The Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake

This Apple Pie Bundt Cake is a cozy, fall-inspired dessert that tastes just like warm apple pie baked into a soft, buttery cake. Each bite is bursting with tender cinnamon-spiced apples, rich brown sugar, and buttery vanilla flavor—topped with a caramelized apple pie topping that melts right into the cake. Made with simple pantry ingredients and baked to golden perfection, this easy bundt cake is the ultimate comfort dessert for any season. Serve it warm with vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel, or a dusting of powdered sugar for a slice of pure, homemade happiness. Dairy-free, Vegan, Gluten-free, + Make Ahead option.

Listen---when it comes to this bundt cake, I am SO obsessed! Nothing says Fall more than a thick slice of this fluffy, soft Apple Pie Bundt Cake that's full of warming spices along with a few scoops of ice cream and a drizzle of caramel. Whew! I've been learning to completely master bundt cakes lately and I must say that this one truly take the cake. Haha. And since apple pie anything is our all-time favorite dessert during this time of year, I thought, why not re-create this delicious nostalgic flavor into a bundt cake form like I did my Apple Cinnamon Olive Oil Cake. So, now you have this cake with an upside down kind of topping, which I tried to make with a Southern vibe. It's seriously something that the entire family will enjoy!

Whether it's my go-to classic Olive Oil Cake or my Best Southern Salted Caramel Cake or this delicious Strawberry Shortcake Bundt Cake, I've become obsessed with baking cakes in all shapes and sizes. You'll definitely want to try this drool-worthy Lemon Blueberry Olive Oil Cake too! Seriously, give it a whirl, and thank me later. If you're a lover of cake, then our Best Cake Flavors for Any Occasion list is one to check out!

Overall, this apple pie bundt cake is just the right amount of sweetness, fluffiness, softness and includes a beautiful marriage of apple pie spices + buttery flavors, and is altogether easy to make—using simple ingredients. It’s a win, win situation—believe me! And It's not just delicious but also completely packable! So, if you're on the hunt for a delicious baked treat that can keep up with your on-the-go lifestyle, look no further!

What Exactly Is a Bundt Cake?

A bundt cake is a special kind of cake that's baked in a round pan with a fancy fluted design. The pan's shape gives the cake a really cool and unique appearance, making it a great dessert for special occasions or when you want to impress your guests. Plus, bundt cakes are usually a bit denser and moister than regular cakes, so they're super satisfying and yummy.

Jump to:

• What Exactly Is a Bundt Cake?
• Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bundt Cake
• How to Make Apple Pie Bundt Cake
• Ingredients
• Best Apples to Use for Apple Pie Bundt Cake
• Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake
• How to Know If Your Baking Powder + Baking Soda Are Fresh
• Troubleshooting Tips for Bundt Cake
• Delicious Variations of Apple Pie Bundt Cake
• Storage + Serving Tips for Apple Pie Bundt Cake
• Common Q + A's for The Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake
• More Favorite Apple Recipes
• MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?
• The Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Bundt Cake

• All the flavors of apple pie—without the fuss. You get that classic cinnamon-spiced apple filling baked right into a soft, buttery cake.
• Moist + tender crumb. Almond milk and butter keep the texture rich, fluffy, and melt-in-your-mouth soft.
• Simple, cozy ingredients. Pantry staples like flour, sugar, and spice come together into something extraordinary.
• Beautiful + crowd-pleasing. The bundt shape makes it naturally elegant for holidays, gatherings, or Sunday baking.
• Perfectly spiced. Apple pie spice and vanilla add warmth and balance without overpowering the apples.
• Customizable. Try swapping in pears, adding nuts, or topping with caramel sauce or cream cheese glaze.
• Tastes like fall in every bite. Sweet, buttery, and full of nostalgia—it’s the ultimate comfort dessert.

How to Make Apple Pie Bundt Cake

Making this Apple Pie Bundt Cake is simple, cozy, and full of fall flavor. Start by creaming the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, then mix in the eggs, vanilla, apple pie spice, and almond milk. Add the dry ingredients and mix just until combined for a soft, tender batter.

In a skillet, sauté diced apples with butter, brown sugar, vanilla, and apple pie spice until golden and caramelized. Spoon the sautéed apples into the prepared bundt pan, then pour the cake batter on top.

Bake until golden and set, let it cool slightly, then invert and serve warm. The apples form a gooey, spiced topping that tastes just like classic apple pie—only easier and more elegant!

