Desserts · 4 min read
Apple Spice Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Moist apple bundt cake with warm spices, raisins, and walnuts topped with creamy frosting. Perfect fall dessert using fresh apples.
★ 5.0 (9)
This apple spice bundt cake with cream cheese frosting is the kind of dessert that fills the kitchen with the scent of cinnamon and nutmeg. The batter comes together quickly, and the fresh apples melt into the crumb as it bakes, keeping the cake moist for days. Raisins add little chewy pockets, and walnuts give a pleasant crunch. The tangy cream cheese frosting balances the warm spices, making each slice taste like a cozy fall afternoon.
Why This Easy Bundt Cake Is a Fall Favorite
- The fresh apples release moisture as the cake bakes, giving you a tender, moist crumb that doesn't dry out.
- The cream cheese frosting is thick, tangy, and easy to spread, and it pairs well with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- You can mix the batter by hand or with a mixer, and the whole process takes about 15 minutes of active time.
Key Ingredients for This Apple Spice Cake
- Apples: Use firm, sweet varieties like Red or Yellow Delicious. They hold their shape and add moisture without making the batter watery. Granny Smith works if you prefer a tart contrast, but you may need to add a little extra sugar.
- Cream cheese: Full-fat cream cheese is essential for a thick, stable frosting. Low-fat versions contain more water and can make the frosting runny. Let it come to room temperature before mixing.
- Walnuts: Toasting the walnuts before adding them brings out their nutty flavor. You can substitute pecans or leave them out for a nut-free cake.
Kitchen Tools for This Easy Bundt Cake
- A 10 to 12 cup bundt pan for the cake to rise and bake evenly.
- An electric mixer (hand or stand) to cream the butter and sugar and beat the frosting.
- A sifter or fine-mesh strainer to sift the flour and spices together.
- A wire cooling rack to let the cake cool completely before frosting.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Spice Bundt Cake
- Use firm, sweet apples like Red or Yellow Delicious. They hold their shape during baking and add natural sweetness without turning mushy.
- Don't overmix the batter once you add the flour. Stir just until the flour disappears, then fold in the apples, raisins, and nuts gently.
- Grease the bundt pan thoroughly, getting into every crevice, and dust with flour. This is the best way to ensure the cake releases cleanly.
- Check the cake at 55 minutes. Ovens vary, and you want a toothpick to come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.
Expert Tips for a Flavorful Spiced Cake
- Sift the flour, baking soda, salt, and spices together to distribute the leavener and spices evenly. This prevents pockets of baking soda and ensures a uniform crumb.
- Cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes. This incorporates air, which helps the cake rise and gives it a tender texture.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for exactly 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack. If you wait too long, the cake can stick; if you rush, it may break apart.
- For the frosting, use full-fat cream cheese at room temperature. Cold cream cheese creates lumps that are hard to smooth out.
Apple Spice Cake Variations to Try
- Swap the raisins for dried cranberries or chopped dates for a different texture.
- Use pecans instead of walnuts, or leave the nuts out entirely for a nut-free version.
- Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or allspice to the flour mixture for a deeper spice profile.
- Make it dairy-free by using plant-based butter and cream cheese. The cake will still be moist, and the frosting will set up fine.
Serving Suggestions for Apple Spice Cake
- Top each slice with a few extra toasted walnuts for crunch.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
- Pair with a cup of hot coffee, spiced tea, or a glass of cold milk.
How to Store Leftover Apple Spice Bundt Cake
Once the cake is frosted, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The cream cheese frosting needs to stay chilled, and the cake will keep for up to 4 days. Let slices sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving to take the chill off and let the flavors come through.
Can You Freeze This Apple Bundt Cake?
Yes, you can freeze this cake, but it's best to freeze it unfrosted. Wrap the completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature and frost as directed. If you freeze a frosted cake, the frosting may become slightly grainy when thawed, so it's better to add the frosting after thawing.
Best Ways to Reheat Apple Spice Cake
This cake is delicious at room temperature, but if you want a warm slice, microwave it for 10 to 15 seconds. The frosting will soften, so you might prefer to reheat an unfrosted slice and add frosting after. Alternatively, warm unfrosted slices in a 300°F oven for 5 to 8 minutes. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cake can dry out.
Source recipe: Apple Spice Bundt Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting (SnapChef ID bf51f978-e060-4415-a0b0-955e7f30f1c4). Nutrition is estimated per serving.
Ingredients
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees.
- Lightly grease and flour a large bundt pan.
- Cream butter, sugar, and eggs in a large bowl.
- Sift flour with baking soda, salt, cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Add flour mixture to creamed mixture. Mix until just combined.
- Stir in apples, raisins, and nuts.
- Pour the batter into the greased and lightly floured large bundt pan.
- Bake at 325 degrees oven for 1 hour.
- Remove the cake from the oven
- Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Remove the cake from the pan to a wire rack.
- Cool the cake to room temperature before drizzling it with icing.
- Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and mix with a mixer until smooth.
- Spread the frosting over the cake. Sprinkle lightly toasted chopped walnuts on top if desired.
Tap a step number to check it off as you cook.
Nutrition Facts per serving · estimated
Amount per serving
% Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet (FDA).
Good to know
Questions, answered
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes, you can use Granny Smith for a tarter flavor, but you may want to add a tablespoon or two of extra sugar. Firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji also work well. Avoid soft varieties like McIntosh, which can turn mushy.
How do I know when the cake is done?
The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Start checking at 55 minutes, since ovens vary. The top should be golden brown and the cake should pull away slightly from the sides of the pan.
Can I omit the raisins or walnuts?
Absolutely. The cake will still be moist and flavorful. If you omit the nuts, you might want to add a little more apple or a handful of chocolate chips for texture. If you omit the raisins, consider adding dried cranberries or chopped dates.
Why does the cake need to cool completely before frosting?
If the cake is still warm, the cream cheese frosting will melt and slide off. Cooling to room temperature ensures the frosting stays thick and spreadable. It also gives the cake time to set, so slices hold their shape.
