|

Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe

If you’re craving something that perfectly captures the cozy, comforting flavors of fall, you’ve got to try my Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe. This cake is like a warm hug on a plate, blending sweet pumpkin and crisp apples with just the right touch of spice. It’s especially wonderful for weekend brunches or as a festive dessert when friends come over to share good conversation and even better food.

What makes this Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe stand out is the balance of moist, tender cake and the crunchy pecans contrasted by luscious caramel sauce. Every bite feels like an autumn celebration! Honestly, with its gorgeous presentation and irresistible aroma, it’s become my go-to whenever I want to impress without fussing over complicated baking techniques.

🖤

Why This Recipe Works

  • Perfect Fall Flavor Blend: The combo of pumpkin, apples, and cinnamon hits just the right cozy seasonal notes.
  • Moist, Tender Texture: Using vegetable oil and pumpkin puree keeps the cake super moist without weighing it down.
  • Simple Yet Decadent Topping: The caramel sauce and crunchy pecans add irresistible sweetness and texture contrast.
  • Easy to Make: Straightforward steps make this recipe perfect even if you’re not a confident baker.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe plays a crucial part in the final magic. The pumpkin adds moisture and natural sweetness, while fresh apples provide a lovely texture and balance. Here’s a quick peek at why I love these components together and what to watch for at the store.

  • Eggs: Help bind everything together while adding richness and structure.
  • White sugar: Provides sweetness and lightness to the crumb.
  • Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with pumpkin.
  • Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake super moist compared to butter, which can dry out over baking time.
  • Vanilla extract: Enhances all the flavors and adds warmth.
  • Pumpkin puree: Opt for canned pumpkin puree for consistency — avoid pumpkin pie filling, which has added spices.
  • All-purpose flour: The base for structure; sift well to prevent lumps.
  • Baking soda & baking powder: Work together to ensure the cake rises evenly and is light.
  • Cornstarch: A little trick I use to tenderize the crumb for soft results.
  • Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances the pumpkin and apple flavors.
  • Cinnamon: The warming spice that truly embodies autumn in a bundt cake.
  • Fresh apples: Choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
  • Dulce de leche or caramel sauce: The decadent finishing touch that melts into the cake’s crevices.
  • Chopped pecans: Adds a satisfying crunch and nutty contrast.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love putting my own little twists on this Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe to keep it fresh. Don’t hesitate to experiment a bit — it’s forgiving and adapts well to different tastes or dietary needs. Plus, making it your own adds a fun creative spark to your baking.

  • Variation: I’ve swapped apples for diced pears and loved the juicy, mellow twist it brought.
  • Gluten-Free: Using a gluten-free all-purpose blend works great here without losing texture.
  • Nut-Free Option: Simply omit the pecans for nut-free gatherings; the caramel sauce alone keeps it indulgent.
  • Spice It Up: Play with adding nutmeg or a pinch of cloves for a spicier profile.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up the Sugars and Eggs

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your bundt pan well — trust me, this helps the cake release perfectly later. I then beat the eggs with both white and brown sugars until the mixture looks pale and creamy, about 4 minutes with an electric mixer. This step adds air to the batter, giving us a light cake texture.

Step 2: Add the Wet Ingredients

Next, pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, beating for another 2 minutes. Then mix in the pumpkin puree thoroughly — I like how the batter suddenly turns silky and thick here. This combo keeps your cake moist and super flavorful.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Fold in Apples

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon. Adding the dry ingredients all at once, gently fold them into your wet mixture, taking care not to overmix — you want to keep the batter airy and tender. Now, fold in those crisp, diced apples; this gives delightful bursts of flavor and texture in every bite.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared bundt pan and pop it into the oven. It’ll bake for 50-60 minutes — start checking around 50 minutes with a toothpick inserted near the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. After baking, let it cool in the pan for about 40 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This cooling step prevents the cake from cracking or breaking.

Step 5: The Finishing Touch

Once the cake feels just warm to the touch (not hot), drizzle your favorite dulce de leche or caramel sauce all over the top. Then sprinkle generously with chopped pecans for a delicious crunchy contrast. This final step truly elevates the Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe from everyday to extraordinary.

💡

Tips from My Kitchen

  • Warm Pan Greasing: I usually grease the bundt pan with a mix of butter and a dusting of flour so the cake pops out cleanly every time.
  • Don’t Overmix: Overworking the batter can make the cake dense, so fold gently just until the flour disappears.
  • Fresh Apples Matter: I always use crisp, tart apples—it’s worth peeling to avoid bitterness in the skin.
  • Cool Before Topping: Adding caramel while the cake is too warm can make it run off the edges; waiting a bit helps the sauce set nicely.

How to Serve Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe

A round bundt cake with a deep brown color sits on a white plate with small raised dots along the edge, placed on a white marbled surface. The cake has a smooth texture with small cracks and is topped with a thick caramel-colored glaze that drips down the sides unevenly, creating a rich and shiny coating. Sprinkled on top of the glaze are small pieces of pecans, adding a crunchy texture and a warm brown shade. Two red apples are visible in the background on the white marbled surface, along with a folded yellow cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this bundt cake, I usually finish with a little extra drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprinkling of additional toasted pecans for show-stopping presentation. Sometimes, I add a light dusting of powdered sugar for a snowy, festive touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side turns it into a dreamy dessert.

