When fall rolls around, nothing beats the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon baking in the oven. This Fresh Apple Bundt Cake is the perfect way to celebrate the season, combining juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts into one irresistible treat. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of coffee in the morning or serving it as a dessert after dinner, this cake is guaranteed to please.

Let’s jump right into how to make this deliciously moist and flavorful apple cake, perfect for cozying up on a crisp autumn day.

Jump to Recipe

What Makes This Fresh Apple Bundt Cake Special?

Aromatic and Flavorful: The combination of fresh apples, cinnamon, and a hint of orange juice gives this cake a perfect balance of flavors sweet, spiced, and citrusy.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the oil and fresh apples, this cake is incredibly moist, with a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Easy to Make: Despite its beautiful presentation, this cake is surprisingly easy to make with simple, everyday ingredients.
A Perfect Anytime Cake: It’s versatile enough to be served for breakfast, afternoon tea, or as a dessert for any gathering.

Ingredients for Fresh Apple Bundt Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this apple-packed beauty to life:

2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced: Use any type of apple you like! Granny Smith apples will add a tartness, while Gala or Fuji apples offer a sweeter flavor.
1 tablespoon white sugar: For coating the apples.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: To give the apples a warm, spiced flavor.
3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides structure to the cake.
3 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the cake rise, giving it a light and fluffy texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
2 cups white sugar: Adds sweetness to the cake batter.
1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
1/4 cup orange juice: Adds a subtle brightness and enhances the apple flavor.
2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract: For added warmth and depth of flavor.
4 large eggs: Helps bind the ingredients and creates a rich, velvety texture.
1 cup chopped walnuts: Adds a delightful crunch and complements the apples and cinnamon.
1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar: For dusting on top of the cake after baking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Apples

To start, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan. This will help the cake release easily from the pan once baked.

In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups of diced apples with 1 tablespoon white sugar and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Toss everything together so the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Set aside to let the flavors meld while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Sift the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, sift together the 3 cups all-purpose flour, 3 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. This will ensure that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will help create a light, fluffy texture in the finished cake.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups white sugar, 1 cup vegetable oil, 1/4 cup orange juice, 2 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, and 4 large eggs. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the mixture at high speed until it’s smooth and well combined, about 2-3 minutes. The mixture should be thick and creamy.

Step 4: Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually stir the dry flour mixture into the wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense instead of light and airy.

Once the batter is ready, fold in 1 cup of chopped walnuts. The nuts add a lovely crunch to the cake, but if you’re not a fan of walnuts, you can easily swap them out for pecans or leave them out entirely.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Apples

Now for the fun part—layering the batter and apple mixture! Pour 1/3 of the batter into the prepared Bundt pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Then, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar apples over the batter. Repeat this process, alternating layers of batter and apples, and finishing with a final layer of batter on top.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Place the Bundt pan in your preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and the cake should spring back when lightly touched.

Step 7: Let the Cake Cool

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. This resting time allows the cake to firm up a bit, making it easier to remove from the pan.

After 10 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely. Once cooled, dust the top with confectioners’ sugar for a beautiful, classic finish.

Serving Tips: Elevate Your Fresh Apple Bundt Cake

Serve with Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream pairs beautifully with the warm, spiced flavors of the cake.
Add a Caramel Drizzle: For an extra indulgent treat, drizzle a bit of caramel sauce over the top of the cake before serving. The sweet caramel complements the cinnamon and apple flavors perfectly.
Dust with Cinnamon Sugar: If you’re feeling fancy, combine some cinnamon with the confectioners’ sugar before dusting the cake for an extra kick of spice.

Why You’ll Love This Fresh Apple Bundt Cake

Packed with Apples: Every bite of this cake is bursting with juicy apple chunks, making it a perfect way to use up those fresh apples from the orchard or farmers’ market.
Moist and Flavorful: Thanks to the vegetable oil and fresh fruit, this cake stays moist for days and is packed with autumnal flavor from the cinnamon and apples.
Impressive but Easy: This cake looks stunning when turned out of the Bundt pan, yet it’s simple enough to make on a weekday.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a brunch, bringing dessert to a family dinner, or simply looking for a treat to enjoy with your morning coffee, this cake is a versatile option.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

If you have leftovers (though it’s unlikely!), this cake keeps well for several days.

Store at Room Temperature: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container, and it will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days at room temperature.
Refrigerate for Longer Storage: If you want to keep the cake longer, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week. Just bring it to room temperature or warm it slightly before serving.
Freeze for Later: This cake also freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature when you’re ready to enjoy it again.

Final Thoughts

This Fresh Apple Bundt Cake is the ultimate fall dessert, combining juicy apples, warm cinnamon, and crunchy walnuts in every bite. Its tender crumb and simple preparation make it a go-to recipe for any occasion, whether you’re entertaining guests or just treating yourself.

So why not embrace the season and bake this deliciously moist, flavorful cake? It’s sure to become a favorite in your home!