• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
She Loves Biscotti
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • About Maria
  • My Store
  • Contact
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×

    Home » Desserts » Easy Apple Bundt Cake: Upside Down Recipe

    Easy Apple Bundt Cake: Upside Down Recipe

    October 31, 2022 Maria 4 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video
    A pinterest pin of an apple bundt cake on a cake stand.

    Warm spices, apple goodness, and a delicious topping make this upside-down apple bundt cake the perfect fall dessert. This easy cake recipe is perfect for a weekend treat or a holiday gathering and will quickly become a family favorite.

    Sliced apple bundt cake on a cake platter.
    Jump to:
    • Introduction
    • Step-by-step instructions
    • Cutting the cake into portions
    • Storing a bundt cake
    • FAQ
    • Tips
    • Easy apple recipes
    • Too many apples
    • Recipe origins
    • Recipe

    Introduction

    The best way to enjoy fall and apple season is with a delicious apple bundt cake.

    Bundt cakes are a popular type of cake that is made in a specially shaped pan. They are often very decorative, with intricate designs that make them perfect for special occasions.

    One of the most popular flavors of a bundt cake is apple. It is the perfect Thanksgiving dessert because it’s both easy to make and delicious. Apple bundt cakes are usually made with sweet and tart apples and fall spices like cinnamon and allspice.

    This made-from-scratch apple bundt cake recipe is simpler to make than you might think, and the results are always impressive. Since this is an upside-down cake, there’s no need for any icing, making it even easier.

    The result is a warm and fragrant autumn cake recipe.  Additionally, it’s so easy to make that you’ll want to bake it repeatedly!

    Apple bundt cake on a cake stand.

    Step-by-step instructions

    Begin by preheating the oven to 350℉ (175°C) and setting the rack to the middle. Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan. Alternatively, use a nonstick spray.

    First, we’ll make the almond topping for this cake.

    To prepare the almond topping

    The ingredients to make the nut mixture on a cutting board.

    In a medium bowl, combine ⅔ cup chopped almonds, ⅓ cup brown sugar (lightly packed), 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and a pinch of allspice. Reserve about 5 tablespoons of this mixture to create the “upside down” part of this delicious bundt cake. Set aside both nut mixtures while we get started with the cake batter.

    To make the cake batter

    Flour being sifted.

    In a large bowl, whisk or sift together the following: 2⅔ cup all-purpose flour (400 grams), 2 teaspoons baking powder and ¼ teaspoon salt.

    The wet ingredients to make an apple bundt cake.

    In a separate bowl, whisk 4 eggs until light and foamy. Then, gradually whisk in 1⅓ cup of granulated sugar until the mixture becomes thick and pale yellow. This should take approximately 2 minutes.

    Next, add ⅔ cup of vegetable oil, ½ cup of applesauce and 2½ teaspoons of vanilla extract and whisk until properly combined. Set aside while we chop up the apples.

    To prep the apples

    Chopped and grated apples on a cutting board.

    For this recipe, you will need 3 medium-sized apples. Use your favorite apples for this cake, but we recommend combining tart and sweet apples.

    A photo collage of the almond apple topping for the bundt cake.

    Wash, peel, and core the apples. Then, chop 1 into small pieces and combine it with the 5 tablespoons of reserved nut mixture. This is the “upside down” part of our cake.

    Chop another apple, then grate the third apple before adding it to the other almond nut mixture. When grating, use the large side of a box grater.

    Combining the ingredients

    A photo collage of a bundt pan filled with the nut topping and the cake batter.

    Start by spreading and gently pressing the reserved apple-nut mixture, the “upside down” part, evenly over the bottom of your greased and floured bundt pan.

    Now it’s time to slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 3 additions. After each addition, mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Then, fold in the reserved apple nut mixture.

    How to fill a bundt cake pan

    Slowly pour the batter over the topping in the prepared pan. Alternatively, you can scoop the batter into the pan. Fill the pan three-quarters full. Tap the filled pan lightly on the countertop to release air bubbles in the batter. Gently smooth the top and move the batter up against the sides of the pan.

    Bundt baking

    Set the pan on the center rack of the oven preheated to 350° F (175° C). Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

    Releasing the cake from the bundt pan

    An apple bundt cake on a wire rack.

    Let the cake cool in the pan on a rack for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. To invert the cake, place a wire rack over the top of the pan. Firmly grasp the bottom of the pan and hold the rack together, turn it upside down so that the cake falls onto the rack. Carefully lift off the bundt pan. Allow the cake to sit for a few hours before cutting and serving it.

    Cutting the cake into portions

    A close up photo of the almond nut topping.

    A bundt pan with flutes allows you to evenly and easily cut the cake into servings. For example, cut along the single flute to create one portion; cut the double flutes in half to create two portions. Generally, a 12-cup bundt pan provides 24 pieces.

