There’s something truly special about the combination of apples, warm spices, and golden caramel drizzled over a perfectly baked Bundt cake. This Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake captures the essence of autumn, offering a moist and flavorful dessert with just the right amount of sweetness. The rich caramel sauce adds a delightful contrast, enhancing every bite with its deep, buttery notes.
Whether you’re baking this cake for a family gathering, a cozy weekend treat, or a special celebration, it’s sure to impress. Pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea, and you have the ultimate comforting dessert experience. The balance of sweet and salty, combined with the soft, apple-filled cake, makes this a must-try for any dessert lover.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, cubed
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt cake pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the sour cream.
- Fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.
Salted Caramel Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the sugar, stirring constantly until it turns amber in color.
- Carefully add the butter and stir until melted.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously until smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in sea salt. Let cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 55 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 12
The Ultimate Comfort Cake
Few desserts capture the essence of comfort and indulgence like a Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake. It’s a rich, moist, and buttery cake packed with tender apple chunks, warm spices, and topped with a luscious homemade salted caramel drizzle. The combination of sweet and salty flavors, paired with the comforting warmth of cinnamon and nutmeg, makes this the perfect cake for fall and winter—or any time you crave a homemade, bakery-style dessert.
But this cake is more than just a seasonal treat. It’s a versatile dessert that’s great for holidays, family gatherings, birthdays, and even weekend baking. Whether you enjoy it with a cup of coffee, as an after-dinner treat, or as a centerpiece for special occasions, this cake never fails to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfectly Moist and Tender: The combination of sour cream and butter ensures a soft, fluffy, and perfectly moist cake.
- Rich Apple Flavor: The addition of fresh apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) creates a naturally sweet and slightly tangy bite, making this cake even more delicious.
- Warm Spices for Depth: Cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy and aromatic flavor, giving the cake its signature taste.
- Decadent Salted Caramel Topping: The homemade salted caramel drizzle adds a glossy, buttery finish with a perfect balance of sweet and salty.
- Easy to Make: Despite its gourmet look, this cake is simple to prepare with basic baking ingredients and requires no complicated techniques.
- Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Whether for a party, a holiday gathering, or just a cozy night at home, this cake is a showstopper that everyone will love.
The Story Behind Apple Cakes and Salted Caramel
A Brief History of Apple Cakes
Apple-based desserts have been enjoyed for centuries, with variations appearing in European, Middle Eastern, and American cuisines. Apples have long been a staple ingredient in baking due to their natural sweetness, moisture content, and adaptability to both sweet and savory dishes.
Apple cakes originated in Europe, particularly in Germany, England, and France, where traditional apple streusels, tortes, and tarts were popular. When European settlers came to America, they brought their baking traditions with them, leading to the creation of apple pie, apple dumplings, and apple cakes that became classic American desserts.
The Magic of Salted Caramel
Caramel itself has an extensive history dating back to the 17th century, but salted caramel as we know it today is a more modern culinary innovation. French pastry chef Henri Le Roux is often credited with popularizing the sweet and salty combination in the 1970s when he introduced salted butter caramel in Brittany, France.
This contrasting flavor profile—the richness of caramel balanced by a pinch of sea salt—quickly gained worldwide popularity. Today, salted caramel is found in ice creams, chocolates, coffee drinks, and, of course, baked goods like this cake!
The Key Ingredients That Make This Cake Special
Each ingredient in this cake plays a crucial role in flavor, texture, and structure:
- Apples: Fresh apples add moisture, natural sweetness, and a slight tartness to balance the richness of the cake. Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking because they hold their shape well and provide a tangy contrast.
- Flour: All-purpose flour gives the cake its structure while keeping it soft and fluffy.
- Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor while ensuring the cake remains moist.
- Sour Cream: The secret ingredient that makes this cake extra moist and tender! It also enhances the cake’s creaminess.
- Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These warm spices create a cozy aroma and deep flavor, making this cake taste like autumn in every bite.
- Salted Caramel Sauce: The homemade salted caramel is a game-changer. It adds sweetness, a buttery richness, and a hint of salt, which enhances the cake’s overall flavor.
- Pecans (Optional): For extra crunch, chopped pecans can be added to the batter or sprinkled on top of the caramel glaze.
Baking Tips for the Perfect Bundt Cake
Want to achieve bakery-level results at home? Follow these expert baking tips:
- Grease Your Bundt Pan Properly: A Bundt cake’s intricate design can cause sticking, so generously coat your pan with butter and flour or use a baking spray with flour.
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and sour cream mix more smoothly and create a lighter, fluffier texture when at room temperature.
- Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix only until the ingredients are combined.
- Test for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is ready!
- Cool Before Removing: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack. This prevents it from breaking apart.
Serving Suggestions – The Best Ways to Enjoy This Cake
This Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake pairs beautifully with:
- Whipped Cream or Ice Cream: A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream makes this cake even more indulgent.
- Hot Beverages: Serve with a warm latte, spiced chai, or a classic cup of coffee for the ultimate cozy experience.
- Extra Caramel Drizzle: For extra decadence, serve each slice with additional warm caramel sauce.
Variations – How to Customize This Recipe
Want to put your own spin on this Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake? Here are some fun variations:
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking mix.
- Add a Nutty Crunch: Mix in walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra texture.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a bolder, more festive flavor.
- Maple Twist: Substitute half of the sugar with pure maple syrup for an extra depth of sweetness.
- Chocolate Drizzle: For a unique touch, drizzle melted chocolate over the salted caramel for a chocolate-caramel-apple fusion!
Final Thoughts – Why This Cake is a Must-Try
This Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spiced flavors. The moist, buttery crumb, fresh apple chunks, and indulgent caramel glaze make it a dessert that’s worth baking again and again. Whether you’re enjoying it as a holiday treat, a cozy weekend dessert, or a special celebration cake, it’s guaranteed to impress.
So, grab your baking essentials, preheat your oven, and indulge in this irresistible, bakery-worthy Bundt cake!
Conclusion: The Ultimate Dessert for Any Occasion
This Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. The combination of moist, buttery cake, tender apple pieces, warm spices, and a rich salted caramel drizzle creates an indulgent treat that feels both comforting and luxurious. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy family gathering, a holiday feast, or simply as a weekend indulgence, this cake is guaranteed to impress.
Its perfect balance of sweet and salty, soft and crunchy, warm and buttery flavors makes it a standout choice for any season. The best part? It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and absolutely delicious with a cup of coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing, bakery-worthy cake that delivers both in taste and presentation, this Salted Caramel Apple Bundt Cake is the one to bake. Try it once, and it will become a staple recipe in your kitchen for years to come!