Making a Maple Glazed Apple Bundt Cake is easier than you might think, and the result is a stunning, delicious treat perfect for any occasion. This recipe walks you through each step, ensuring you create a moist and flavorful cake with a beautiful maple glaze that will impress your family and friends.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Maple Glazed Apple Bundt Cake is more than just a pretty dessert; it's packed with warm, comforting flavors. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup creates a delightful aroma and taste that's perfect for fall or any time you crave a cozy treat. What sets this bundt cake apart is its moist texture and the rich, glossy maple glaze that adds a touch of elegance. It's also surprisingly easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward steps. This cake is sure to become a family favorite, and its beautiful presentation makes it ideal for gatherings and celebrations.
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly. This step is crucial to prevent the cake from sticking. Make sure you get into all the nooks and crannies of the pan.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract. Make sure each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next.
5. Alternate Adding Dry and Wet Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; overmixing can result in a tough cake.
6. Fold in Apples:
Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Pour into Bundt Pan:
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread evenly.
8. Bake the Cake:
Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown.
9. Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Prepare the Maple Glaze:
While the cake is cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach your desired consistency.
11. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This Maple Glazed Apple Bundt Cake is delicious on its own, but it can also be paired with other treats to enhance the experience. Consider serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of indulgence. A warm cup of coffee or tea also complements the cake's flavors beautifully, making it a perfect treat for an afternoon gathering.
For presentation, you can add a sprinkle of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, over the glaze for added texture and visual appeal. You can also garnish with apple slices or a dusting of powdered sugar.
This cake is ideal for various occasions, including Thanksgiving, Christmas, potlucks, or even a simple family gathering. Its elegant appearance and delicious taste make it a crowd-pleaser.
Storage and Reheating
To store your Maple Glazed Apple Bundt Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
If you refrigerate the cake, bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
To reheat individual slices, you can microwave them for 10-15 seconds or warm them in a toaster oven at a low setting. This will help to bring out the flavors and make the cake feel freshly baked.
Key Details
- Prep time: 20 minutes
- Cook time: 55-65 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes – 1 hour 25 minutes
- Servings: 12-16 slices
Required Equipment:
- 10-inch bundt pan
- Electric mixer
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wire rack
Maple Glazed Apple Bundt Cake
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup 2 sticks unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- For the Maple Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan thoroughly.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 55-65 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the maple glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the maple glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.