    Storing a bundt cake

    To keep your cake fresh for 2-3 days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will keep up to 5 days in the refrigerator. You can also wrap the cake or individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe sealable bag or an airtight container. Freeze the cake for up to three months.

    The tender crumb of a bundt cake made with apples.

    FAQ

    How to grease and flour a bundt pan?

    First, you will need to lightly grease the pan with butter or cooking oil. Then, add a tablespoon or two of flour to the pan and tilt it so the flour coats the greased bundt pan. Tap out any excess flour before adding the batter to the pan.

    Why did my cake stick to the pan?

    If your cake sticks to the pan, it is likely because you did not properly grease and flour it properly. Simply run a plastic knife or thin spatula around the cake’s edge to loosen it.

    Some of the nut toppings got stuck to the bottom of the bundt pan, how can I fix this issue?

    No need to worry, you can easily patch it up! While the cake and topping are still warm, you can fix any areas left behind in the pan. Gently loosen the cake topping from the pan and press it back into place on the cake. It will still be delicious.

    What apples are best for this cake?

    We recommend combining tart and sweet apples to get the most flavor in this cake. Our favorite combinations include MacIntosh, Granny Smith apples and pink lady. However, you can use any type of apple you like.

    Can I use a different type of nut for the topping?

    Any nut can be used, though it is important to chop them into small pieces. Pecans and walnuts are great alternatives. 

    A slice of apple cake on a white plate.

    Tips

    • Use a tart and sweet apple combination for the best flavor.
    • Grease and flour your bundt pan properly to avoid sticking.
    • Carefully chop the apples into small pieces. Large apple chunks release too much moisture while baking, leaving big holes and a gooey texture behind.
    • Do not overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
    • Pour the batter into the pan slowly to avoid air bubbles.
    • Patch up any nut toppings that may have stuck to your bundt pan while it was still warm.

    Easy apple recipes

    You’ll want to try our other recipes if you enjoy simple-to-make and easy apple desserts.

    A slice of apple crostata missing from this easy Italian dessert.

    Apple Crostata

    This Apple Crostata is a delicious traditional Italian rustic free-form tart made with a flaky pasta frolla and filled with fresh apples.

    GET THE RECIPE

    Check out this apple muffin recipe for a fun twist on apple pie. Every bite of these individual servings has the flavors of warm apple pie, but they are much easier to make.

    Too many apples

    If you went apple picking and came home with too many apples, don’t worry! We have plenty of recipes to help you use them. Why not try our delicious spiced apple butter or this sugar-free chunky apple sauce? If you have bright red apples, you might even end up with pink apple butter!

    Apple bundt cake on a cake stand.

    Recipe origins

    Recently, a reader inquired about transforming my mom’s apple cake recipe into a moist apple bundt cake, so I decided to document the process. This upside-down apple cake is a tasty variation of my mom’s original recipe.

    Not only is this a delicious apple dessert, but it’s also stunning. The apples caramelize as they bake, creating a beautiful topping for the cake. This fresh apple cake is the perfect addition to your Thanksgiving table, whether you enjoy it warm from the oven with a scoop of ice cream or a dollop of sweet ricotta.

    THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community, where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.

    Ciao for now,

    Maria 

    WELCOME! Sign up for my FREE NEWSLETTER for more delicious recipes, tips and updates!

    ★★★★★ If you have made this upside-down apple bundt recipe, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!

    ​

    Recipe

    An overhead photo of an apple bundt cake.

    Easy Apple Bundt Cake: Upside Down Recipe

    Warm spices, apple goodness, and a delicious topping make this upside-down apple bundt cake the perfect fall dessert. This easy cake recipe is perfect for a weekend treat or a holiday gathering and will quickly become a family favorite.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Save RecipeSaved! Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 20 minutes
    Cook Time: 55 minutes
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Servings: 24 servings
    Calories: 154kcal
    Author: Maria Vannelli RD
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Equipment

    • 12- cup Bundt pan

    Ingredients

    Nut Topping:

    • ⅔ cup almonds raw, whole, roughly chopped
    • ⅓ cup brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon or more to your liking
    • pinch allspice

    The Cake:

    • 2⅔ cup flour 400 grams, all-purpose
    • 2 teaspoons baking powder
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 4 eggs
    • 1⅓ cup sugar granulated
    • ⅔ cup vegetable oil
    • ½ cup applesauce
    • 2½ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 2 medium apples peeled, cored and diced
    • 1 medium apple peeled, cored and grated

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 350℉ (175°C). Set the rack in the middle.
    • Grease and flour a 12-cup bundt pan. Alternatively, use a nonstick spray. Set aside.

    Nut Topping:

    • Prepare the nut topping by combining almonds, brown sugar, cinnamon and allspice.
    • Reserve about 5 tablespoons of this mixture to create the "upside down" part of this delicious bundt cake.