Ingredients

Bundt Cake

• Butter. The foundation of flavor and richness, giving this cake its moist, tender crumb. Substitutes: vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free.
• All-purpose flour. Creates structure and a soft, fluffy texture. Substitutes: 1:1 gluten-free flour blend or whole wheat pastry flour for a heartier version.
• Cane sugar. Sweetens the batter while keeping it light and tender. Substitutes: coconut sugar or organic brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
• Baking powder. Provides lift and helps the bundt cake rise beautifully. Substitutes: a mix of baking soda and cream of tartar (see notes for ratio).
• Apple pie spice. The star flavor! A cozy blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves that brings that nostalgic “apple pie” warmth. Substitutes: pumpkin pie spice or a homemade blend.
• Vanilla extract. Adds depth and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples. Substitutes: almond extract or maple extract for a twist.
• Eggs. Bind the ingredients and create a light, fluffy texture. Substitutes: flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoon water per egg) for a vegan option.
• Almond milk. Adds moisture and a hint of nutty flavor. Substitutes: whole milk, oat milk, or coconut milk depending on your preference.

Sautéed Apple Topping

• Apples. The heart of the recipe! Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture. Substitutes: pears for a lighter, floral twist.
• Butter. Helps the apples caramelize and adds richness. Substitutes: vegan butter or coconut oil for dairy-free.
• Brown sugar. Creates a rich, caramelized sauce that blends perfectly with the apples. Substitutes: coconut sugar or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option.
• Apple pie spice. Reinforces that warm, cozy apple pie flavor throughout.
• Vanilla extract. Adds a smooth sweetness and enhances the caramel notes of the brown sugar.

SHOP MY FAVORITE TOOLS FOR BAKING, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS BUNDT CAKE!

Here, I’ve curated a list of baking + cooking essentials that I use to achieve my favorite dishes, especially with this Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake recipe. Everything from my fave bundt pan, wooden spoons, parchment paper, and more. SEE THEM HERE!

Best Apples to Use for Apple Pie Bundt Cake

The secret to the perfect Apple Pie Bundt Cake lies in choosing the right apples. The best apples for baking hold their shape, balance sweetness with tartness, and develop a rich, caramelized flavor as they cook. Here are some of the top choices:

Honeycrisp

Sweet, juicy, and firm—Honeycrisp apples hold up beautifully in the oven and add that signature apple pie flavor.

Gala

Naturally sweet and mild, Gala apples soften perfectly while baking and blend seamlessly into the cake batter.

Granny Smith

Tart, crisp, and bold—Granny Smith apples bring balance to the sweetness of the brown sugar and spice, adding that perfect apple-pie tang.

Fuji

Firm and extra sweet, Fuji apples caramelize easily and give your cake a slightly syrupy richness once baked.

Pink Lady (Cripps Pink)

Balanced with a hint of floral tartness, Pink Lady apples add complexity and aroma to both the sautéed topping and the batter.

Braeburn or Jonagold

Excellent all-around apples for baking—both have a firm texture and that classic sweet-tart apple flavor that shines in any dessert.

For the best texture and flavor, combine two types of apples—one tart (like Granny Smith) and one sweet (like Honeycrisp or Fuji). This creates the perfect depth of flavor that makes your bundt cake taste like a true apple pie.

Tips for the Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake

• Use the right apples: Choose firm, crisp apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. They hold their shape while baking and add the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Room temperature ingredients matter: Butter, eggs, and milk blend more smoothly and create a uniform, velvety batter when they’re at room temperature.
• Cream the butter and sugar properly: Beat until light and fluffy—this step adds air and ensures a soft, tender crumb.
• Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until combined to keep the cake light and prevent it from turning dense.
• Grease the bundt pan well: Use butter or nonstick spray with flour to make sure the cake releases cleanly and beautifully.
• Add apples at the right time: Cook the apples just until tender, not mushy. Overcooked apples can release too much moisture and affect the cake’s texture.
• Check for doneness early: Every oven runs differently; start checking with a toothpick about 5–10 minutes before the timer ends.
• Cool completely before removing: Let the cake rest at least 15–20 minutes in the pan before turning it out. This helps it firm up and release easily.
• Enhance the flavor: Drizzle the finished cake with salted caramel sauce, dust with powdered sugar, or top with whipped cream for a bakery-style finish.
• Store it right: Keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.

For the most tender bundt cake, don’t skip the sautéed apple topping—it caramelizes into the batter as it bakes, giving every bite that gooey apple pie magic.

How to Know If Your Baking Powder + Baking Soda Are Fresh

Baking is such a science, but more importantly, certain ingredients like your leaveners (aka baking powder + baking soda) are completely fresh so that your bundt cake (and other baked goods) fully rises and bakes through nicely.

In case you weren't aware, it's easy to double-check both the baking powder and baking soda. Here's what you need:

BAKING SODA HACK:

-Add 1 teaspoon baking soda with ¼ cup vinegar or lemon juice in a bowl and if it's fresh, the mixture should "bubble/fizz". If no bubble/fizz is present, then your baking soda needs to be replaced.

