Nothing is quite as comforting as warm apples spiced with cinnamon and sugar; such never goes out of style or season. So enjoy life's small pleasures and savor a slice of this Apple Cinnamon Bundt drizzled in white chocolate.
"Enjoy the little things in life, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." - Robert Brault
These words speak to me. Perhaps it is because I have seen how quickly life can change. How something we have grown accustomed to - something we have taken for granted, can be gone the next day without a trace remaining.
Those experiences have taught to me to savor and delight in life's small pleasures.
Take for instance this cake.
There is something satisfying about having cake in the early morning hours, when the world outside is quiet and still; served alongside a fresh cup of coffee and shared with someone you love, over girl talk.
I believe each morning that begins this way is destined to be a good day. If only we could allow ourselves such indulgences more often.
Ingredients Checklist - Everything You'll Need
This recipe truly is in the running for being my favorite cake of the season. It has a tender crumb, a moist interior, and goes great with a simple cup of coffee – or a not so simple cup of coffee.
Do note, that this moist cake pairs deliciously with a variety of toppings, whether a simple glaze such as a white chocolate ganache, or a cream cheese frosting, homemade ice cream, or a cream cheese glaze. In that regard, this is the perfect cake to get creative with during the autumn and winter season.
For the cake batter:
- 3 Apples
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well.
- Leave the peel on for added texture and flavor.
- ¼ cup Raisins
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Golden raisins or regular dark raisins both work excellently in this recipe.
- If not a fan of raisins, consider substituting with dried cranberries or omitting entirely.
- 1½ tsp. Ground Cinnamon
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon to suit personal taste preferences.
- Fresh grated cinnamon for best results.
- 2½ cups All-Purpose Flour
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Whole wheat pastry flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour can be substituted for traditional flour.
- 3/4 tsp. Baking Powder
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Ensure the baking powder is fresh for optimal rising of the cake.
- 1 tsp. Baking Soda
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Check the expiration date to guarantee proper leavening.
- ½ tsp. Salt
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Use kosher or sea salt to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- 4 tbs. Butter, softened
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Consider using unsalted butter for better control over the cake's salt content.
- 4 oz. Apple Sauce
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Choose unsweetened apple sauce to manage the overall sweetness of the cake.
- 1½ cups Sugar
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Light or dark brown sugar can be used for a slightly different flavor profile.
- 2 Eggs
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Room temperature eggs are preferable for optimal incorporation into the batter.
- 1½ cups Sour Cream
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- For a healthier alternative, consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- 1 tsp. Vanilla
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Pure vanilla extract offers the best flavor.
Topping:
- 3 tsp. Sugar
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Adjust the quantity of sugar based on personal sweetness preferences.
- 1 tsp. Cinnamon
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- For a twist, consider using a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger alongside or in place of cinnamon.
- 4 oz. White Chocolate, melted
- Notes, Tips, and Substitutions:
- Consider using dark or milk chocolate for a different flavor profile.
- Drizzle the chocolate lightly for a decorative touch without overpowering the cake.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Bundt
- Preparation of Bundt Pan: Before starting, ensure the bundt pan is thoroughly greased to prevent the cinnamon swirl bundt cake from sticking. Generously grease the pan with either soft butter or cook spray, and then dust it lightly with flour and cinnamon sugar, so the cake releases easily after baking.
- Apple and Raisin Preparation: Toss the diced apples with cinnamon for added flavor and to prevent discoloration. Soaking the raisins in warm water (or a liqueur such amaretto or rum) for a few minutes will plump them up before adding to the batter.
- Room Temperature Ingredients: I’ve covered this before but it is worth repeating that using cold ingredients can result in uneven mixing, and uneven cooking times. Yes, this applies to ‘all’ of the ingredients listed in the recipe card, both the wet and dry ingredients.
- Proper Mixing: When combining the flour mixture with the wet ingredients, ensure not to overmix the batter. Overmixing can lead to a tough or dense cake. Gently fold in the apples and raisins for an even distribution throughout the batter.
