If you’re looking for a show-stopping dessert that perfectly blends the cozy flavors of fall, I can’t recommend this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe enough. It’s a moist, tender cake loaded with tart Granny Smith apples and swirls of creamy cheesecake, all drizzled with luscious caramel sauce. Each bite feels like a warm hug, making it the perfect centerpiece for any gathering or just a comforting treat to enjoy with your afternoon coffee. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will quickly become one of your all-time favorites.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a clean flat lay of baking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There are twelve containers in total: at the top left, six brown eggs in a white egg holder; next to them, two small clear bowls with salt and baking soda. To the right, a large white bowl filled with white flour. Below the eggs, a medium clear bowl filled with small diced pale yellow apples. To the right, a small clear bowl with apple juice, and next to it, a small white bowl holding cubes of butter. Below, a small white bowl with packed brown sugar, next to a smaller clear bowl with brown cinnamon powder, and in the center a small clear measuring cup with peanut butter. At the bottom left, a small clear bowl with dark vanilla extract, next to a yellow metal measuring cup filled with melted yellow butter. Lastly, at the bottom right, a large white bowl of white granulated sugar. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe comes together with simple, everyday ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry and fridge. Each one plays a crucial role: from the tangy apples adding freshness to the sweet caramel balancing every bite, these ingredients combine for a taste and texture that’s truly irresistible.

3 cups all purpose flour: Provides the structure to make the cake tender yet firm enough to hold the fillings and toppings.
1 teaspoon baking soda: A natural leavener that ensures the cake rises perfectly for a light crumb.
2 teaspoons cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes that complement the apples beautifully.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the sweet and spicy flavors, keeping everything balanced.
3 cups peeled, chopped Granny Smith apples: The star ingredient offering a tart crunch and vibrant color.
1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness.
4 tablespoons brown sugar: Provides moisture and a deep caramel-like sweetness for the apples.
1 tablespoon and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, divided: Infuses both the cake and cream cheese layer with warm, fragrant notes.
1 cup vegetable or canola oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without a heavy texture.
2 and 1/3 cups granulated sugar, divided: Sweetens the cake and cream cheese filling just right.
4 large eggs, divided: Bind everything together and create the rich, fluffy texture.
8 ounces cream cheese, softened: Creates the luscious, creamy center that contrasts the spiced apple batter.
Caramel sauce for topping: The final drizzle that makes this bundt cake utterly indulgent and irresistible.

How to Make Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. To ensure your beautiful bundt cake releases like a dream, generously grease a 10-inch bundt pan with baking spray. This step might seem small, but it’s key to preserving the delicate swirls of cream cheese and apple batter inside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. Mixing these first evenly distributes the leavening and spice, preparing the base for a perfectly textured cake. Set this aside for a moment as we move to the apples.

Step 3: Toss the Apples

In another bowl, mix the peeled, chopped Granny Smith apples with lemon juice, brown sugar, and half a tablespoon of vanilla extract. This crucial step softens the apples just slightly and sweetens them while keeping their tartness front and center. Letting these flavors marry while you prepare the batter enhances the cake’s overall depth.

Step 4: Mix the Wet Ingredients

Using your stand mixer on low speed, combine the vegetable oil, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and the remaining vanilla extract. This combination creates the moist base of your cake. Then, add three of the eggs, one by one, mixing well after each addition to build a smooth, rich batter with the perfect consistency for holding the apples and cream cheese.

Step 5: Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Apples

Slowly add the flour mixture to the wet ingredients while mixing on low speed. The batter will become thick and luscious. Drain any liquid that formed with the apples to prevent a soggy cake, then gently fold the apple mixture into the batter with a spatula. This folding ensures the apples are evenly distributed without breaking them down.

Step 6: Prepare the Cream Cheese Layer

In a separate bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the remaining 1/3 cup sugar, the last egg, and the half teaspoon vanilla extract. Continue beating at medium speed until this luscious filling is silky and free of lumps—a lovely creamy contrast to the spiced cake.

Step 7: Layer and Bake

Pour half of the apple batter into your prepared bundt pan, gently spoon the cream cheese mixture on top. Be sure to keep the cream cheese away from the pan’s edges so the apple batter fully encases it. This technique prevents unwanted splitting during baking and keeps the center decadent. Top with the remaining batter and smooth it out evenly. Pop this beauty into your oven and bake for about an hour. If the cake’s edges brown too quickly, cover it loosely with foil and bake 10 to 15 minutes more. Use a skewer to check doneness—it should come out clean!

Step 8: Cool and Add Caramel

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes before carefully flipping it onto a cooling rack. Once fully cooled, place the cake on a serving dish and generously drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top. That gooey caramel finish takes this cake from delicious to downright unforgettable.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe

A metal mixing bowl is filled with a smooth, thick light brown batter layer, topped with a generous pile of small, diced pale yellow-green apple pieces in the center. Around the bowl are a few cracked eggshells resting in a white carton on a white marbled surface, with two cinnamon sticks and a green apple cut in half on a wooden board nearby. A black spoon and a dark blue and white checkered cloth are placed next to the bowl. The scene is bright and clean, focusing on the bowl full of batter and apple bits photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

For an extra special touch, sprinkle chopped toasted pecans or walnuts over the caramel drizzle. A light dusting of powdered sugar can also add a pretty, snowy effect that makes each slice look bakery-worthy. Whipped cream is a perfect pairing too, adding an airy contrast to the rich cake.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cup of hot spiced cider. The cool ice cream balances the warm spices and caramel, while the cider brings out those apple and cinnamon notes, making your Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe feel like a full seasonal celebration.

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings, slice the cake and layer the pieces on a wooden board interspersed with apple slices and small ramekins of caramel sauce for dipping. You can even serve mini portions with a dollop of cream cheese frosting piped on top for an elegant touch that shows you put thought into presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Caramel Apple Bundt Cake can be kept at room temperature, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container, for up to three days. If you want to keep it moist and fresh for a bit longer, refrigeration is the way to go. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before serving to enjoy the fullest flavors.

Freezing

You can freeze slices of this bundt cake for up to three months. Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw them overnight in the fridge; they reheat beautifully for a cozy dessert anytime you crave it.

Reheating

To revive the warm, comforting feel of freshly baked Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe, gently reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or in a low oven (300 degrees F) for 10 minutes. Add a little extra caramel sauce or a scoop of ice cream on top for a dessert experience that tastes homemade.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

While Granny Smith apples bring the perfect balance of tartness and firmness, you can use other varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will change the overall taste balance, potentially making the cake a bit more sugary.

Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup, and be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Can I prepare this cake in advance?

Absolutely. This cake actually benefits from sitting overnight, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just cover it well and store it in the refrigerator if making more than a day ahead.

What’s the best way to prevent the cream cheese layer from leaking?

Keeping the cream cheese away from the edges of the bundt pan helps a lot. Also, make sure it’s thick and smooth before layering. The apple batter encasing the cream cheese acts like a natural seal during baking.

Can I use homemade caramel sauce?

Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a personal touch and allows you to adjust the sweetness and richness to your liking. Just drizzle it generously over the cooled cake for maximum indulgence.

Final Thoughts

Trying this Caramel Apple Bundt Cake Recipe is like inviting a little autumn comfort right into your kitchen. Every forkful offers a delightful harmony of sweet, tart, creamy, and spiced flavors that will make you smile. Whether it’s a special occasion or a treat-yourself kind of day, this cake truly shines. I hope you enjoy baking and sharing it as much as I do!