BAKING POWDER: 

-Add 1 teaspoon baking powder with ¼ cup Hot tap water in a bowl and if it's fresh, the mixture should "bubble/fizz". If no bubble/fizz is present, then your baking powder needs to be replaced.

Troubleshooting Tips for Bundt Cake

Why did my bundt cake stick to the pan?
Bundt pans have lots of curves, so proper greasing is key. Always coat every corner with butter or non-stick baking spray, then dust with flour or sugar. Let the cake cool for 10–15 minutes before flipping—too soon and it may break apart, too late and it can stick.

Why is my bundt cake dry?
Over-baking is the most common culprit. Check for doneness a few minutes before the suggested bake time. A skewer should come out with a few moist crumbs, not wet batter. Also, measure flour accurately using the spoon-and-level method to avoid a dense, dry cake.

Why did my bundt cake sink in the middle?
This usually happens if the cake was underbaked or the oven door was opened too early. Always preheat your oven fully, avoid peeking while baking, and make sure your baking powder is fresh for proper lift.

Why is my bundt cake dense or gummy?
Over-mixing the batter can overdevelop the gluten, making the cake tough. Mix just until the ingredients are combined. Also, make sure your butter and cream cheese are softened properly for a smooth batter.

Why didn’t my bundt cake rise?
Expired baking powder or cold ingredients can affect rise. Check that your leavening agents are fresh and always bake with room-temperature ingredients for the best lift.

Delicious Variations of Apple Pie Bundt Cake

One of the best things about this Apple Pie Bundt Cake is how versatile it is. You can dress it up for the holidays, simplify it for weekday baking, or customize it with your favorite seasonal flavors. Here are some irresistible ways to make it your own:

Caramel Apple Bundt Cake: Drizzle the finished cake with warm salted caramel sauce for the ultimate indulgent dessert. Add chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Cake: Layer half the batter, add a swirl of cinnamon sugar or apple butter, then top with the rest of the batter before baking. It creates a beautiful marbled pattern and extra spice flavor.

Cream Cheese Glazed Apple Cake: Top with a homemade cream cheese glaze for a bakery-style finish. The tangy sweetness pairs perfectly with the spiced apple base.

Apple Crumble Bundt Cake: Sprinkle a quick brown sugar-oat crumble on top before baking for a cozy, pie-meets-cake vibe with a little crunch.

Apple Pecan Bundt Cake: Fold chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added texture and nutty richness—perfect for fall gatherings or Thanksgiving dessert.

Apple + Pear Spice Cake: Swap half of the apples for diced ripe pears for a softer, floral sweetness that still tastes warm and comforting.

Apple Maple Glazed Cake: Make a simple maple glaze with powdered sugar, maple syrup, and milk, then drizzle it over the cooled cake for a sweet, buttery finish.

Storage + Serving Tips for Apple Pie Bundt Cake

This Apple Pie Bundt Cake stays incredibly moist and flavorful for days—making it perfect for make-ahead desserts, holidays, or cozy weeknight treats. Here’s how to store and serve it like a pro:

Storage Tips

• Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 days. Keep it in a cool, dry spot to maintain its tender crumb.
• Refrigeration: If your kitchen runs warm or the cake is glazed, refrigerate for up to 5–6 days. Bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or on the counter before serving.

Reheating Tips

• Microwave: Warm individual slices for 10–15 seconds to soften and bring out the buttery aroma.
• Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 8–10 minutes for that just-baked freshness.
• Pro Tip: Add a pat of butter or a drizzle of caramel before reheating for extra decadence.

Serving Ideas

• Top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a salted caramel drizzle for a show-stopping dessert.
• Dust with powdered sugar for an elegant, minimalist look.
• Serve warm with a mug of spiced chai, hot coffee, or apple cider for the ultimate cozy fall pairing.

This cake gets even better on day two—the spices deepen, the apples soften slightly, and the flavor becomes richer and more nostalgic.

Common Q + A's for The Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake

More Favorite Apple Recipes

If you thoroughly enjoyed this Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake recipe, don't forget to add these delicious creations to your "must-make" list:

• Homemade Apple Juice
• Apple Cider Cake with Cinnamon Maple Buttercream
• Apple Cheddar Sweet Potato Soup
• Caramel Apple Pear Crisp
• Caramel Apple Cheesecake
• Salted Caramel Apple Crisp
• McDonald's Copycat Apple Pie
• Hot Honey Apple Cheddar Bacon Grilled Cheese
• Apple Crisp Oatmilk Latte
• Healthy Apple Crumble Oatmeal Bowl
• Sticky Maple Apple Chicken Wings
• Cozy Apple Recipes You Need This Fall

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried my Best Apple Pie Bundt Cake or any other recipe on my website, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag me @shanikagrahamwhite on Instagram. I love hearing from you!

Love this Post? SHARE!