Name: Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 5 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar; 1½ cups (327 g) vegetable oil; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 large eggs, room temperature; 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced; ½ cup (1 stick / 113 g) unsalted butter; 2 teaspoons heavy cream, room temperature; ½ cup light brown sugar, packed; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 81 reviews

If you are looking for a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. It combines tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked into a moist, tender bundt cake with a luscious caramel glaze that drips over every inch, creating a perfect balance of sweet and fruity flavors. Whether you’re baking to impress guests or treat yourself to a cozy moment, this Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe promises to delight with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a golden-brown bundt cake resting on a white marbled surface. The cake has a rough texture with small holes visible on its surface. From the top, a thick, shiny, light amber sauce is being poured from a glass pitcher, flowing smoothly down one side of the cake, creating a glossy layer over the textured cake. The background shows blurred bottles with red and white labels. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe shines because of its simplicity but don’t be fooled—each ingredient plays a vital role in building those incredible flavors and textures. From the tangy Granny Smith apples to the rich caramel topping, every element is essential.

Granulated sugar (2 cups / 400 g): Sweetens the cake and helps create a moist crumb.
Vegetable oil (1½ cups / 327 g): Keeps the cake tender and moist without weighing it down.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons + 1 teaspoon): Adds warm, aromatic sweetness both in the cake and glaze.
Large eggs (3, room temperature): Provides structure and richness to the cake.
All-purpose flour (3 cups / 375 g): The backbone of the cake’s structure, ensuring the perfect rise.
Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise and become fluffy.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses warm spice to complement the apples perfectly.
Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the sweet flavors and balances the cake.
Granny Smith apples (3 medium, peeled, cored, diced): Gives tartness and juicy bursts throughout the cake.
Unsalted butter (½ cup / 1 stick / 113 g): The star of the caramel glaze, giving it richness and depth.
Heavy cream (2 teaspoons, room temperature): Smooths out the caramel for that perfect pourable consistency.
Light brown sugar (½ cup, packed): Adds molasses notes to the caramel glaze for a deep flavor.

How to Make Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. This slightly lower temperature ensures the cake cooks evenly through the dense apple and batter mixture without drying out. Lightly spray a 9-inch bundt pan with cooking spray—this helps the cake release easily once baked.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, use a hand mixer on medium speed to combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. This blend creates a luscious base that will yield a moist and flavorful cake.

Step 3: Whisk Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This ensures that all dry ingredients are evenly distributed, helping your cake rise uniformly while delivering that perfect spiced note.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixes

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, blending only until just combined. Overmixing can develop gluten, which might make your cake tough, so gentle folding is key here for the ideal tender crumb.

Step 5: Fold in Apples

Carefully fold the diced Granny Smith apples into the batter by hand. These tart apples bring bursts of freshness and juicy texture, perfectly complementing the sweet cake base and spiced undertones.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing out the top lightly. Bake for 55 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The low oven temperature ensures the apples inside cook gently without burning the outside.

Step 7: Cool and Prepare Caramel Glaze

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 15 to 20 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. As the cake cools, prepare the irresistible caramel glaze. Combine butter, heavy cream, and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a gentle boil.

Step 8: Finish the Glaze and Drizzle

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to thicken for 5 to 10 minutes—it should have a rich, velvety texture. Drizzle this golden glaze generously over the warm bundt cake, letting it cascade down the sides for that perfect finishing touch.

How to Serve Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

A close-up of a single slice of brown cake with visible chunks of light green apple inside, topped with a shiny caramel sauce dripping down the sides, sitting on a white plate. The cake has a moist, soft texture with a dense crumb and some small nut pieces. A silver knife lies beside the slice on the plate, and in the blurry background, there are two green apples, a clear glass pitcher, and a small dark bottle. The surface is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra-special presentation, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the caramel glaze. A light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar adds visual appeal and an extra hint of spice. Fresh apple slices or thin apple chips placed artfully around the serving plate can also brighten up the look.

Side Dishes

This Apple Bundt Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the caramel’s richness. Hot beverages such as chai tea or spiced cider are excellent companions, enhancing the autumnal flavors and creating a cozy dessert moment.

Creative Ways to Present

Try slicing the cake into thick wedges and serving it on rustic wooden boards for a farmhouse-inspired feel. You can also serve individual slices topped with a drizzle of extra caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt for a delightful salty-sweet bite. For festive occasions, add edible flower petals or a caramel drizzle design on the plate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, refrigerate it, but bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze this bundt cake without the glaze wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then warm slightly before adding the freshly made caramel glaze.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds or place them in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes. Reheating enhances the moistness and brings back the fresh-baked feel. Add the caramel glaze just before serving for that irresistible glaze shine and flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness and firm texture, feel free to experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter or more aromatic twist. Just make sure the apples stay firm enough to hold shape during baking.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free flour blend that is suitable for baking. Keep in mind the texture might vary slightly, but the flavors will remain delicious.

How thick should I dice the apples?

Dice the apples into small, roughly ½-inch pieces. This size allows them to cook evenly within the cake without turning mushy or sinking to the bottom.

Can I prepare the caramel glaze in advance?

You can make the caramel glaze a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just warm it gently before drizzling over the cake to restore that silky pourable consistency.

What’s the best way to remove the bundt cake from the pan?

After cooling the cake in the pan for about 15-20 minutes, gently run a thin knife or offset spatula around the edges. Place a wire rack on top of the pan, hold the rack and pan together tightly, then invert them sharply. The cake should pop out cleanly if the pan was properly greased.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe is the kind of dessert that feels like a warm celebration, whether it’s a special occasion or just a treat at the end of a busy day. The marriage of tender apples, cozy spices, and rich caramel glaze is irresistibly comforting. Trust me, once you try it, it’s going to become one of your all-time favorites to bake and share with those you love.