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    Home » Recipes » Ingredient » Apple

    Apple Spiced Bundt Cake

    Published: Aug 29, 2022 by Ang Paris · 3 Comments
    This post may contain affiliate links·

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    Deliciously moist Apple Spice Cake is topped with smooth creamy homemade salted caramel bourbon sauce and toasted pecans for the most amazing cake!
    Jump to Recipe Add to Favorites Go to Collections Print Recipe
    Our amazingly moist Apple Spice Cake Recipe is smothered in homemade salted caramel bourbon sauce and toasted pecans for an out-of-this-world Fall dessert! via @jugglingactmama

    Our amazingly moist Apple Spiced Bundt Cake Recipe is smothered in homemade salted caramel bourbon sauce and toasted pecans for an out-of-this-world Fall dessert! This apple bourbon bundt cake is definitely on our top 30+ Best Apple Recipes for Fall.

    Jump to:
    • 💭 Frequently Asked Questions
    • 🧂 Ingredients
    • 🔪Instructions
    • Equipment
    • 📖 Variations
    • ⏲️ Storage
    • 😋 Similar Recipes
    • 📋 Apple Spiced Bundt Cake
    • Apple Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Bourbon Sauce
    • 📖 Variations
    • ⏲️ Storage
    • 💬 Comments

    Forget pumpkin spice - one bite of this rich and moist apple spice cake drizzled with a salted caramel sauce and you'll fall in love.

    In a word - amazingly delicious... ok, so that was two words. But this cake is so amazing that it needs the extra adjective to describe it!

    You know the old song, "It's My Party and I'll Cry if I Want to?" Well, it's my birthday and I'll bake what I want. I know you're used to a lot of kid-friendly recipes here, but this one is adult-only. We moms need to treat ourselves, right?

    A slice of apple spice cake topped with pecans and salted caramel a white plate next to a bundt cake.
    - PIN FOR LATER -

    💭 Frequently Asked Questions

    Here are some questions (and answers!) readers often ask about this recipe.

    What kind of apples are good for apple cake?

    I like to use a combination of Golden Delicious and Pink Lady or Honeycrisp apples for a variety of flavors and textures in my cake.

    Can I make a bundt cake in a regular pan?

    If you don't have a bundt cake pan, you can use a deep round cake pan. Use a ramekin in the center to create the hole. Alternatively, this cake can be baked in two loaf pans instead of a bundt pan.

    What kind of spices are in Apple Spice Bundt Cake?

    Cinnamon
    AllSpice
    Nutmeg
    Ginger
    Cardamom
    For the apple pie spice mix, I use my homemade blend.  It's so much less expensive than the store-bought variety. You can get the recipe here.

    What kind of bourbon should I use?

    I used a yellow bourbon that pairs really well with the apple and warm spice flavors in the cake. It adds moisture and depth of flavor to what could be just an ordinary apple spice cake recipe.

    What can I use instead of bourbon?

    Certainly, if you were making this for children or someone that doesn't drink alcohol, you could use an apple cider in place of the bourbon. It changes the flavor, of course.

    Do you flip a bundt cake over right away?

    If you allow the cake to cool in the bundt cake for too long, the cake will become damp and stick to the pan.
    Instead, allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a baking rack to cool completely.

    Why does my cake stick to the bundt cake?

    Be sure to thoroughly grease your bundt pan. Instead of butter, use non-stick vegetable oil spray (such as PAM) or melted shortening.

    🧂 Ingredients

    In addition to standard pantry items like granulated sugar, flour, baking soda, baking powder, you will need the following ingredients:

    • Apples - I like to use a mixture of sweet and tart apples.
    • Sour Cream - Adds richness to the cake.
    • Bourbon - With notes of vanilla and caramel, this helps pump up the flavor.
    • Apple Sauce - Adds moisture to the cake. Use unsweetened for best results.
    • Pecans - For a crunchy element to go with the soft cake and smooth caramel.
    • Heavy Cream - An absolute must for making the caramel sauce.

    🔪Instructions

    This is meant to be a brief overview of the apple spiced bundt cake recipe. For step-by-step instructions and a full printable recipe card with ingredients, please scroll down to the teal box below or Jump to Recipe.

    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
    2. Butter and flour the bundt pan.
    3. Whisk the flour, 1-⅓ cup of the sugar, 1 teaspoon of the pie spice, baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
    4. Toss the apples with the remaining ¼ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon pie spice. Set aside.
    5. Whisk the eggs, oil, and applesauce together in another bowl.
    6. After that, whisk in the sour cream, orange zest and juice, and bourbon.
    7. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon just until combined - lumps are OK!
    8. Using a slotted spoon, scatter about ½ cup of the apples in the bottom of the bundt pan.
    9. Put about ⅓ of the batter on top.
    10. Repeat, alternating apples and batter, but make sure you end with batter.
    11. Bake the cake until it pulls away for the sides of the pan and a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
    12. Cool 10 minutes and then invert onto a rack placed over a baking sheet.

