Looking for a delicious apple dessert recipe that’s also a showstopper? You’ve found it with this Apple Spice Bundt Cake. This easy-to-follow recipe will have you baking a moist, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any occasion.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apples: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture. You can also use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
- All-Purpose Flour: If you need a gluten-free option, a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend can work.
- Buttermilk: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk and letting it sit for 5 minutes.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to your liking.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 and 3/4 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 cups peeled, cored, and finely diced apples
For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or apple cider
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
- Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 (without glaze)
- Tools Needed: 12-cup Bundt pan, mixing bowls, electric mixer (optional), whisk, spatula
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Then, generously grease and flour your 12-cup Bundt pan, making sure to get into all the crevices. This step is crucial for an easy release of your beautiful apple dessert.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Set this aside. This ensures all your dry ingredients are evenly distributed for a perfect apple dessert recipe.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Use an electric mixer if you have one; it makes this step much easier. This creates the foundational texture for your apple dessert cake.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract. This helps emulsify the batter and adds rich flavor to your apple dessert.
5. Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined after each addition. Be careful not to overmix the batter for your apple dessert.
6. Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the finely diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This ensures every slice of your apple dessert cake has delicious pieces of fruit.
7. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 60-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. This is an essential step for any apple dessert recipe.
8. Cool and Glaze
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely. Once cool, if desired, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk/cider, and vanilla for the glaze and drizzle it over the cake. You’ve just created a stunning apple dessert.
Variation Ideas
- Nutty Twist: Add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter with the apples.
- Caramel Drizzle: Instead of the simple glaze, drizzle warm caramel sauce over the cooled cake.
- Streusel Topping: Sprinkle a streusel mixture (flour, sugar, butter, cinnamon) on top of the batter before baking.
- Apple Cider Glaze: Use apple cider instead of milk in your glaze for an extra apple flavor boost.
Storage Instructions
Store your Apple Spice Bundt Cake at room temperature, covered tightly, for up to 3-4 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil; it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What kind of apples are best for this apple dessert recipe?
A: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully as they hold their shape and provide a good balance to the sweetness.
Q: Can I make this cake ahead of time?
A: Yes, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. It’s a great make-ahead apple dessert.
Q: Why did my Bundt cake stick to the pan?
A: This usually happens if the pan wasn’t greased and floured thoroughly. Ensure you get into all the nooks and crannies.
Q: Can I use apple sauce instead of fresh apples?
A: No, this recipe specifically calls for diced fresh apples for texture and moisture. Applesauce would change the cake’s consistency too much.
Q: How do I know if the cake is fully cooked?
A: Insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the deepest part of the cake; if it comes out clean, your apple dessert is ready.
Q: Can I add a cream cheese frosting instead of a glaze?
A: Absolutely! A simple cream cheese frosting would be a delicious addition to this apple dessert.