- Layering the Ingredients: Layer the cake batter and apple cinnamon filling alternately in the prepared bundt pan. Start with a layer of batter, add a portion of the apple and cinnamon mixture, then cover it with more batter.
- Baking Time: If you must, use an oven thermometer. The suggested baking time is a guideline. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or a cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter clinging to it, the cake is ready.
- Cooling Process: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven. Then carefully invert the baked cake onto a wire rack or cooling rack to cool completely (room temperature) before drizzling with a cinnamon glaze, white chocolate or any other topping. Remember that the cake will continue to bake for a little bit after being removed from the oven. You want to let the cake cool until it is room temperature.
- Topping Application: Drizzle the white chocolate over the cooled cake in a zigzag pattern. You can do this using a spoon or by pouring the melted chocolate into a small piping bag or ziplock bag with a tiny hole cut in the corner.
- Storage: Once cooled and served, store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4-5 days, or refrigerate for an extended shelf life. You might also consider wrapping it in plastic wrap before placing it in the container to help maintain its structure and moisture.
Apple Cinnamon Bundt | #BundtBakers
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 1x
Ingredients
- 3 apples - peeled and diced
- 1/4 cup raisins - chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 2 1/2 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. baking soda
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 4 tbs. butter - softened
- 4 oz. apple sauce
- 1 1/2 cup sugar
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 tsp. vanilla
Topping:
- 3 tsp. sugar
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 4 oz. white chocolate, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven 350 degrees F.
- Generously butter a bundt pan.
- Place diced apples in a bowl. Add the teaspoon of cinnamon and toss.
- In a large bowl combine the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and toss.
- In a separate bowl combine the sugar, vanilla, apple sauce, sour cream, butter and eggs; beat with an electric mixer until combined well.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix. Stir in the apples.
- Place the batter in the prepared bundt pan and top with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Bake for 45 – 50 minutes or until toothpick test comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool then remove from pan.
- Gently melt the chocolate when ready to drizzle over the cake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
And those are my tips for achieving the perfect Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake every time. Also check out this wonderful and informative article on the benefits of cinnamon!
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Enjoy with Love!
3
Angie@Angie's Recipes says
Apple and cinnamon...a classic combo, Catherine. The bundt cake looks beautiful and very inviting!
Chiara says
a slice of this delicious cake right now ! Have a good day my dear girls, xoxo
rocio-kidsandchic says
Delious bundt !! I love apple with cinnamon but with these topping is perfect .
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
There is so much I adore about this post, Catherine. Not only is this bundt cake filled with warm apples spiced with cinnamon and sugar stunning, but I love your take on the little things! Yes, life can change in a second so cheers to never taking the little things for granted! xo
Shashi @ RunninSrilankan says
There is so much I adore about this post, Catherine. Not only is this bundt cake filled with warm apples spiced with cinnamon and sugar stunning, but I love your take on the little things! Yes, life can change in a second so cheers to never taking the little things for granted. XO
Marye says
This sounds amazing, I love apple and cinnamon together!
allie @ Through Her Looking Glass says
What a gorgeous bundt cake, so pretty, and I know with the apples inside it is also moist! Mmmmm, perfect with a cup of tea. I am also a cinnamon lover!!! Wish we could share a slice together. XO
Wendy Klik says
Apple cake is one of my favorites. This looks so good!
Summer says
This cake looks incredible! And your photography is beyond beautiful ♥
summerdaisy.net
Marcie says
I love bundt cakes, and you're right -- apples and cinnamon never go out of season or style. The smell of apples baking is one of the very best, and your house must have smelled so good while this baked. This cake looks delicious!
Rebekah @ Making Miracles says
It looks and sounds wonderful!!
Megan Keno says
This sounds so amazing! I love the glaze topping. I might just have to double that topping recipe when I try to make this!
Mondo | I bake he shoots says
oh my goodness, I love that quote so much. not gonna lie I got a little weepy. by the by your bundt looks divine. i can see why you baked it twice. #Bundtbakers
Colleen says
I love the idea of white chocolate on top of cinnamon!
Sue Lau says
I love apple tea loaf so this naturally sounds perfect for me!
