This Fresh Apple Bundt Cake is everything you want in a cozy, homemade dessert — moist, tender, bursting with sweet apple flavor, and finished with a dreamy glaze that soaks into every nook and cranny. It’s the kind of cake that fills your kitchen with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and baked apples. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make with simple ingredients and no fancy techniques required. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving a slice of something special on a weeknight, this recipe has you covered.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the fresh apples and a rich batter, every bite is incredibly moist and full of flavor. The apple pieces soften beautifully while baking and create little pockets of juicy sweetness.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a holiday dessert, a potluck contribution, or a midweek treat, this cake always hits the spot.
No Mixer Needed: You don’t need a stand mixer or any complicated tools—just a bowl, a whisk, and a Bundt pan.
Make-Ahead Friendly: It actually gets better the next day, making it ideal for prepping in advance.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake is all about balance—moist crumb, sweet apples, warm spices. Here’s what you’ll need:

Fresh Apples: Go for tart, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape and give the best contrast to the sweet batter.
Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake ultra-moist and tender, even days after baking.
Eggs: For richness and structure. They help bind everything together.
Granulated Sugar and Brown Sugar: A mix of both adds depth and sweetness. Brown sugar also adds a slight caramel note.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of your cake—don’t overmix, or you risk a tough texture.
Baking Soda and Salt: Essential for lift and balance. Salt enhances all the other flavors.
Ground Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices complement the apples perfectly, bringing warmth and aroma to every slice.
Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
Optional Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a lovely crunch and a bit of nutty richness.
Powdered Sugar and Milk (for glaze): Drizzled on top for an extra-sweet finish. You can add vanilla or maple syrup for a twist.

Variations

Want to switch things up? This cake is super adaptable:

Add a Caramel Glaze: Swap the powdered sugar glaze for a drizzle of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce.
Make it Nut-Free: Simply omit the nuts without sacrificing texture or flavor.
Spice It Up: Add cloves or allspice for a stronger spice profile.
Go Whole Wheat: Use half whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and flavor.
Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries: Fold them into the batter for extra bursts of sweetness and chew.

How to Make Fresh Apple Bundt Cake

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a Bundt pan generously to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, vanilla, and both sugars until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring just until no streaks of flour remain.

Step 4: Fold in Apples (and Nuts, if using)

Gently fold in the chopped apples and any optional add-ins like pecans or walnuts.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the thick batter into your prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Cool and Glaze

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. Once fully cooled, drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Pan Prep: A well-greased and floured pan is key to getting a clean release—especially with all those juicy apple bits.
Use Fresh, Crisp Apples: Softer varieties can get mushy and make the cake too wet.
Cool Completely Before Glazing: If the cake is still warm, the glaze will slide off instead of soaking in.
Double the Glaze If You Love It Sweet: Want more sweetness? Go ahead and make extra glaze to drizzle before serving.

How to Serve

This cake is lovely all on its own, but here are some serving ideas to take it up a notch:

Warm with Ice Cream

Serve a slice slightly warmed up with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream.

With Coffee or Tea

The flavors pair beautifully with a hot cup of black tea or a strong cup of coffee.

As a Brunch Treat

It’s not too sweet to enjoy with a breakfast spread—think fresh fruit and yogurt on the side.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature overnight before serving.

Reheating

To warm a slice, microwave it for 10–15 seconds. For a crisp edge, toast it lightly in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for this cake?
Tart, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best. They hold their shape and provide great flavor contrast.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Just use your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Make sure it includes xanthan gum for the best texture.

Why did my cake stick to the Bundt pan?
Bundt pans can be tricky! Always grease and flour thoroughly, making sure to get into all the crevices. You can also use a baking spray with flour for extra insurance.

Can I leave out the glaze?
Absolutely. The cake is moist and flavorful enough to stand on its own, but the glaze does add a lovely sweetness and a pretty finish.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a showstopping dessert that’s easy to pull off and guaranteed to impress, this Fresh Apple Bundt Cake is it. With a soft crumb, juicy apple chunks, and just the right amount of spice, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite fall (or anytime!) cake.

Fresh Apple Bundt Cake Recipe