Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Drizzle is the epitome of rustic, home-baked elegance—a moist, incredibly flavorful cake that celebrates the humble apple in the most glorious way. This recipe creates a dense, tender crumb, reminiscent of a classic pound cake, but is studded throughout with soft, sweet chunks of Honeycrisp apple and toasted pecans. The warm, aromatic blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg perfumes the entire cake, making your kitchen smell like autumn itself. Baked in a beautiful Bundt pan, it emerges with a stunning shape that requires no fancy decorating, yet is transformed into a show-stopping dessert with a simple, homemade caramel drizzle that seeps into the warm cake, creating an irresistible glaze. It’s a cake that is equally suited for a casual coffee gathering as it is for a holiday dessert table.
The secret to this cake’s exceptional moisture and richness lies in its unique method. Unlike many cakes that rely on creaming butter and sugar, this one uses vegetable oil, which results in a texture that stays supremely moist for days. The brown sugar contributes a deep, molasses-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with the spices and fruit. The generous amount of apples not only provides pockets of juicy flavor but also ensures every slice is packed with fruit. Letting the cake cool briefly in the pan before inverting is crucial for it to hold its intricate shape, while drizzling the warm caramel over the still-warm cake allows it to be absorbed, creating a sticky, sweet shell that complements the spiced interior. This cake is a timeless, foolproof recipe that delivers immense satisfaction with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Unbelievably Moist: The combination of oil and the natural juices from the apples guarantees a cake that stays moist for days.
• Warm, Autumnal Spices: The blend of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg provides a classic, comforting flavor that is perfectly balanced.
• Stunning Presentation: The Bundt pan creates a beautiful, elegant shape with zero effort, making it look professionally made.
• Simple Homemade Caramel: The easy three-ingredient caramel drizzle elevates the cake from simple to spectacular.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (or canola oil)
- 2 cups packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples (or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and cut into ½-inch chunks
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Caramel Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease a 10-inch Bundt pan with butter or non-stick baking spray. Dust the greased pan with a tablespoon of flour, tapping out any excess. This ensures the cake will release cleanly.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
• In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. This ensures the leavening and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and brown sugar until well combined. Add the room-temperature eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition until the mixture is smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 4: Mix Wet and Dry Ingredients
• Add the dry flour mixture to the wet ingredients in three separate additions, stirring with a spatula after each until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few streaks of flour are okay.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Pecans
• Gently fold the chunked apples and toasted pecans into the batter until they are evenly distributed. The batter will be very thick.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
• Spoon the thick batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Tap the pan on the counter a few times to release any large air bubbles.
• Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a long wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
Step 7: Cool the Cake
• Place the pan on a wire rack and let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes. This allows the structure to set. Then, carefully invert the cake onto the wire rack to cool completely.
Step 8: Make the Caramel Drizzle
• While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, butter, and heavy cream.
• Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar. Let it boil for 1 minute.
• Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
• Once the cake is mostly cool but still slightly warm, transfer it to a serving plate. Using a spoon, drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.
• Slice and serve.
Tips:
• Apple Selection: Honeycrisp apples provide a sweet-tart flavor and hold their shape well. Granny Smith apples are a great tart alternative.
• Toasting Pecans: Toasting the pecans beforehand in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes dramatically enhances their flavor.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can lead to a tough cake. Mix until the ingredients are just combined.
• Cooling is Key: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan is essential. Inverting it while it’s too hot may cause it to break.
Storage Options:
• Room Temperature: Store the cake, covered with a cake dome or plastic wrap, at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature for the best texture and flavor.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully without the glaze. Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight at room temperature and add the caramel drizzle before serving.
Spiced Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Drizzle is a celebration of simple, wholesome ingredients coming together to create something truly magnificent. It’s a timeless recipe that promises warmth, comfort, and pure delight with every slice. Enjoy
