delightful:
- Classic Presentation: Serve the cake on a decorative cake stand to showcase its beautiful shape and caramel glaze.
- Add Fresh Fruit: Garnish each slice with a few fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of cinnamon for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Pair with Ice Cream: Serve the cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and textures.
- Holiday Touch: Decorate the cake with festive sprinkles or edible glitter for special occasions and holidays.
- Serve with Coffee or Tea: Enjoy a slice of the cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect treat.
Tips for Perfect Apple Bundt Cake
- Use Fresh Apples: Fresh Granny Smith apples provide the best texture and tart flavor. Avoid using canned or pre-cooked apples.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the eggs and heavy cream are at room temperature before you begin. This helps them blend more smoothly with the other ingredients.
- Proper Mixing: Mix the batter until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can lead to a tough cake.
- Check for Doneness: Bake the cake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Overbaking can make the cake dry.
- Cool Completely: Allow the cake to cool completely before adding the glaze to ensure it sets properly.
Customizing Your Apple Bundt Cake
One of the joys of making homemade cakes is the ability to customize them to your taste. Here are a few ideas for variations and additions:
- Add Nuts: Fold in a handful of chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Different Apples: Use a mix of apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for a different flavor profile.
- Citrus Twist: Add some orange or lemon zest to the batter for a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Healthy Twist: Substitute some of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour or use a sugar substitute for a slightly healthier version.
Nutritional Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here’s a basic nutritional breakdown per serving (approximately 1 slice):
- Calories: 624kcal
Keep in mind that the nutritional values may vary based on the exact quantities and brands of ingredients used.
Conclusion
Apple Bundt Cake is a delightful and easy-to-make dessert that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the warmth of cinnamon and the richness of a buttery caramel glaze. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
By following the detailed steps and tips provided in this guide, you can create an Apple Bundt Cake that is perfect every time. Whether you’re making it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply as a treat for yourself, this cake is sure to impress and satisfy.
So, the next time you’re in the mood for something sweet and comforting, give this Apple Bundt Cake recipe a try. Your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a delicious dessert to share with friends and family.
Happy baking!