Oh, my goodness! I’m so excited to share one of my all-time favorite recipes with you: the Caramel Apple Bundt Cake! This cake is like taking a big, warm hug from grandma on a cozy autumn day. It’s dense and moist, bursting with the brilliant flavors of cinnamon-spiced apples and a drizzle of buttery caramel that would make anyone weak at the knees!
I first made this beauty during a family gathering. My cousin, who is a self-proclaimed apple aficionado, couldn’t stop raving about it! Since then, it has become a tradition to whip this cake out whenever the leaves start to turn. Plus, the delightful smell that wafts through the house while it bakes? Let’s just say it’s the perfect way to lure family members into the kitchen!
What’s in Caramel Apple Bundt Cake?
Let’s dive right into what makes this cake so amazing! Here’s a little breakdown of the ingredients that bring this delicious creation to life:
All-purpose flour: It creates the base for our cake, giving it that classic tender crumb. I always sift mine to keep the texture light.
Baking powder and baking soda: These are the superheroes of rising! They help our cake fluff up beautifully in the oven.
Salt: A little pinch goes a long way! It balances the sweetness of the cake and enhances all the flavors.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Fall spices that warm your soul. The aroma alone is enough to make you feel cozy and nostalgic.
Unsalted butter: This is where the magic happens! Butter adds richness and moisture to our cake.
Granulated sugar and brown sugar: The duo of sugars! Together, they create a deliciously sweet cake with a hint of caramel undertones thanks to the brown sugar.
Eggs: These act as the binding agents, holding our deliciousness together. They also contribute to the cake’s moisture.
Vanilla extract: Can we ever have enough vanilla? It adds a hint of warmth and sweetness that complements the apples beautifully.
Sour cream: You wouldn’t believe how moist this makes the cake! It’s my little secret weapon for cake perfection.
Apples: The stars of our show! I prefer Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape and provide that perfect tartness to balance the sweetness.
Caramel sauce: Drizzle it, dip it, or lick it off the spoon; caramel is the cherry on top of this fall delight!
Is Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Good for You?
While indulging in a slice of this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is certainly a treat, it’s always good to consider our choices!
Apples: These juicy fruits not only add flavor but are also packed with fiber and vitamin C. So, you can feel good about eating them—right?
Sour cream: It adds moisture but is higher in fat, so moderation is key. You could substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version!
Caramel sauce: A delightful addition, but it’s definitely on the sweeter side. A drizzle goes a long way, so no need to drown your cake!
All in all, this cake is a special dessert perfect for gatherings, but be mindful of how often you dive into those delectable slices!
Ingredients for Caramel Apple Bundt Cake
This recipe should make about 10 servings. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
– 1 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
– 3 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1 cup sour cream
– 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup caramel sauce for drizzling (store-bought or homemade)
How to Make Caramel Apple Bundt Cake?
Ready to bake? Let’s get started!
1. **Preheat the Oven**: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-cup Bundt pan with cooking spray or butter and dust with flour, tapping out any excess.
2. **Combine Dry Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
3. **Cream Butter and Sugars**: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. **Add Eggs and Vanilla**: Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. **Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream**: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid overmixing.
6. **Fold in Apples**: Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed within the batter.
7. **Pour and Bake**: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, smoothing the top. Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. **Cool the Cake**: Once baked, allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack to cool completely.
9. **Drizzle with Caramel Sauce**: Once the cake is cooled, place it on a serving plate or a clear glass cake stand. Generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides.
10. **Serve and Enjoy**: Slice the cake and serve it warm or at room temperature. Optionally, serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.
Caramel Tips & Tricks for Success!
Now, before I let you go, here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Caramel Apple Bundt Cake shines brightly:
– If you’re feeling adventurous, you can add nuts for a lovely crunch! Pecans or walnuts complement the cake’s flavors wonderfully.
– I like to serve it warm, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side takes it to the next level—your taste buds will thank you!
– For a homemade caramel sauce, combine 1 cup of sugar with 1/4 cup of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir until dissolved, then let it simmer without stirring until it turns golden brown. Remove from heat and carefully whisk in 1/2 cup of heavy cream (the mixture will bubble). Let it cool slightly before drizzling it on the cake.
– Store any leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 3 days—but fair warning, it’s so good that leftovers may be a rarity!
I cannot wait for you to try making this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake! It’s perfect for family gatherings or simply treating yourself. Please share your experience and how your cake turned out—I love hearing from folks who indulge in this deliciousness just as I have! Happy baking! 🍏🍰
