Spiced Apple Cream Cheese Swirl Bundt Cake

Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

This incredibly moist apple bundt cake features a creamy and sweet layer of cream cheese nestled within its buttery, spiced apple cake batter. For an extra touch of indulgence, top this exquisite cake with a silky smooth caramel sauce – it truly takes it right over the top! This dessert is a perfect blend of rich flavors and comforting textures, ideal for any occasion.

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Course:
Dessert

Cuisine:
American

Diet:
Halal

Prep Time:
25 minutes

Cook Time:
50 minutes

Cooling Time:
30 minutes

Total Time:
1 hour 15 minutes

Servings:
16 Servings

Calories:
401 kcal

Author:
Amira

Ingredients

For the cream cheese filling:

• 1 (8oz) package cream cheese, room temperature
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 1 large egg
• 2 Tablespoons flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the cake:

• 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup oil (any light flavor oil will work)
• 3 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground cardamom
• 2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 lb apples, cored, peeled and diced (about 3 medium apples)

For the caramel sauce: (use store-bought or make your own)

• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• ½ cup butter
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Thoroughly grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking.

Make the cream cheese filling:

• In a medium mixing bowl, combine the room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, large egg, flour, and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together using an electric mixer until the mixture is completely smooth and wonderfully creamy. Set this aside.

Make the cake batter:

• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, oil, and 3 large eggs. Continue whisking for about 1 minute, or until all ingredients are thoroughly blended and the mixture is smooth.
• In a separate bowl, combine all the dry ingredients for the cake: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon. Mix them well with a spoon to ensure even distribution of the leavening agents and spices.
• Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, beating just until the flour disappears and the batter is smooth. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dry cake.
• Gently fold the diced apples into the cake batter until they are evenly distributed throughout.
• Pour exactly half of the prepared cake batter into your greased Bundt pan.
• Carefully spoon the cream cheese filling over the center of the batter in the pan. Ensure that you leave about an inch of space all around from both the inner and outer edges of the pan. This prevents the cream cheese from sticking to the pan sides and helps create a beautiful swirl.
• Pour the remaining cake batter evenly over the cream cheese layer, gently spreading it to cover the filling completely.
• Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the cake (avoiding the cream cheese center) comes out clean.
• Once baked, let the cake cool in the Bundt pan for 10-15 minutes. This crucial cooling time allows the cake to firm up, making it easier to remove without cracking. After this time, carefully invert the cake onto a wire rack and let it cool completely before frosting.

Make the caramel frosting:

• If making homemade caramel, place brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring continuously for about one minute to dissolve the sugar.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the powdered sugar and vanilla extract, then whisk vigorously until the sauce is smooth and combined. As it cools, the caramel sauce will thicken beautifully.
• Once the cake is completely cool, generously pour the homemade or store-bought caramel sauce over the top. Garnish with a sprinkle of chopped pecans for added flavor and crunch.

Notes

• **Generous Greasing is Key:** Always make sure to thoroughly grease and flour your Bundt pan before adding the batter. This is essential for easy release and to maintain the cake’s beautiful shape.
• **Cream Cheese Placement:** When spooning the cream cheese mixture into the pan, ensure it is placed directly in the middle of the first layer of cake batter, staying about an inch away from all the pan walls (both inner and outer). This prevents the cream cheese from sticking and creates a perfect swirl.
• **Cooling Patience:** Allow the Bundt cake to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes after baking. This helps the cake set and prevents it from cracking or falling apart when you invert it onto a wire rack. Let it cool completely on the rack before adding any glaze or frosting.
• Storage:
  • Leftovers should be covered tightly with plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container. You can keep it at room temperature for up to 8 hours. After this, it should be refrigerated.
  • Refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • For longer storage, freeze the cake (whole or in slices) wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
• Please check the nutrition disclaimer policy for detailed information.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 401kcal |
Carbohydrates: 69g |
Protein: 5g |
Fat: 16g |
Saturated Fat: 2g |
Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g |
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g |
Trans Fat: 0.1g |
Cholesterol: 48mg |
Sodium: 124mg |
Potassium: 132mg |
Fiber: 2g |
Sugar: 40g |
Vitamin A: 102IU |
Vitamin C: 1mg |
Calcium: 82mg |
Iron: 2mg

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Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Creating this stunning Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is an enjoyable process that yields delicious results. Follow these detailed steps to ensure your cake turns out perfectly moist, flavorful, and beautifully swirled.