    The Cake:

    • In a separate mixing bowl, sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
    • In another bowl, whisk the eggs together until light and frothy.
    • Add the sugar and continue to whisk until thick. Whisk for about 2 minutes. 
    • Add the vegetable oil, applesauce and vanilla extract and whisk together for about a minute or so. Set aside while we chop up the apples.
    • Wash, peel, and core the apples. Then, chop 1 into small pieces and combine it with the 5 tablespoons of reserved nut mixture. This is the "upside down" part of our cake.
    • Chop another apple, then grate the third apple before adding it to the other almond nut mixture. When grating, use the large side of a box grater.
    • Start by spreading and gently pressing the reserved apple-nut mixture, the "upside down" part, evenly over the bottom of your greased and floured bundt pan.
    • Now it's time to slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in 3 additions. After each addition, mix with a wooden spoon until combined. Then, fold in the reserved apple nut mixture.
    • Slowly pour the batter over the topping in the prepared pan. Alternatively, you can scoop the batter into the pan. Fill the pan three-quarters full. Tap the filled pan lightly on the countertop to release air bubbles in the batter. Gently smooth the top and move the batter up against the sides of the pan.
    • Set the pan on the center rack of the oven preheated to 350° F (175° C). Bake for 50-60 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
    • Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes after taking it out of the oven. Next, turn it over onto a wire rack and lift off the pan gently. Allow the cake to sit for a few hours before cutting and serving it.
    Scroll UP for the STEP by STEP PhotosDon’t miss the process shots and videos included in most posts. Simply scroll up the post to find them. Those were created especially for you so that you can make the recipe perfectly every single time you try it.

    Video

    Notes

    • Use a tart and sweet apple combination for the best flavor.
    • Grease and flour your bundt pan properly to avoid sticking.
    • Carefully chop the apples into small pieces. Large apple chunks release too much moisture while baking, leaving big holes and a gooey texture behind.
    • Do not overmix the batter when combining the wet and dry ingredients.
    • Pour the batter into the pan slowly to avoid air bubbles.
    • Patch up any nut toppings that may have stuck to your bundt pan while it was still warm.
     
    Please keep in mind that the nutritional information provided below is just a rough estimate and variations can occur depending on the specific ingredients used. 

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 154kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 0.004g | Cholesterol: 27mg | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 54IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 36mg | Iron: 1mg
    SIGN UP for Email updates!YES! Send me FREE RECIPES!
    • Facebook
    • Yummly
    • Reddit
    • Email

    Filed Under: Breakfast and Brunch, Desserts

    About Maria

    Maria Vannelli is a registered dietitian who lives in a suburb just outside Montreal, Canada. She's the founder of the food blog She Loves Biscotti. Maria hopes to inspire you and bring you and your loved ones closer together at meal times enabling you to create some memorable moments.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Valerie

      November 10, 2022 at 8:29 pm

      5 stars
      Loved baking this apple trifecta almost as much as serving it to company. Moist, delicious and now a favorite go to recipe. Pecans was a nice substitute.

      Reply
      • Maria

        November 10, 2022 at 8:31 pm

        I am so thrilled to read this Valerie! Thanks so much for sharing!

        Reply
    2. Sid Formica

      November 01, 2022 at 5:54 pm

      Hi Maria
      Bravo..your apple upside down Bundt cake was the hit of our dinner party. Following your recipe to a “T” the cake turned our perfect with a
      request from our guests with, can we have the recipe. My sincere THANKS for such a delicious cake, recipe. I follow your blog daily and enjoy recreating those delicious foods.

      Sid Formica

      Reply
      • Maria

        November 01, 2022 at 5:57 pm

        I am so thrilled to read this Sid! Thanks so much for sharing and following along ♥

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Maria from She loves biscotti

    Hi, I'm Maria! a dietitian and full-time content creator. Join me as I share traditional Italian recipes from my youth to modern twists on classics using fresh and seasonal ingredients.

    More about me →

    Subscribe and Follow

    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • Pinterest
    • Instagram
    • YouTube

    Italian Easter Recipes

    • Braided Easter loaves on a cooling rack.
      Italian Easter Sweet Bread Recipe: Pane di Pasqua
    • A slice of ricotta pie dusted with icing sugar and decorated with a slice lo lemon.
      Ricotta Pie: Perfect for Easter!
    • Rice ricotta Easter pie in a cake stand surrounded by oranges and lemons in the background.
      Rice Ricotta Easter Pie
    • Italian Easter Grain Pie on a cake stand.
      Pastiera Napoletana: Italian Easter Grain Pie
    Banner of sites featuring She Loves Biscotti including Buzzfeed, Huffpost, etc.

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclaimer

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • About
    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 She Loves Biscotti

    Copyright © 2023