Irresistible Caramel Apple Tea Cake: Your Ultimate Fall Bundt Cake Recipe
Prepare to indulge in the ultimate fall dessert: this incredibly moist Caramel Apple Tea Cake. A delightful bundt cake, it’s infused with the comforting flavors of apple cider tea, rich vanilla, warm cinnamon, crisp fresh apples, and a decadent caramel drizzle. It’s the perfect companion for your favorite warm beverage on a cozy autumn day.
There’s a special kind of magic that autumn brings, and for me, it truly begins with apple season. Beyond the crisp air and vibrant foliage, it’s the aroma of baking apples that truly signals fall has arrived. The moment those sweet, spicy scents fill my kitchen, a sense of warmth and coziness washes over me. This Caramel Apple Tea Cake is no exception; its fragrance alone is enough to transport you to a haven of fall bliss.
Imagine a natural air freshener that not only delights your senses but is also a mouth-watering treat you get to savor!
This post is crafted in collaboration with a special Fall Flavors recipe group. I received wonderful products from our generous sponsors: The Republic of Tea, Melissa’s Produce, Torani, and Taylor & Colledge, in exchange for sharing this delicious recipe. #FallFlavors
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While my mornings unequivocally start with a few cups of coffee – a ritual I cherish – my evenings often find me unwinding with a comforting mug of hot tea as I relax. The soothing warmth and delicate flavors of tea have always been a staple in my nightly routine.
However, incorporating tea into baking was a frontier I hadn’t fully explored until now. I’ve ventured into tea-infused beverages like my Banana Berry Green Tea Smoothie, but the idea of baking tea directly into a cake recipe felt truly innovative. This Caramel Apple Tea Cake changed everything, introducing a subtle yet distinct depth of flavor that elevated it beyond a traditional apple cake.
Celebrating Fall Flavors Week with Exquisite Ingredients
Get ready for a week filled with incredibly delicious recipes as we celebrate all things Fall Flavored! We’re incredibly fortunate to partner with some fantastic sponsors, and I’m thrilled to show you how I’ve woven their premium products into this single, spectacular apple cake recipe. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating the cake’s unforgettable taste and texture.
For this particular Caramel Apple Tea Cake, I used vibrant, crisp apples from Melissa’s Produce, aromatic Apple Cider Tea from The Republic of Tea, luxurious vanilla bean paste from Taylor & Colledge, and rich caramel syrup from Torani. These carefully selected ingredients come together to create a symphony of fall flavors, making every bite a true delight. The quality of each component truly shines through, transforming a simple bundt cake into a gourmet experience.
What makes this tea cake truly remarkable, aside from its premium ingredients, is its surprising simplicity. It begins with a convenient vanilla cake mix and a box of instant vanilla pudding, forming a solid base for our fall masterpiece. To enhance both flavor and moisture while also making it a bit lighter, I strategically replaced most of the oil typically required by the cake mix with cinnamon applesauce. This clever substitution not only imbues the cake with a wonderful subtle spice but also ensures an incredibly moist crumb, reducing calories without sacrificing an ounce of deliciousness. The combination creates a cake that’s effortless to make yet tastes wonderfully complex and satisfying.
How to Make a Heavenly Caramel Apple Tea Cake
Creating this delightful Caramel Apple Tea Cake is a straightforward process, even for novice bakers. The key lies in careful preparation and combining the right ingredients to achieve that perfect moist, flavorful result. Here’s a detailed guide to help you achieve baking perfection:
**1. Prepare Your Pan:** Start by thoroughly preparing a 10-inch bundt pan. Use a non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated to guarantee a smooth release. You can also lightly flour the pan after spraying for extra assurance. This crucial first step prevents the cake from sticking and helps maintain its beautiful bundt shape.
