This apple bundt cake recipe has all the flavors of fall!
Tender apples and carrots are baked into a moist cinnamon-spiced cake with a surprise cream cheese filling and a brown sugar glaze.
Amazing Apple Bundt Cake!
- This apple bundt cake recipe is a showstopper when served, every slice has a sweet cream cheese filling.
- I love that this cake has ingredients I always have on hand.
- Bake a day ahead, this cake stays moist for days!
- Serve as a breakfast cake with coffee, an afternoon treat with tea, or a sweet dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce, or with some warm apple cider.
Ingredients for Apple Bundt Cake
Apples – Any variety will do if they are fresh! Granny Smith apples are my first choice for their tart flavor and texture.
Carrots – Shredded carrots are sweet and add moisture to this apple bundt cake, however, shredded zucchini will get the job done as well.
Seasonings – A dash of cinnamon gives this cake extra flavor and a heavenly aroma! Swap it for apple pie spice if you have it to really “take the cake!”
Add-ins – Mix in any of the following: dried cranberries, currants, raisins, mini chocolate chips, or butterscotch chips.
Glaze – Even though apple cake shines on its own, this brown sugar glaze is extra thick and rich because it’s made with butter and heavy cream. In a pinch, make a simple glaze with some milk whisked into powdered sugar until the consistency is just right.
How to Make Apple Bundt Cake
- Prepare cream cheese filling (as per the recipe below) and set aside.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients in separate bowls, and then combine. Fold in apples, carrots, and nuts.
- Layer half the batter in the bottom of a bundt pan, followed by cream cheese filling and the rest of the batter.
- Bake, cool, and top with a brown sugar glaze.
How to Store Apple Bundt Cake
- Keep leftover apple bundt cake in the refrigerator (because of the dairy ingredients) for up to 4 days.
- Serve chilled or let it come to room temperature.
- Freeze slices wrapped in plastic wrap and a zippered bag for up to 2 months.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
Did you enjoy this Apple Bundt Cake Recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Apple Bundt Cake
Equipment
Ingredients
Cake
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large eggs room temperature
- 2 cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2 teaspoons apple pie spice or ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 2 cups apples chopped and peeled
- 2 cups shredded carrot or zucchiini shredded
- ½ cup pecans or walnuts, chopped
Cream Cheese Layer
- 1 package cream cheese 8 oz, softened
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 egg
Glaze
- ⅓ cup brown sugar packed
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 10″ bundt pan with cake release (below) or grease and flour well.
- Beat cream cheese and sugar with a hand mixer until fluffy. Add egg and combine until smooth. Set aside.
Cake
- Combine flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
- In a separate bowl, whisk sugar, oil, and eggs. Add the flour mixture a little at a time, stirring to combine.
- Fold in apples, carrots, and walnuts.
- Pour half of the batter into the greased pan. Gently spoon the cream cheese mixture over the batter keeping it in the center. Top with remaining carrot apple batter.
- Bake 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool 15 minutes in the pan, gently loosen the edges, and invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Glaze
- Bring brown sugar, butter, and cream to a boil over medium high heat. Allow to boil 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Whisk in powdered sugar and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle over cake while warm.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Dessert
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
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Apple cake very slightly adapted from Never Miss Apple Cake
This was delicious. it had great texture. The glaze topped this cake beautifully. Word of caution- don’t make the cream cheese filling too far in advance as it looses its firmness and will not be easy to dollop in the center of the batter.
Everybody really enjoyed this cake and asked for the recipe! Next time I’m going to add raisins.
So glad everyone loved it Julie!
Can I use a springform cake pan for this?
I haven’t tried it but I don’t see why not.
How big is the cup you’re using for measuring the ingredients out, I normally go with weighing scales so not used to using a cup, sorry if this is a stupid question thanks.
We use an 8 ounce cup. Hope that helps Teresa, thank you for asking for clarification :)
Can this apple cake be made without the cream cheese?
I’ve only tried this recipe as written Deb. Let us know if you try it!
Do you combine the powdered sugar mixture with the Brown Sugar/Heavy Cream mixture?
You whisk the powdered sugar and vanilla into the brown sugar/ heavy cream mixture to make a glaze. Hope that helps, Jo!
This is the best cake ever! Every time I make it it turns out perfect! It has become my signature cake. (Sorry Holly:)…) instead of 1 cup of oil I use 1 cup of butter Crisco. It is so moist and buttery. I’m from Savannah so I love my butter!!!
:D Love that this has become your go to cake! We love it too!
Is the batter supposed to be thick? If not can you give me some pointers on how to fix it?
So many things I love about this cake. The cream cheese filling, that it’s an oil rather than butter based cake which makes it moister and negates the need for dragging out the mixer :)
I have NEVER ever ever had anything stick to a Bundt pan or any pan actually with Pam For Baking, their floured cooking spray. I also spray it ridic thick but you know I make some crazy caramely, chocolaty, hot mess type of things…never sticks. But I am super intrigued about your homemade grease!
OMGosh, I have never tried Pam for Baking but I’m definitely going to add it to my grocery list! If anyone knows baking, it’s you and your amazing cookies!!