Name: Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp salt; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg; 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; For the glaze:; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup brown sugar; 1/4 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup powdered sugar

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake delivers everything you love about autumn in each bite. It’s soft, flavorful, and full of juicy apples with just the right amount of warm spices. The caramel glaze adds sweetness and shine, making it a show-stopping dessert that looks as amazing as it tastes. Best of all, it stays moist for days, making it great for make-ahead entertaining.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Apples, peeled and chopped
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Eggs
Vegetable oil
Vanilla extract
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
For the glaze: butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
In a large bowl, beat together sugar, brown sugar, and eggs until light and fluffy.
Add vegetable oil, vanilla, and sour cream, mixing until smooth.
Gradually fold in the dry ingredients until just combined.
Stir in the chopped apples.
Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the glaze, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan, stir in heavy cream and vanilla, then whisk in powdered sugar until smooth.
Drizzle the caramel glaze over the cooled cake before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 12 people.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Variations

Nutty Addition: Fold in 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts.
Caramel Swirl: Add dollops of caramel sauce into the batter before baking for extra caramel flavor.
Spiced Up: Increase cinnamon or add cardamom and cloves for a deeper spice profile.
Glaze Swap: Use a cream cheese glaze instead of caramel for a tangy twist.
Apple Variety: Mix tart apples like Granny Smith with sweet apples like Honeycrisp for balanced flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to soften and bring back moisture.

FAQs

Can I use store-bought caramel sauce for the glaze?

Yes, but homemade caramel glaze gives the cake a richer flavor.

Which apples are best for this cake?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well since they hold their shape when baked.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen.

Can I bake this in a regular cake pan instead of a bundt pan?

Yes, but adjust the baking time depending on the pan size.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for the best texture, but you can leave the peel on for extra fiber.

Can I add raisins or cranberries?

Yes, dried fruit adds extra sweetness and texture.

How do I prevent the cake from sticking to the bundt pan?

Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, or use a baking spray with flour.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, you can cut up to 1/3 of the sugar without affecting the structure.

Can I double the glaze?

Absolutely, if you want extra caramel drizzle for serving.

Conclusion

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is a warm, comforting dessert that highlights the best flavors of fall. With tender apples, a soft spiced crumb, and a decadent caramel glaze, it’s a cake that feels both homey and impressive. Perfect for holidays, family dinners, or just when you’re craving a cozy treat, this cake is bound to become a favorite