I’m so excited to share this spiced apple bundt cake recipe with you today. There’s something magical about the combination of warm spices, tart apples, and that dreamy caramel glaze that makes this cake utterly irresistible. When fall weather hits, I crave desserts that fill my kitchen with cozy aromas, and this bundt cake definitely delivers. Wait until you see how the caramel drips down the sides, creating little pools of sweetness that complement the apple-studded interior perfectly…
Why You’ll Love this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze
Comfort in cake form. That’s what you’ll get with this spiced apple bundt cake. The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg wraps around chunks of tart Granny Smith apples, creating the perfect fall dessert that’ll make your kitchen smell divine.
You can’t beat the moisture that comes from the applesauce—it keeps this cake tender for days (though it rarely lasts that long). The walnuts add a delightful crunch, while the brown sugar glaze transforms into a caramel-like topping that seeps into the warm cake. Trust me, this is weekend baking at its most rewarding.
What Ingredients are in Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze?
To create this cozy, fall-inspired apple bundt cake, you’ll need a mix of pantry staples and fresh ingredients that work together to create something truly special.
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups peeled, chopped Granny Smith apples
- 1 cup chopped walnuts
- ½ cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
- ½ cup light brown sugar (for glaze)
- 2 teaspoons heavy cream (for glaze)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
The quality of your apples really matters here—Granny Smith are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet glaze, but you could substitute another firm baking apple if needed, just avoid anything too soft that might disappear into the batter during baking.
How to Make this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Preheat your oven to 325°F, then thoroughly grease and flour a 10-cup bundt pan, making sure to get into all those beautiful ridges and crevices.
Nothing worse than a cake that won’t release after all your hard work!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1 teaspoon salt until well combined.
This aromatic blend is what gives our cake that perfect fall flavor profile.
Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Beat 2 cups granulated sugar, ½ cup vegetable oil, 2 teaspoons vanilla extract, ⅔ cup unsweetened applesauce, and 2 large eggs in a large bowl until the mixture turns creamy and smooth.
The applesauce does double duty here—adding apple flavor while keeping our cake wonderfully moist.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Over-mixing is the enemy of tender cake, so a gentle touch is key at this stage.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Walnuts
Gently fold 3 cups of peeled, chopped Granny Smith apples and 1 cup chopped walnuts into the batter.
Those little pockets of tart apple and crunchy walnuts create the most delightful texture contrast in every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly, then bake for 1 hour and 15-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
The house will smell absolutely heavenly as it bakes.
Step 7: Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the cake bakes, make your glaze by combining ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup light brown sugar, 2 teaspoons heavy cream, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract in a small saucepan.
Bring to a boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly, allowing it to thicken for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the warm brown sugar glaze over your still-warm cake, letting it cascade down the sides in the most appetizing way.
This gives our cake that irresistible caramelized finish that makes everyone reach for seconds.
For best results when mixing your cake batter, consider using a premium baking stand mixer for the perfect consistency.
What to Serve with Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze
This cozy cake is perfect on its own, but a few simple pairings can take it to the next level.
A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream creates the most heavenly contrast with the warm cake and gooey glaze—trust me, it’s non-negotiable. For breakfast or brunch, serve slices with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a drizzle of honey.
Coffee is this cake’s soulmate, particularly a robust dark roast that balances the sweetness.
Hot apple cider makes for a delightful fall pairing, especially when spiked with a cinnamon stick.
And if you’re feeling extra, a light dusting of powdered sugar over each slice adds that picture-perfect finishing touch without overwhelming the flavors.
Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze Substitutions and Variations
- Swap applesauce for Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangier flavor profile.
- Make it gluten-free by using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just add ¼ teaspoon xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t include it.
- Going dairy-free? Replace butter in the glaze with coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs with flax eggs (2 tablespoons ground flaxseed mixed with 6 tablespoons water).
- Experiment with fruit combinations by adding ½ cup dried cranberries or fresh pears alongside the apples.
- Spice it up your way—cardamom, ginger, or allspice make wonderful additions to the batter.
- Transform the topping by using maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a woodland twist.
- Feeling fancy? Garnish with thin apple slices dipped in cinnamon sugar before serving.
Leftovers and Storage for this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Glaze
This apple-packed wonder actually tastes even better the day after baking as the flavors have time to meld.
Store your cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
When ready to enjoy leftovers, bring refrigerated cake to room temperature for the best texture.
For a little refresh, microwave a slice for 10-15 seconds or warm briefly in a 300°F oven.
Pro tip: To prevent the glaze from becoming too sticky in storage, wait until the cake has completely cooled before covering it.
Final Thoughts
This Spiced Apple Bundt Cake brings together the perfect balance of warm spices, tart Granny Smith apples, and that irresistible brown sugar glaze that seeps into every bite.
The combination of applesauce and fresh chunks of apple creates a moist, tender crumb that somehow manages to improve with time. It’s the kind of recipe that belongs in every baker’s autumn collection, perfect for weekend gatherings, holiday celebrations, or anytime you need to fill your home with the comforting scent of cinnamon and apples.
When the weather turns crisp and apple season arrives, this cake transforms simple ingredients into something truly special that everyone will reach for second slices of.