There’s nothing quite as comforting as the smell of apples, cinnamon, and vanilla wafting through the kitchen. If you’re looking for a dessert that embodies the warmth of fall and the sweetness of fresh apples, this Fresh Apple Bundt Cake is the perfect recipe for you. With a moist and tender crumb, spiced apples, and crunchy walnuts, this cake is an absolute showstopper for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just indulging in a quiet evening treat.
Ingredients You Will Need
The ingredients for this Fresh Apple Bundt Cake are straightforward and easy to find. Most are pantry staples that you likely already have at home. Let’s take a look:
For the Cake:
1 cup chopped walnuts – Adds a delightful crunch to the cake
2 cups apples – Peeled, cored, and diced
1 tablespoon white sugar – For coating the apples
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For that warm, spiced apple flavor
3 cups all-purpose flour – The base of the cake batter
3 teaspoons baking powder – Helps the cake rise and stay fluffy
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavor
2 cups white sugar – Adds sweetness and moisture to the cake
1 cup vegetable oil – Keeps the cake tender and moist
¼ cup orange juice – Adds a subtle citrusy note and moisture
2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract – Provides a deep, rich flavor
4 eggs – The binder for the batter
For the Topping:
¼ cup confectioners’ sugar – A light dusting to give the cake an elegant finish
Directions:
Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s walk through the process of baking this delicious cake. Don’t worry if you’re not an experienced baker — this recipe is easy to follow and yields incredible results.
1. Prepare the Apples
Start by prepping your apples. Peel, core, and dice them into small, bite-sized pieces. In a medium bowl, combine the diced apples with 1 tablespoon of white sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Toss them together until the apple pieces are evenly coated with the sugar and cinnamon. This will give the apples a delicious, sweet, and spicy flavor that will enhance the overall taste of the cake.
2. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan. Make sure the entire surface of the pan is well-greased and lightly floured to prevent the cake from sticking.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons of baking powder, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Sifting the dry ingredients helps to aerate the flour and ensures that the baking powder and salt are evenly distributed throughout the cake.
4. Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of white sugar, 1 cup of vegetable oil, ¼ cup of orange juice, 2 ½ teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 4 eggs. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture at high speed until smooth and fully combined. This step is important as it helps to incorporate air into the batter, which will make the cake light and fluffy.
5. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir until just combined, being careful not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can cause the cake to become tough. Once the batter is smooth, gently fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts for a bit of texture and crunch.
6. Layer the Batter and Apples
Pour one-third of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Then, sprinkle half of the apple mixture over the batter. Repeat this process, alternating between layers of batter and apples, ending with a layer of batter on top.
7. Bake the Cake
Place the Bundt pan in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes. To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. The top should spring back when lightly touched.
8. Cool and Serve
Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Afterward, turn the cake out onto a wire rack to cool completely. Before serving, sprinkle the cake with ¼ cup of confectioners’ sugar for a decorative and sweet finish.
