The Cozy Scent of Autumn, Baked to Perfection
Imagine crisp autumn air, leaves falling in vibrant hues, and the comforting aroma of warm spices filling your home. There’s a special joy in gathering with loved ones, sharing stories and laughter, and offering a homemade treat that embodies the season’s warmth. This Spiced Apple Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s an invitation to capture that feeling, a delicious centerpiece that brings smiles and memories. It’s the perfect way to embrace the cozy spirit of autumn, baked into every tender bite.
Why You’ll Love This Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
This Spiced Apple Bundt Cake offers an unforgettable experience, starting with its perfectly balanced flavor. You will savor the sweetness of baked apples harmonizing with warm, aromatic spices. The cake boasts a moist, tender crumb and an irresistible texture that will have everyone asking for more.
Despite its impressive appearance, this Bundt cake is surprisingly simple to make. Even if you are a beginner baker, you can achieve stunning results with ease. This cake is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for many occasions. Serve it at a casual brunch, bring it to an elegant dinner party, or simply enjoy it as a delightful personal indulgence. It also makes a fantastic, thoughtful gift.
Ingredients of: Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
Wet Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil (or other neutral oil)
- 1/2 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tenderness)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
The Apple Star:
- 3 medium baking apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
For a Simple Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions of: Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
Preparation is Key:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies. This is crucial for easy release.
- Gather all your ingredients, measure them, and have them ready.
Mixing the Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Beat them together until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
Alternating Dry and Wet:
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake.
Incorporating the Apples:
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.
Baking to Golden Perfection:
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
- After cooling in the pan, invert the cake onto the wire rack. Remove the pan and allow the cake to cool completely before glazing or serving.
To Make the Simple Vanilla Glaze (Optional):
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. If the glaze is too thick, add more milk, a tiny bit at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top.
How to Serve Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
Serve this delicious Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with a hot cup of coffee or tea for a perfect afternoon treat. A scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs wonderfully, or you can add a dollop of whipped cream or crème fraîche for extra richness. This cake is versatile, fitting beautifully into a brunch spread or as a dessert centerpiece for any meal.
How to Store Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
You can store this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake at room temperature, covered tightly, for 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices or the entire cake. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in foil. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw frozen cake at room temperature before serving.
Tips to Make Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
- Preventing Sticking: Thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan. Make sure to get into every crevice. A baking spray with flour is also an excellent option. This step is crucial for a clean release.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, resulting in a tough, dense cake rather than a tender one.
- Proper Cooling: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for the recommended 10-15 minutes. This helps the cake firm up before you attempt to invert it. If you try to remove it too soon, it might break.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure your eggs and milk are at room temperature. They combine more evenly with other ingredients, creating a smoother batter and a better-textured cake.
Variation
- Spice It Up! Feel free to adjust the spice blend. Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger for an extra kick, or a pinch of cardamom for a more exotic flavor.
- Nutty Additions: Incorporate 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter with the apples for added crunch and flavor.
- Dairy-Free Options: For a dairy-free cake, use a plant-based milk alternative (like almond or oat milk) and ensure your oil is dairy-free.
- Optional Toppings: Beyond a simple glaze, consider a homemade or store-bought caramel drizzle for a richer flavor. A tangy cream cheese frosting also complements the apple and spice flavors beautifully.
FAQs
What kind of apples are best for this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake recipe?
Firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape well and provide excellent flavor in a Spiced Apple Bundt Cake. Avoid overly soft apples, as they can turn to mush during baking.
Can I make this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake 1-2 days in advance. Store it uncovered at room temperature to keep it fresh. For longer storage, freeze either slices or the whole cake.
How do I prevent my Spiced Apple Bundt Cake from sticking to the pan?
Thoroughly grease your Bundt pan with butter or baking spray, ensuring all nooks and crannies are coated. Then, lightly flour the pan, tapping out any excess. This is crucial for a perfect Spiced Apple Bundt Cake release every time.
Conclusion: Your Next Beloved Autumn Tradition
Baking this Spiced Apple Bundt Cake brings immense joy and satisfaction. It’s a delightful way to embrace the cozy feelings of autumn and share warmth with others. Go ahead, create delicious memories this season. Bake this cake, and let its comforting aroma and taste become your next beloved autumn tradition.
Classic Spiced Apple Bundt Cake
Equipment
- Bundt pan (10-12 cup)
- Large bowl
- Mixer
- Medium bowl
- Whisk
- Wooden skewer or toothpick
- Wire rack
- Small bowl (for glaze)
Ingredients
Cake
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 3 medium baking apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
Optional Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil, then beat until light and fluffy for 2-3 minutes.
- Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk; begin and end with dry ingredients and mix until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- Gently fold the diced apples into the batter.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared Bundt pan.
Baking & Cooling
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the Bundt pan on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes.
- Invert the cake onto the wire rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing or serving.
Glaze (Optional)
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk/cream, and vanilla extract until smooth, then drizzle over the completely cooled cake.