Preparing the Decadent Cream Cheese Filling

The secret to this Bundt cake’s irresistible charm lies in its creamy, tangy filling. To start, gather your room temperature cream cheese, granulated sugar, one large egg, flour, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat all these ingredients together. Continue mixing until the mixture transforms into a luxuriously smooth and creamy consistency, free of any lumps. This step is crucial for achieving that signature velvety texture that contrasts so beautifully with the apple cake. Once perfectly blended, set your cream cheese filling aside, ready to be incorporated into the cake batter.

Crafting the Spiced Apple Cake Batter

The foundation of this dessert is a remarkably moist and flavorful apple cake. Begin by combining the firmly packed light brown sugar, granulated sugar, a light-flavored oil (such as vegetable or canola), and three large eggs in a spacious mixing bowl. Whisk these wet ingredients together for approximately one minute, or until they are thoroughly blended and smooth. The oil-based recipe is key to achieving a wonderfully tender and moist crumb, ensuring your cake stays fresh and delicious for longer.

In a separate bowl, meticulously whisk together all your dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, ground cloves, ground cardamom, and ground cinnamon. The blend of these warm spices is what gives the cake its signature fall aroma and taste. Ensure they are well combined to guarantee even flavor distribution throughout the batter.

Next, gradually add the mixed dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Beat them together on low speed, or stir gently by hand, just until the flour is fully incorporated and no streaks remain. It’s important not to overmix the batter, as this can develop the gluten too much, resulting in a tougher cake. Finally, with a gentle hand, fold the diced apples into the prepared batter until they are evenly distributed. This ensures that every bite offers a delightful burst of fruity flavor and tender texture.

Layering and Baking Your Bundt Cake

With both your cake batter and cream cheese filling ready, it’s time to assemble your beautiful Bundt cake. First, pour approximately half of the prepared apple cake batter into your thoroughly greased and floured Bundt pan. Spread it gently and evenly across the bottom.

Then, with care, spoon the creamy cream cheese filling over the center of the cake batter layer. A crucial pro-tip here is to ensure the cream cheese mixture does not touch the sides of the pan, leaving about an inch of space from both the inner and outer edges. This careful placement is vital; it prevents the cream cheese from baking directly onto the pan, which could cause sticking and tearing when you unmold the cake, and helps create a beautiful, distinct swirl.

Once the cream cheese layer is in place, gently pour the remaining cake batter over the top, carefully spreading it to completely cover the cream cheese filling. This encases the creamy surprise within the spiced apple cake. Bake the cake in your preheated oven (350°F / 175°C) for about 50 minutes. The cake is done when a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the apple cake portion (avoiding the soft cream cheese center) comes out clean. Be patient during the cooling process to ensure the cake’s integrity.

Finishing Touches: Caramel Drizzle and Pecans

Once your Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake has cooled sufficiently (refer to the tips section for ideal cooling), it’s time to add the glorious finishing touches. You can opt for a high-quality store-bought caramel sauce for convenience, or easily prepare a homemade version using our simple recipe in the ingredient list. Drizzle the warm, silky caramel generously over the entire cake, allowing it to cascade down the fluted sides. For the perfect crunch and nutty flavor, sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped pecans over the caramel. This final step not only adds a beautiful visual appeal but also enhances the overall taste and texture, creating an utterly decadent dessert that everyone will adore.

Tips for Baking the Best Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake

Achieving a show-stopping Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is easier than you think with a few expert tips. These pointers will help you avoid common baking pitfalls and ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented.

