The Apple Pecan Cranberry Bundt Cake is the ultimate fall-inspired dessert that combines the sweetness of apples, the crunch of pecans, and the tartness of cranberries. This moist and flavorful cake is a perfect treat for gatherings, family meals, or any occasion when you want something heartwarming and delicious. With a beautiful bundt shape and a delightful mixture of ingredients, it’s as visually appealing as it is tasty. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, dessert, or as an afternoon snack, this cake is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Apple Pecan Cranberry Bundt Cake is packed with comforting flavors that evoke the warmth of autumn. The chopped apples provide natural sweetness and moisture, while the pecans add a delightful crunch. The dried cranberries offer a burst of tartness that perfectly balances the sweetness of the apples and sugar. The cake is flavored with ground cinnamon, which enhances the cozy, fall-inspired taste. Whether you’re serving it at a holiday gathering or simply want to indulge in a treat that brings comfort, this cake is sure to become a favorite. Plus, its beautiful bundt shape makes it an elegant centerpiece for any occasion.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Baking soda
Salt
Ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Vanilla extract
Chopped apples
Chopped pecans
Dried cranberries

Variations

Nuts: You can substitute the pecans with other nuts like walnuts or almonds for a different texture and flavor.
Fruit: Swap the dried cranberries for raisins or dried cherries if you prefer a different dried fruit.
Frosting options: For added sweetness, you can drizzle the cake with a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk or a cream cheese frosting.
Spices: If you want a spicier flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon for a more complex taste.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan to prepare it for the batter.

Step 2: Combine dry ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly mixed.

Step 3: Mix wet ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are well combined and the mixture is smooth.

Step 4: Add dry ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix to keep the cake light and airy.

Step 5: Fold in fruits and nuts

Fold in the chopped apples, chopped pecans, and dried cranberries, ensuring that they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 6: Pour and bake

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

Step 7: Cool and serve

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, you can frost it, dust it with powdered sugar, or serve it plain.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Prevent sticking: Make sure to grease and flour the bundt pan thoroughly so the cake comes out easily.
Don’t overmix: When adding the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix until just combined to avoid a dense cake.
Add-ins: Feel free to experiment with additional add-ins like shredded coconut or a handful of chocolate chips for an extra twist.
Use tart apples: For a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.

How to Serve

This Apple Pecan Cranberry Bundt Cake is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs wonderfully with a warm cup of tea, coffee, or hot cider. For an elegant touch, serve it on a cake stand with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light glaze drizzled over the top.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also store it in the refrigerator if you prefer a slightly firmer texture, though it may dry out faster.

Freezing

To freeze the cake, wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating

To reheat individual slices, place them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! You can use any type of apple, but tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best in this cake as they balance the sweetness.

2. Can I use fresh cranberries instead of dried cranberries?

Fresh cranberries may release too much moisture into the cake, so it’s better to stick with dried cranberries. If you prefer fresh fruit, try substituting with diced apples or raisins.

3. Can I make this cake in a different pan?

Yes! If you don’t have a bundt pan, you can make this cake in a 9×13-inch baking dish. Just adjust the baking time, checking for doneness after 40-45 minutes.

4. How can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make the cake gluten-free. Be sure to check the consistency and texture, as gluten-free flours can behave differently.

5. Can I add more nuts or fruit to the cake?

Absolutely! You can add more chopped pecans or apples, or even experiment with other dried fruits like raisins or currants. Just be mindful of the batter’s consistency.

6. Can I frost this cake?

Yes! You can frost the cake with cream cheese frosting, buttercream, or even a simple glaze for added sweetness.

7. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake the batter right away, as the leavening agents can lose their effectiveness over time. However, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and store them in an airtight container.

8. Can I substitute the vegetable oil?

You can use other oils like canola oil or melted coconut oil as a substitute for vegetable oil.

9. How do I know when the cake is done?

Check the cake by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few crumbs, the cake is done.

10. How do I prevent the cake from being too greasy?

Ensure the bundt pan is well-greased but not overly so, and use a paper towel to remove any excess oil. This will prevent the cake from becoming greasy.

Conclusion

The Apple Pecan Cranberry Bundt Cake is a perfect combination of rich, spiced flavors and delightful textures from the apples, pecans, and cranberries. It’s a cake that’s perfect for the fall season but can be enjoyed year-round. Whether served at a family gathering or as a simple treat with your afternoon coffee, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its deliciously moist crumb and festive flavors, it’s bound to become a staple in your baking repertoire.