Name: Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 45 min
Total time: 4 h
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: 2 apples (about 10 oz./300g), peeled and diced; 1/4 cup (60ml) water; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 tbsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 6 oz. (170g) sunflower oil; 3/4 cup (150g) sugar; 4 large eggs; 9 oz. (250g) Greek yogurt; 2 tsp vanilla extract; Zest of 1 organic lemon; 2 3/4 cups (350g) all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp baking soda; 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp salt; 1 cup (130g) confectioners’ sugar; 1 tsp lemon juice; 1-3 tbsp heavy cream; Some chopped pecans for decoration (optional)

Jump to Recipe· 3.8 from 15 reviews

I absolutely adore this Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe because it brings together the warm, comforting flavors of classic apple pie in a beautifully moist bundt cake. Every bite offers the perfect balance of tender cake, spiced apple filling, and a luscious glaze on top. I love how it feels special enough for celebrations yet simple enough for an everyday treat. It truly feels like a warm hug on a plate, combining everything I crave from apple pie with an easy-to-make bundt cake twist.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe

What really excites me about this recipe is how the flavor captures that perfect apple pie experience right in a slice of cake. The cinnamon-spiced apples cooked just until tender sit in the center, delivering a juicy burst of sweetness surrounded by a tender, vanilla-yellow crumb that’s laced with a hint of lemon zest. This cake hits all the right notes between sweet and spice, soft and slightly dense, with just enough tang from the Greek yogurt to keep it light and moist.

Beyond flavor, what makes this Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe stand out for me is the sheer ease of preparation. The apple filling is cooked quickly on the stove, and then layered right in the batter, which means you don’t have to deal with complicated pie crusts or long assembly. Plus, the glaze on top finishes it elegantly without any fuss. I love serving this cake at family gatherings, holiday dinners, or even as an impressive dessert for a weeknight treat. It’s truly a recipe that impresses without stressing me out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A Bundt cake pan sits on a white marbled surface, filled with a light beige batter layer at the bottom. On top, a generous layer of small, cubed golden yellow apples with a slight shine and bits of cinnamon or spice is spread around the inner ring of the pan. To the side, there is a white bowl with a blue floral pattern holding a light yellow liquid with a wooden brush resting inside it. Above the pan, a black and white mixing bowl with a wooden spatula holds more light beige batter. The whole scene is well-lit, showing a clean kitchen setup. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are simple and accessible, but each one plays a crucial role in crafting the texture, flavor, and overall magic of this Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe. From the fresh apples to the tangy Greek yogurt and fragrant cinnamon, every element contributes to a well-balanced and irresistible cake.

Apples: I use peeled and diced apples to create the soft, spiced center of the cake that brings that beloved apple pie vibe.
Sunflower oil: This keeps the cake moist without overpowering the flavors; plus, it’s a great neutral oil choice.
Sugar: Both brown sugar in the filling and granulated sugar in the batter add the perfect sweetness level and help caramelize the apples beautifully.
Greek yogurt: Adds a subtle tang and ensures the cake stays moist and tender throughout.
Vanilla extract and lemon zest: These add a bright, aromatic lift to the cake batter, balancing rich flavors.
All-purpose flour: The structure builder for this cake, mixing with baking powder and baking soda for a nice rise.
Ground cinnamon: The quintessential spice that ties the apples and cake together in an irresistible way.
Confectioners’ sugar, lemon juice, and heavy cream: Combined to create a smooth glaze that complements the warm spices and fresh apples.
Chopped pecans (optional): Adds a crunchy, nutty contrast if you like a little texture on top.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small pieces. Add them with the water to a saucepan and bring to a boil. In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon, then stir this mixture into the apples. Lower the heat and simmer gently for 6 to 8 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking, until the apples soften but don’t fall apart. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool completely.

Step 2: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F). Generously grease a 2.4-liter (10-cup) bundt cake pan with oil or non-stick spray and set it aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the sunflower oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is light and fluffy—this helps ensure a tender crumb. Next, stir in the Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and freshly grated lemon zest, mixing until fully combined.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour with baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined—don’t overmix, or the cake could become dense.

Step 5: Pour approximately half of the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Spoon the cooled apple filling over this layer, making sure the apples stay well within the center and don’t touch the sides of the pan. Then, carefully pour the remaining batter over the apples and spread it smoothly. Bake the cake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 20 to 30 minutes—this helps it set and prevents it from breaking as you remove it. After that, gently invert the cake onto a wire rack and allow it to cool completely before glazing.

Step 7: To make the glaze, whisk together the confectioners’ sugar and lemon juice. Gradually add heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the glaze reaches a thick but pourable consistency. Drizzle it generously over the cooled cake and, if you like, sprinkle chopped pecans on top for an extra touch of crunch and visual appeal.