Side Dishes

This cake is a star on its own, but for a fuller fall spread, I serve it alongside spiced apple cider or a warm chai latte. If you’re including it as part of a brunch, a simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette helps balance the sweetness nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

One fun idea I’ve tried is layering thin apple slices over the top of the batter before baking to create a pretty “apple crown” effect when the cake is inverted. For holiday gatherings, I like to serve slices on rustic wooden boards paired with caramel dip bowls and festive fall decorations—it really amps up the cozy vibe and gets compliments every time!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe covered tightly at room temperature for up to two days, which keeps the cake moist without drying out the topping. For longer storage, I pop the cake into the fridge, wrapped well to prevent it from absorbing other aromas.

Freezing

Freezing works beautifully if you’ve made a double batch or want to prepare in advance. I freeze the cooled cake (without the caramel and pecans) wrapped in plastic and foil for up to 3 months. When ready, I thaw overnight in the fridge then add the toppings just before serving.

Reheating

To warm up slices, a few seconds in the microwave (about 15-20 seconds) works well to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven feel. Just add caramel sauce and pecans after reheating to keep them crisp and delicious. If you want, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a low oven wrapped in foil also does the trick.

FAQs

  1. Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned puree for this Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe?

    Yes, you can use fresh pumpkin—but you’ll need to roast and puree it first. Make sure to drain any excess moisture from your fresh pumpkin puree so the cake’s texture doesn’t become too wet. Using canned pumpkin puree is more convenient and consistent in moisture content, which is why I often stick with it.

  2. What type of apples work best in this bundt cake?

    Firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape and add a nice tart contrast to the sweet pumpkin. Avoid softer or overly sweet varieties, which can turn mushy during baking.

  3. Can I make this cake vegan or dairy-free?

    Absolutely! To make a vegan version, substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free caramel sauce. The vegetable oil and other ingredients are already dairy-free, so it’s an easy swap.

  4. How do I know when my pumpkin apple bundt cake is done?

    Insert a toothpick into the thickest part of the cake — if it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs (no wet batter), the cake is baked through. If the cake edges are pulling away slightly from the pan, it’s another good sign it’s ready.

  5. Can I make the caramel sauce from scratch for this recipe?

    Definitely! Homemade caramel sauce adds a lovely personal touch and fresh flavor. Just be sure to watch the temperature closely while making it to prevent burning. Store-bought dulce de leche or caramel sauce works just as well if you want a shortcut.

Final Thoughts

I’ve made this Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe dozens of times, and it never fails to bring smiles around the table. Its inviting flavors and moist, tender crumb make it a beloved fall treat in my family and friends’ circles. If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both impressive and easy to pull together, this one’s got your back. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll become one of your favorite seasonal desserts too!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake with Caramel Sauce and Pecans Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 38 reviews
  • Author: Lily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 60 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Pumpkin Apple Bundt Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines the rich earthiness of pumpkin with the natural sweetness of diced apples. Enhanced with warm cinnamon and topped with luscious dulce de leche or caramel sauce and crunchy pecans, it makes a perfect treat for fall or any cozy occasion.


Ingredients

Cake

  • 2 eggs
  • 3/4 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 2/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 cup pumpkin puree
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 4 cups apples, cored, peeled, and diced

Topping

  • Dulce de leche sauce or caramel sauce
  • Chopped pecans


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a bundt pan thoroughly to prevent sticking and set it aside for later use.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the eggs, white sugar, and brown sugar. Using an electric mixer, beat the mixture until it becomes light and creamy, which should take about 4 minutes.
  3. Add Oil and Vanilla: Pour in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, then continue beating the mixture for an additional 2 minutes until well combined.
  4. Incorporate Pumpkin Puree: Add the pumpkin puree to the wet ingredients and beat for 1 more minute to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
  5. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, salt, and cinnamon.
  6. Mix Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough.
  7. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled, cored, and diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly.
  8. Pour and Bake: Pour the prepared batter into the greased bundt pan, smoothing the top lightly. Bake in the preheated oven for 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 40 minutes. Then invert the cake onto a serving platter and let it cool further until it is no longer warm to the touch.
  10. Add Topping and Serve: Drizzle your choice of dulce de leche sauce or caramel sauce over the cooled bundt cake. Sprinkle chopped pecans generously on top. Slice and enjoy this flavorful, moist cake.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overmix the batter once the flour is added to ensure a tender crumb.
  • Using freshly peeled and diced apples adds freshness and texture to the cake; Granny Smith apples are a great choice for tartness.
  • Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist; can substitute with canola oil if preferred.
  • If dulce de leche or caramel sauce is not available, a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk can be used as a topping.
  • Chilling the cake slightly before topping it can help the sauces stay on top instead of running off.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 24 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 45 mg

You Might Also Like These Recipes

Leave a Reply

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

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star