There’s something wonderfully comforting about an Old-Fashioned Apple Bundt Cake. It’s the kind of homemade cake that fills the kitchen with the warm aroma of cinnamon, baked apples, and buttery vanilla.

This classic Bundt cake is wonderfully moist and tender, with plenty of fresh apples tucked into every slice. Chopped pecans add a delicious crunch, while a simple vanilla glaze gives the finished cake just the right amount of sweetness.

It’s perfect for Sunday dinners, fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, holiday dessert tables, afternoon coffee, or simply enjoying a slice with your family.

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Ingredients

🍎 For the Apple Cake

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoons baking soda
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• ½ cup buttermilk
• 3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans

🍯 For the Glaze

• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

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Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Bundt Pan

Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C).

Generously grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt pan, making sure to coat all the grooves.

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Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and finely chop the apples.

For the best texture, use firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a combination of sweet and tart varieties.

Set aside.

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Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Cinnamon
• Salt
• Nutmeg

Set aside.

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Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil.

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.

Stir in the vanilla.

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Step 5: Combine the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in three additions, alternating with the buttermilk.

Mix just until combined.

Don’t overmix the batter.

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Step 6: Add the Apples and Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans.

The batter will be thick, which is exactly what you want.

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Step 7: Fill the Bundt Pan

Transfer the batter to the prepared Bundt pan.

Spread evenly and gently tap the pan on the counter a couple of times to remove large air pockets.

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Step 8: Bake

Bake for approximately 65–75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

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Step 9: Cool

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes.

Carefully invert it onto a wire rack and let it cool completely.

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🍯 Make the Glaze

Step 10: Prepare the Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, vanilla, and salt until smooth.

Add a little more milk if necessary to reach a pourable consistency.

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Step 11: Glaze the Cake

Drizzle the glaze generously over the completely cooled Bundt cake.

Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes before slicing.

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Variation

🍎 Caramel Apple Bundt Cake

Drizzle warm caramel sauce over the finished cake instead of—or in addition to—the vanilla glaze.

🌰 Apple Walnut Cake

Replace the pecans with chopped walnuts.

🍂 Apple Spice Bundt Cake

Add ½ teaspoon ground cloves and ½ teaspoon ground ginger to the batter.

🍇 Apple Raisin Bundt Cake

Fold ½ cup raisins into the batter along with the apples.

🍯 Brown Sugar Glaze

Replace the vanilla glaze with a warm brown sugar and butter glaze.

🍎 Apple Cinnamon Streusel Cake

Add a layer of cinnamon-brown sugar streusel through the center of the batter.

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COOKING Note

The apples provide a lot of moisture, so don’t worry if the batter seems particularly thick before baking.

Avoid cutting the apples into large chunks. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the cake and help every slice stay moist.

Most importantly, allow the cake to cool for at least 15–20 minutes before turning it out of the Bundt pan.

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this apple Bundt cake:

• Warm with vanilla ice cream
• With whipped cream
• Drizzled with caramel sauce
• With a cup of coffee
• Alongside hot apple cider
• With powdered sugar
• For Thanksgiving
• At Sunday dinner
• For fall family gatherings

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Tips

• Grease every groove of the Bundt pan carefully.
• Use firm apples that hold their shape during baking.
• Don’t overmix once the flour is added.
• Don’t overbake—the cake should remain moist.
• Let the cake cool before glazing.
• Toast the pecans beforehand for deeper flavor.
• Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerate if your kitchen is particularly warm.
• The cake can be frozen without the glaze for up to 3 months.

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Prep Time

25 minutes

Cooking Time

70 minutes

Cooling Time

30 minutes

Total Time

2 hours 5 minutes

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Nutritional Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 470
• Protein: 5g
• Sodium: 290mg
• Carbohydrates: 62g
• Sugar: 39g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 55mg

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FAQs

What are the best apples for an apple Bundt cake?

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Pink Lady are excellent choices. You can also combine tart and sweet apples for more complex flavor.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended because it gives the cake a softer, more uniform texture.

Why is my Bundt cake sticking to the pan?

Bundt pans have many grooves, so grease and flour the entire surface thoroughly. Letting the cake cool for 15–20 minutes before turning it out also helps.

Can I use applesauce instead of some of the oil?

Yes. You can replace part of the oil with unsweetened applesauce, although the cake may have a slightly different texture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely. It actually tastes even better the next day as the apple and cinnamon flavors develop.

Can I freeze Apple Bundt Cake?

Yes. Wrap the completely cooled, unglazed cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and glaze before serving.

Can I leave out the pecans?

Yes. Simply omit them or replace them with walnuts, raisins, or additional chopped apples.

How do I keep the cake moist?

Don’t overbake it, and store it tightly covered. The fresh apples naturally help keep this cake wonderfully moist.

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Conclusion

This Old-Fashioned Apple Bundt Cake is a classic homemade dessert full of tender apples, warm cinnamon, buttery pecans, and cozy fall flavor. The simple vanilla glaze adds a sweet finishing touch without overpowering the delicious apple cake underneath.

It’s the perfect recipe to keep on hand whenever you’re craving a comforting, old-fashioned dessert that tastes like it came straight from Grandma’s kitchen. 🍎🍰

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