    Equipment

    The following are affiliate links. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

    Here is what you will need to make this apple recipe:

    • Vegetable Peeler
    • Paring Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Dry Measuring Cups
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Bundt Pan
    • saucepan

    Be sure to check out my Juggling Act Mama Storefront on Amazon where you'll find all kinds of great products to make your life easier!  Thanks so much for being a part of Juggling Act Mama ❤

    A spoon drizzles caramel sauce into a white dish.

    How to Make Caramel Sauce

    While the cake cools, make the caramel sauce:

    1. Stir the sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan.
    2. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, swirling the pan but not stirring, until the sugar is dark amber-colored caramel, about 15 minutes.
    3. Pull the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the cream (take care it will splatter).
    4. Stir in the pecans, the rest of the bourbon, and salt.
    5. Cool until caramel thickens and has the texture of syrup.
    6. Evenly pour over the cake and cool until set.

    Do you need to toast pecans?

    I strongly recommend that you toast the pecans to bring out their full flavor. If you cannot find toasted pecans in your grocery store, you can toast them yourself.

    Pecans in a wooden bowl.

    How to toast Pecans

    1. Preheat the oven to 375-degrees F.
    2. Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
    3. Bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes until you start to smell the pecans.
    4. Transfer the toasted pecans to a bowl so that they do not continue to cook.

    Toasted pecans should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will keep for 3-6 months in the freezer.

    📖 Variations

    We recommend that you try our recipe for the first time just as it is written for the best results, because that is how the recipe has been tested.

    However, the next time you make it, you might consider one of these different ways of making this great recipe.

    • If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can use an alcohol-free bourbon syrup or extract, or you can skip it and just use apple cider or apple juice. Or you can make my homemade caramel sauce and drizzle it on instead.
    • If you do not have any sour cream on hand, you can substitute 1 cup of yogurt.
    • Substitute walnuts for the pecans.

    If you love pumpkin spice, you could use this Pumpkin Bundt Cake recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod.  The caramel and bourbon work wonderful with the pumpkin flavor as well.

    ⏲️ Storage

    As this cake sits with the caramel on top, it will become more moist. I recommend storing this apple bourbon cake in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)

    Make ahead: To make this cake 1-2 days ahead of time without the caramel and pecans. Wrap it in two layers of plastic wrap and freeze the cake. Thaw in the fridge and add the caramel and pecans before serving.

    😋 Similar Recipes

    If you love apples and cinnamon, check out our Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler or Easy Toffee Apple Dip, Of course, you can't go wrong with Easy Apple Pie either!

    But if chocolate is your jam, try my Easy Chocolate Bundt Cake.

    • Apple Toffee Dip in a small bowl surrounded by pear and apple slices.
      Easy Toffee Apple Dip
    • Close up of Apple Danish drizzled with caramel.
      Apple Danish Recipe
    • Apple Carrot Bread
    • Apple Streusel Bread Recipe

    More Fall Recipes

    • Creamy Pumpkin Hot Cocoa
    • Salted Caramel Banana Bread
    • Pumpkin Cream Cheese Cinnamon Rolls

    📋 Apple Spiced Bundt Cake

    Not ready to make it yet? Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later! When you do make it, please be sure to tag me on Instagram @jugglingactmama or #jugglingactmama – I’d love to see your pictures! And finally, if you get a chance, please comment and leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below!

    Apple Spice Cake with Salted Caramel Bourbon Sauce

    Deliciously moist Apple Spice Cake is topped with smooth creamy homemade salted caramel bourbon sauce and toasted pecans for the most amazing cake!
    Add to Your Recipe BoxGo to Collections
    5 from 3 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Apple Spice Cake Recipe
    Cook Time: 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 362kcal
    Author: Ang Paris

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Equipment

    • Vegetable Peeler
    • Paring Knife
    • Cutting Board
    • Liquid Measuring Cup
    • Dry Measuring Cups
    • Measuring Spoons
    • Bundt Pan
    • saucepan

    Ingredients

    Cake

    • 3 cups all-purpose flour
    • 1-⅓ cups sugar plus additional ¼ cup for the apples
    • 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice blend
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ½ teaspoon baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon fine salt
    • 4 large Golden Delicious and Honeycrips apples peeled, cored, and roughly chopped (about 5 cups)
    • 3 large eggs
    • ¼ cup vegetable oil
    • ¼ cup apple sauce
    • ½ cup sour cream
    • Finely grated zest from 1 orange
    • Juice of 1 orange about ⅓ cup
    • 1 tablespoon bourbon

    Caramel Sauce

    • ½ cup sugar
    • 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
    • 2 tablespoons water
    • ½ cup heavy cream
    • ¾ cup pecans toasted and roughly chopped
    • ½ teaspoon bourbon
    • Pinch salt