Servings and Timing

This Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe makes about 10 generous servings, perfect for sharing with friends and family. The prep time is quite manageable at 20 minutes, while the baking itself takes around 60 to 70 minutes. Cooling and glazing add an additional hour or so, meaning the total time from start to finish is about 4 hours. Much of that time is hands-off, so you can easily multi-task or prepare other dishes in the meantime.

How to Serve This Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe

A round bundt cake with a golden brown color sits on a white plate against a white marbled surface. The cake is topped with a thick white icing that drips down the sides in uneven lines, sprinkled with small pieces of chopped nuts. One slice is cut out, showing an inner layer of lighter, moist cake with a soft, slightly chunky filling that is a pale yellow color. In the background, there are glasses and a yellow apple, along with a red fruit, adding soft colors to the scene. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this cake, I love presenting it slightly warm to highlight the tender texture and the gentle aroma of cinnamon and apple. It pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to add a creamy counterpoint to the spiced filling. If I’m feeling extra indulgent, a drizzle of caramel sauce on top never hurts.

For a simple, elegant presentation, I drizzle the lemon glaze over the cake just before serving, letting it cascade down the sides. Garnishing with chopped pecans adds lovely texture and a rustic charm. This cake looks fantastic on a pretty platter with a light dusting of powdered sugar around the edges for an inviting finish.

I find this cake incredibly versatile for occasions—from cozy family dinners to festive holiday gatherings. It also pairs nicely with hot apple cider, chai tea, or even a crisp white wine like Riesling for an adult twist. Serving slices at room temperature or warm works best, but some days I enjoy it chilled — it tastes wonderful any way you choose.

Variations

I’ve tried a few tweaks to this Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe that I think you’ll love. For a gluten-free version, swapping the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend works well—just be sure it contains xanthan gum for structure. You could also replace the sunflower oil with melted coconut oil for a subtle tropical note, which complements the cinnamon and apple beautifully.

If you want to make this recipe vegan, using a flax egg substitute (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg) and choosing a plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt helps maintain the moisture and tanginess. You might need to adjust baking times slightly, but the texture remains fantastic.

For flavor variations, I sometimes add chopped walnuts or raisins to the apple filling for extra chew and nuttiness. Another lovely twist is stirring in a splash of bourbon or rum into the glaze for a festive, boozy glaze. Alternatively, you could bake this cake in a loaf pan for a more casual, portable treat, though baking times will need adjustment accordingly.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftover Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake in an airtight container at room temperature if I plan to eat it within 1 to 2 days. If longer storage is needed, I keep it in the refrigerator wrapped tightly with plastic wrap or inside a sealed container to prevent it from drying out, where it will stay fresh for about 4 to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes wonderfully, making it a great make-ahead dessert. I slice the cake before freezing for convenience, then wrap each slice individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw slices overnight in the fridge or briefly warm them in the microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that freshly baked warmth, I recommend reheating slices gently in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds, or you can warm the entire cake at 150°C (300°F) for 10 to 15 minutes covered with foil to retain moisture. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness. Serving it slightly warm really revives the spices and soft texture beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Absolutely! I usually stick with tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness, but you can use softer, sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala if you prefer a milder flavor. Just make sure to adjust cooking time so the apples don’t become too mushy in the filling.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt, or can I substitute something else?

Greek yogurt adds moisture and a subtle tang that enhances the cake’s flavor. If you don’t have Greek yogurt, sour cream or crème fraîche are good alternatives. For a dairy-free option, plant-based yogurts work well, just choose an unflavored variety to keep the balance.

What if I don’t have a bundt pan? Can I use another pan?

You can definitely use a regular loaf pan or a round cake pan as a substitute. Keep an eye on baking times as they may vary—loaf pans might need extra time, and round pans slightly less. Just test with a skewer until it comes out clean.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

A classic way is to insert a wooden skewer or toothpick into the center of the cake. It should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. If there’s wet batter on the skewer, the cake needs more time. Also, the cake should spring back gently when pressed.

Can I prepare the apple filling ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the apple filling a day in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Let it come to room temperature before layering it into the batter for even baking. This tip saves time and makes the process more relaxed on baking day.

Conclusion

I truly hope you’ll give this Easy Apple Pie Bundt Cake Recipe a try—it’s one of those desserts that feels both cozy and impressive without demanding all day in the kitchen. Every bite offers a comforting, nostalgic flavor that always brings smiles to the table. I know once you make it, it’ll become a favorite in your recipe rotation just like it has in mine!