Big Daddy Dave says
Catherine and Tammy, I LOVE apple cinnamon Bundt cake! A little half and half over it and I'm in pig heaven... Take Care, Big Daddy Dave
Tux | Brooklyn Homemaker says
baked apples and cinnamon? Yes please!
Your cake looks sooo delicious and moist, and your photos are just stunning! Well done!
June @ How to Philosophize with Cake says
This does look like a lovely brunchtime cake! Apple + cinnamon is such a classic flavor, I love it 🙂
Laura@ Baking in Pyjamas says
I agree, life can change ever so quickly so I make sure to take out time to do the little things with our loves ones and enjoy every second of the time you have together. I'd love enjoy a slice of this delicious cake Tammy, It sound absolutely divine and perfect for a breakfast indulgence.
Christiane Potts says
I agree with your comment about cinnamon; it's such a warm, wonderful spice. We think alike as well, since I also made an apple cinnamon bundt this month. I think the combination is perfect; as is your cake!
Teri@The Freshman Cook says
What a beautiful cake!
Lara Tartacadabra says
Always a winner apple and cinnamon and one of my favorites too! Your Bundt looks spectacular! And thanks Catherine for putting these beautiful words in your post 🙂 See you again next month!
Amanda | The Cinnamon Scrolls says
I love apple cinnamon! This sounds delicious! And I like how you used sour cream in the batter -- I love using sour cream in cakes! Yum!
Kathia Rodriguez says
Looks very delicious
Felice says
Such beautiful photos of a stunning cake. Sometimes we all need to take a moment to get away and just enjoy a piece of cake, it is the little things that count and the things that memories are made of. This would be my perfect idea of an ideal moment - a cup of coffee, a slice of apple cinnamon bundt cake, and a good friend to chat with.
Lauren @ Sew You Think You Can Cook says
Thank you for your sweet words and for sharing a beautiful bundt cake with me!
Beth says
This is one delicious cake! I love the apple cinnamon flavor and the glaze. It's like a bite of fall with every forkful!
Ben says
Aww, yeah. I need that apple cinnamon goodness in my life, and I shall have it! This cake looks easy, which is perfect for me.
Stephanie says
Apples and cinnamon all baked up in a perfect Bundt cake! This is the perfect dessert for Thanksgiving - or anytime.
Yeah Lifestyle says
I always think that bundt cakes look very appealing to eat. You can't go wrong with apple and cinnamon.
Marie Cris Angeles says
This looks so soft and delicious. I cant wait to try this recipe, we love baking so much!
Rhian Scammell says
Apple cinnamon is such a nice combo, I absolutely love them together but I've never used them in my own baking. This is such a great Autumn bake x
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
These words resonate deeply. Life's unpredictability has shown how the familiar can vanish in an instant. It's a powerful reminder to relish and find joy in life's small, often overlooked pleasures. In a world that moves swiftly, appreciating these moments becomes a source of profound fulfillment. Here's to cherishing the little joys that make life truly rich.
Lavanda Michelle says
Now this looks delicious! I'll definitely have to try.
Karen says
I am literally drooling! Your recipe is very clear and easy to follow! I am baking it tomorrow and I can't be more excited about it....Thank you so so much...Apple cinnamon...omg...I am excited lol...
Celebrate Woman Today says
In my opinion, a bundt cake adds to the beauty of any celebration. Be it just a simple cake, without any elaborate decoration, or a fully-decorated Bundt, this dessert brings us all together.
Jupiter Hadley says
Oh wow - I struggle so much with bundt cakes - but this recipe seems really easy to follow. Thank you for sharing!
Samantha Donnelly says
I do love apple andd cinamon and do love cake all three together is perrfect I do have these ingredients in
Kat says
The way you weave in family memories and the comforting aroma of apple and cinnamon adds a personal touch that makes baking feel like a warm hug.
Jenny says
I love the look of this Apple Cinnamon Bundt Cake, especially with the white chocolate drizzle.
Hari says
I absolutely love bundt cakes and the addition of apple and cinnamon makes the recipe super delish. Will try it this weekend.