The Story & Intro
Hi, I’m Marilyn, from the sunny island of Crete, where the scent of cinnamon, honey, and baked apples often fills our homes. I still remember sitting in my grandmother’s kitchen, watching her slice crisp apples from our garden while humming an old Greek tune. She’d mix them with warm spices cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves and the whole house would smell like love.
This Spiced Apple Bundt Cake brings back those memories every single time I bake it. It’s moist, aromatic, and perfectly comforting like a hug in cake form. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients or special techniques. Just a few pantry staples, fresh apples, and a cozy afternoon to bake something that makes everyone smile.
Whether it’s fall, winter, or any time you crave a sweet, spiced bite, this cake delivers. The spiced apple bundt cake is a dessert that bridges family traditions with easy modern baking. Every slice tells a story sweet apples, cinnamon warmth, and the joy of sharing homemade goodness. I love how the simple scent of baking apples can make a kitchen feel like home, no matter where you are.
So, let’s grab our aprons and get baking you’re about to create a cake that feels like a celebration of comfort, flavor, and tradition.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this cozy spiced apple bundt cake, you’ll need a few simple ingredients that blend beautifully together. I always use local Cretan honey for a deeper sweetness, but any honey you have works perfectly.
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
- ½ cup honey
- 2 medium apples (peeled, cored, and finely chopped)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk or cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pro tip: choose crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and tartness. The small lemon juice touch keeps them fresh and bright in flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the pan and preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a bundt cake pan to prevent sticking. I like brushing mine with melted butter for extra flavor.
2. Combine dry ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This mix gives the cake its warm, spiced personality.
3. Cream the butter and sugars
In another bowl, beat the butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. This step adds air, making the cake soft and tender.
4. Add eggs and flavorings
Beat in the eggs one at a time. Then add the vanilla extract and honey your kitchen should already smell amazing by now!
5. Mix in yogurt and apples
Stir in the Greek yogurt for moisture and creaminess. Toss the chopped apples in lemon juice and fold them gently into the batter. The batter will be thick but rich.
6. Combine wet and dry mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet mix, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix you want that perfect crumbly tenderness.
7. Bake the cake
Pour the batter evenly into the bundt pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
8. Cool and glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack. When it’s completely cool, drizzle the glaze over the top. It should flow gently over the curves that’s the beauty of a bundt cake!
Serving & Pairing Ideas
This spiced apple bundt cake is pure comfort served slightly warm with a cup of coffee or tea. I love pairing it with a drizzle of honey or a dollop of whipped cream for a touch of Greek charm.
You can also make it extra special by:
- Serving it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream 🍨
- Adding toasted walnuts or pecans on top for crunch 🥜
- Dusting lightly with powdered sugar for a festive finish
Whether for Sunday brunch, Thanksgiving dessert, or a cozy winter evening, this cake fits any moment that calls for sweetness and warmth.
Tips for the Perfect Cake
- Room Temperature Ingredients: Butter, eggs, and yogurt should be at room temperature for better mixing.
- Don’t Skip the Yogurt: It adds moisture and makes the cake tender.
- Storage: Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5.
- Freezing: Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months — a sweet treat anytime!
📝 Recipe Card
🍏 Spiced Apple Bundt Cake Recipe
⏰ Time:
Prep – 20 mins | Bake – 50 mins | Total – 1 hr 10 mins
🧺 Ingredients:
Flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla, yogurt, honey, apples, lemon juice, and glaze ingredients.
👩🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease bundt pan.
2️⃣ Mix dry ingredients.
3️⃣ Cream butter and sugars. Add eggs, honey, and vanilla.
4️⃣ Fold in yogurt and apples.
5️⃣ Combine with dry mix.
6️⃣ Bake 45–55 minutes.
7️⃣ Cool and glaze.
💡 Note:
For an extra touch, sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the glaze or serve with whipped cream.
🍎 Nutrition (per slice):
Calories: 320 | Protein: 4g | Fat: 12g | Carbs: 50g | Sugar: 32g
Conclusion
Every time I bake this spiced apple bundt cake, it reminds me of my grandmother’s kitchen in Crete warm, welcoming, and filled with laughter. The blend of cinnamon and honey brings back those childhood moments of joy and sweetness.
I hope this recipe inspires you to create your own cozy baking memories. Remember, food isn’t just about flavor it’s about love, tradition, and sharing moments that bring people together. So slice a piece, take a deep breath, and let your home fill with the scent of apples and comfort. 💛
Short 100-Word Story Version
Hi, I’m Marilyn from Crete! This Spiced Apple Bundt Cake takes me right back to my grandmother’s kitchen, where cinnamon and honey filled the air. It’s an easy, cozy dessert that combines sweet apples, warm spices, and a soft crumb that melts in your mouth. Every bite feels like a warm hug simple ingredients, big flavor, and pure comfort. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just yourself, this cake makes every moment special. Sweet, spiced, and utterly delicious it’s the perfect treat to share with love! 🍎✨