    Instructions

    Apple Spice Cake

    • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Butter and flour the bundt pan.
    • Whisk the flour, 1 ⅓ cup of the sugar, 1 teaspoon of the pie spice, the baking powder, baking soda, and salt together in a large mixing bowl.
    • Toss the apples with the remaining ¼ cup sugar and ½ teaspoon pie spice. Set aside.
    • Whisk the eggs, oil, and applesauce together in another bowl. Whisk in the sour cream, orange zest and juice, and bourbon.
    • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir with a wooden spoon just until combined - lumps are OK!
    • Using a slotted spoon, scatter about ½ cup of the apples in the bottom of the bundt pan. Put about ⅓ of the batter on top. Repeat, alternating apples and batter, but make sure you end with batter.
    • Bake the cake until it pulls away for the sides of the pan and a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Cool 10 minutes and invert onto a rack placed over a baking sheet. Cool.

    Caramel Sauce

    • Stir the sugar, corn syrup, and 2 tablespoons water in a small saucepan.
    • Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, swirling the pan but not stirring, until the sugar is dark amber-colored caramel, about 15 minutes.
    • Pull the pan from the heat and carefully pour in the cream (take care it will splatter).
    • Stir in the pecans, bourbon, and salt.
    • Cool until caramel thickens and has the texture of syrup.
    • Evenly pour over the cake and cool until set.

    Notes

    Can I make a bundt cake in a regular pan?

    If you don't have a bundt cake pan, you can use a deep round cake pan. Use a ramekin in the center to create the hole.

    Alternatively, this cake can be baked in two loaf pans instead of a bundt pan.

    Do you need to toast pecans?

    I strongly recommend that you toast the pecans to bring out their full flavor. If you cannot find toasted pecans in your grocery store, you can toast them yourself.

    How to Toast Pecans

    1. Preheat the oven to 375-degrees F.
    2. Spread the pecans on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer.
    3. Bake for 5-10 minutes, stirring every 2-3 minutes until you start to smell the pecans.
    4. Transfer the toasted pecans to a bowl so that they do not continue to cook.
    Toasted pecans should be stored in an airtight container or resealable bag. They will keep for 3-6 months in the freezer.

    Do you flip a bundt cake over right away?

    If you allow the cake to cool in the bundt cake for too long, the cake will become damp and stick to the pan.
    Instead, allow the cake to rest for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a baking rack to cool completely.

    Why does my cake stick to the bundt cake?

    Be sure to thoroughly grease your bundt pan. Instead of butter, use non-stick vegetable oil spray (such as PAM) or melted shortening.

    📖 Variations

    We recommend that you try our recipe for the first time just as it is written for the best results, because that is how the recipe has been tested.
    However, the next time you make it, you might consider one of these different ways of making this great recipe.
    • If you prefer not to use bourbon, you can use an alcohol-free bourbon syrup or extract, or you can skip it and just use apple cider or apple juice. Or you can make my homemade caramel sauce and drizzle it on instead.
    • If you do not have any sour cream on hand, you can substitute 1 cup of yogurt.
    • Substitute walnuts for the pecans.
    If you love pumpkin spice, you could use this Pumpkin Bundt Cake recipe from Two Peas & Their Pod.  The caramel and bourbon work wonderful with the pumpkin flavor as well.

    ⏲️ Storage

    As this cake sits with the caramel on top, it will become more moist. I recommend storing this apple bourbon cake in the refrigerator for no more than 3-4 days. (These are my favorite airtight containers.)
    Make ahead: To make this cake 1-2 days ahead of time without the caramel and pecans. Wrap it in two layers of plastic wrap and freeze the cake. Thaw in the fridge and add the caramel and pecans before serving.

    For best results, be sure to check our Tips and FAQs above with important tips and questions that can help your delicious recipe come out perfectly.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 362kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 270mg | Potassium: 235mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 303IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 67mg | Iron: 2mg
    Please Note: I am not a registered dietician. Any nutritional data I provide is an approximation and actual dietary information can vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.
    Tried this recipe? Pin It for Later!Mention @jugglingactmama or tag #jugglingactmama!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Ally says

      October 05, 2015 at 12:49 pm

      5 stars
      Mmmm! Bourbon in my cake, sign me up! This looks delicious!

      Reply
      • Ang Paris says

        October 05, 2015 at 1:03 pm

        It adds such a great flavor to the cake! I hope you get a chance to try it soon!

        Reply
    2. Javier says

      July 29, 2018 at 5:19 pm

      5 stars
      This looks yummy!

      Reply

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    Welcome! I'm Ang - the Juggling Act Mama! I love sharing quick and easy recipes, creative DIY projects, and fun family travel with you. Like many of you, I am a multi-tasking mama juggling priorities which is why here I offer solutions to tame your hectic lifestyle.

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