The Best Apple Bundt Cake with Citrus Glaze

If you’ve been searching for the perfect Apple Bundt Cake recipe, one that’s moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make, look no further. This Apple Bundt Cake combines tender chunks of apple, the natural sweetness of applesauce, and a refreshing hint of citrus for a dessert that feels both homey and elegant. Whether you’re baking for a fall gathering, making a holiday dessert, or simply making to enjoy with your morning coffee, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Bundt cakes are loved for their beautiful shape and the way they turn even a simple recipe into a showstopper. With the addition of a bright orange glaze, this cake not only tastes amazing but also looks like it came straight from a local bakery!

Also check out more Old Fashioned dessert recipes like my Blueberry Tea Cake recipe. I love baking with the seasons, I have been over run with zucchini lately! Try my popular Old Fashioned Zucchini Bread recipe! Have sourdough discard to use up? Enjoy making another cozy Fall recipe with this Sourdough Discard Pumpkin Bread.

Scroll down for the recipe card, followed by detailed step-by-step instructions (with photos). 

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Apple Bundt Cake Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Apple Bundt Cake

There are plenty of apple cake recipes out there, but this one stands out for a few reasons:

• Extra Moist Texture: Thanks to applesauce and apple fruit filling, every bite stays tender and soft, even after a couple of days.
• Bright Citrus Flavor: Orange juice and a citrus glaze balance the sweetness and add a refreshing twist.
• No Special Skills Needed: If you can stir ingredients together, you can make this cake. The Bundt pan does all the work to make it look fancy.
• Versatile for Any Occasion: From holiday dinners to casual coffee dates, it fits right in.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to create this gorgeous cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
• 4 large eggs, beaten
• 1/3 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed preferred)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 (21-ounce) can apple fruit filling

Optional Citrus Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 teaspoons orange juice (plus more if needed)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat & Prepare the Pan

Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan generously with butter or nonstick spray, making sure to get into every ridge of the pan. This is important for a clean release.

2. Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and sugar until well combined. This ensures your leavening agents are evenly distributed for a perfect rise.

3. Add the Wet Ingredients

Pour in the applesauce, beaten eggs, orange juice, and vanilla extract. Mix gently with a spatula or on low speed with a hand mixer until smooth. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake light.

4. Incorporate the Apple Filling

Fold in the canned apple fruit filling. Try to distribute the apple pieces evenly so every slice of cake is packed with tender fruit.

5. Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake uncovered for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean.

6. Cool & Remove from Pan

Let the cake rest in the pan for 15 minutes. Then carefully invert it onto a serving plate or wire rack. Allow it to cool completely before glazing.

7. Make the Citrus Glaze (Optional)

In a medium bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and orange juice until smooth. Add more orange juice, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a drizzling consistency.

8. Finish & Serve

Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. Slice, serve, and enjoy.

Tips for the Best Apple Bundt Cake

1. Grease Every Nook and Cranny: Bundt pans have lots of grooves. Use a pastry brush to spread melted butter or oil into every ridge before flouring or spraying with nonstick spray.
2. Fresh-Squeezed Orange Juice: While bottled works, fresh juice makes the citrus flavor brighter and fresher.
3. Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
4. Cool Completely Before Glazing: If the cake is still warm, the glaze will melt into it instead of sitting prettily on top.
5. Make It Ahead: This cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.

Apple Bundt Cake Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize:

• Add Cinnamon or Nutmeg: For a spiced apple Bundt cake, add 1–2 teaspoons ground cinnamon and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg to the dry ingredients.
• Swap the Fruit Filling: Peach, pear, or mixed berry fillings all work well.
• Nuts for Crunch: Add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts for texture.
• Caramel Drizzle: Replace the citrus glaze with warm caramel sauce for a rich twist.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with vanilla ice cream for a classic combination.
• Add a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
• Enjoy a slice alongside your morning coffee or afternoon tea.

How to Store Apple Bundt Cake

• Room Temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Apple Bundt Cake FAQs

1. Can I make this without a Bundt pan?
Yes! You can bake it in two loaf pans or a 9×13-inch pan. Adjust the baking time to around 40–50 minutes.

2. Can I use homemade apple filling?
Absolutely. Use about 2–2 1/2 cups of cooked apple filling made with fresh apples, sugar, and cinnamon.

3. How do I keep my Bundt cake from sticking?
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, making sure to get into all the grooves. A baking spray with flour works wonderfully.

4. Can I double the glaze?
Yes, if you want a more generous drizzle or a thicker layer, simply double the glaze ingredients.

Let me know what you think!

This apple Bundt cake is a dessert that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. The moist crumb, sweet apple filling, and bright citrus glaze make it a versatile treat for any occasion. Whether you’re new to baking or a seasoned home baker, this is a recipe that delivers every single time.

So preheat that oven, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a slice (or two) of pure apple bliss.

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