• **Thoroughly Grease and Flour Your Bundt Pan:** This step cannot be overstated. Bundt pans, with their intricate designs, require meticulous greasing and flouring to prevent the cake from sticking. Use butter or a non-stick baking spray (one that contains flour) and ensure every nook and cranny is coated. A stuck cake is a sad cake!
• Strategic Cream Cheese Placement: As mentioned in the instructions, always place the cream cheese mixture directly in the center of the first layer of cake batter. Crucially, ensure it does not touch the sides of the Bundt pan – leave about an inch of space all around from both the inner tube and the outer edges. This prevents the cream cheese from adhering to the pan during baking and helps create a clean, elegant swirl when sliced.
• **Patience During Cooling:** It’s tempting to unmold your beautiful cake immediately, but resisting this urge is vital. Allow the Bundt cake to cool in its pan for 10-15 minutes after baking. This brief resting period allows the cake structure to firm up, preventing it from cracking or falling apart when you invert it onto a wire rack. Once inverted, let it cool completely on the wire rack before applying any glaze or frosting.
• **Choose Your Apples Wisely:** The type of apples you use can significantly impact the cake’s flavor and texture. For a balanced sweet-tart profile, consider using a mix of apples. Excellent choices include Jonagold, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith (for tartness), or McIntosh. Using a combination often yields a more complex and satisfying flavor.
• **Room Temperature Ingredients for Cream Cheese:** For the smoothest cream cheese filling, ensure your cream cheese and egg are at room temperature. This allows them to blend together seamlessly, preventing lumps and creating a uniformly creamy texture.
• **Don’t Overmix the Batter:** Overmixing the cake batter can lead to a tough, dry cake. Mix just until the flour streaks disappear. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
• **Spice it Up (or Down):** Feel free to adjust the amount of ground spices (cinnamon, cloves, cardamom) to your personal preference. If you love a stronger spice flavor, you can slightly increase them. For a milder taste, reduce them slightly. Nutmeg is another excellent addition if you enjoy its warm notes.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake is incredibly versatile and can be customized to suit your taste or occasion. Here are some delightful serving suggestions and variations to explore:

• **Apple Variety Matters:** Experiment with different apple varieties for unique flavor profiles. For a more tart and zesty cake, incorporate more Granny Smith apples. If you prefer a sweeter, milder flavor, lean towards Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. A mix of both offers a wonderful balance of sweet and tangy notes.
• **Topping Transformations:**
  • **Simple & Elegant:** Serve the cake as is, allowing the natural flavors to shine. Or, for a minimalist yet beautiful finish, dust the top with a generous coating of confectioners’ sugar.
  • **Cream Cheese Frosting:** Instead of caramel, whip up a classic cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of creamy goodness.
  • **Ice Cream Pairing:** For a truly indulgent experience, serve warm slices of this Bundt cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or even a homemade condensed milk ice cream for a rich, creamy contrast.
  • **Nutty Additions:** While we’ve suggested pecans for garnish, consider adding chopped walnuts or pecans directly into the cake batter along with the apples for an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor.
  • **Different Glazes:** Beyond caramel, consider a simple maple glaze or a brown sugar glaze for an alternative sweet finish.
• **Add a Touch of Citrus:** A little lemon zest folded into the cake batter can brighten the apple flavors and add an extra layer of complexity.
• **Spice Blends:** Beyond cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom, a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can enhance the autumnal spice profile. Feel free to use a pre-made “apple pie spice” blend if preferred.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

Proper storage is essential to keep your Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake fresh and delicious for as long as possible. Here’s how to best store and even freeze your cake:

• **Room Temperature:** If you plan to serve the cake within a few hours of baking, you can keep it covered tightly with plastic wrap at room temperature for up to 8 hours. Due to the cream cheese filling, it is best to refrigerate it after this period.
• **Refrigeration:** For longer freshness, store the cake in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Allow slices to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.
• **Freezing for Longer Shelf Life:** This bundt cake freezes beautifully!
  • **To Freeze Whole:** Once the cake is completely cooled, wrap it thoroughly in several layers of plastic wrap, ensuring no air pockets. Then, wrap it again tightly in aluminum foil. Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
  • **To Freeze Slices:** For convenience, cut the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This allows you to thaw only what you need.
  • **Duration:** Frozen Bundt cake can be stored for up to two months.
  • **Thawing:** When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake (whole or slices) overnight in the refrigerator. You can gently warm individual slices in the microwave for a few seconds if desired, especially before adding fresh caramel sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

More Fall Baking Delights

If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake, you’re in for a treat! The autumn season offers an abundance of delicious baking opportunities. Explore these other fantastic fall recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

We hope you thoroughly enjoy baking and sharing this incredible Apple Cream Cheese Bundt Cake. Its blend of warm spices, tender apples, and creamy cheesecake swirl makes it truly special and a highlight of the fall season. Happy baking!