**2. Mix the Batter:** In a large mixing bowl, combine your vanilla cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, 3/4 cup of the pre-brewed and cooled apple cider tea, large eggs, vegetable oil, cinnamon applesauce, and the exquisite vanilla bean paste. Begin mixing on low speed for about 30 seconds to incorporate the dry and wet ingredients without making a mess. Then, increase the speed to medium and beat the mixture for a full 2 minutes. This aeration step creates a light and fluffy batter.
**3. Incorporate the Apples:** To prevent the shredded apple from sinking to the bottom of the cake during baking, toss them with 2 tablespoons of flour. This light coating helps them suspend evenly throughout the batter. Gently fold the floured, shredded Melissa’s Produce apples into the cake batter. Be careful not to overmix at this stage; just enough to distribute the apple pieces.
**4. Bake to Perfection:** Pour the prepared batter evenly into your bundt pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for approximately 45 minutes. Baking times can vary by oven, so keep an eye on it. The cake is done when a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, with no wet batter clinging to it. The kitchen will smell absolutely divine!
**5. Caramel Drizzle Magic:** Once baked, let the bundt cake cool in the pan for just a few minutes – typically 5-10 minutes. This allows it to firm up slightly before inverting. Carefully flip the cake onto a serving plate or wire rack. While the cake is still warm, generously drizzle it with Torani Caramel Syrup. The warmth of the cake will allow the rich caramel to gently soak into the cake, infusing every bite with that irresistible caramel goodness.
**6. Prepare the Vanilla Glaze:** Allow the cake to cool slightly more, but it doesn’t need to be completely cold. While it’s cooling, prepare the luxurious vanilla glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, a teaspoon of Taylor & Colledge Vanilla Bean Paste, and the remaining 1/4 cup of apple cider tea. Add the tea a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency. I prefer a slightly thicker glaze that coats the cake beautifully, but you can adjust it to be thinner if you like.
**7. Glaze and Serve:** Once the cake has cooled enough, pour the vanilla glaze evenly over the top, letting it drip down the sides of the bundt cake. Serve immediately to enjoy it warm, or pop it in the fridge for a short while to allow the glaze to set up nicely. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness and moist texture. This cake is truly best when enjoyed fresh, showcasing all its wonderful flavors.
I mean… come on. Just look at that beautiful, glistening cake. The golden-brown crust, the rich caramel seeping into the tender crumb, and the elegant white glaze cascading down the sides – it’s a feast for the eyes as much as it is for the palate!
Love It? Pin It!
Don’t let this incredible recipe slip away! Make sure to save the recipe for this heavenly Caramel Apple Tea Cake by pinning it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board. That way, you’ll always have it handy when those fall baking cravings hit!
Adding Apple Tea Cake to My Fall Cake Recipe Favorites
As I’ve mentioned, autumn has always held a special place in my heart as my absolute favorite season. It’s not just the invigorating crispness of the air or the breathtaking display of colors, but also the rich tapestry of flavors and comforting scents that accompany it. Fall brings with it the perfect excuse to dive into warm soup recipes, hearty baked casseroles, and soulful comfort foods. And, of course, it’s the season for my most beloved spices: cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg, all of which evoke the essence of coziness and home.
This Caramel Apple Tea Cake now proudly joins my esteemed collection of fall cakes. I make these four cakes at least once every autumn, and they offer a wonderful variety of seasonal flavors. They also provide excellent opportunities to put your versatile bundt pan to good use!
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Cake with Brown Butter Glaze
Apple Monkey Bread
Cinnamon Spice Coffee Cake
Cinderella Cake – Pumpkin Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Win Amazing Prizes from Our Sponsors!
Our wonderful #FallFlavors sponsors have generously donated some fantastic prizes for our readers to win! They, along with our participating bloggers and event hosts – Family Around the Table, A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures, and Hezzi D’s Books and Cooks – invite you to enter the giveaway through the widget below. There are many exciting opportunities to enter and win!
The Republic of Tea is giving away a gorgeous Red Dancing Leaves Teapot and a tin of their delicious Hot Apple Cider Tea. Imagine brewing a warm pot and savoring it on a crisp fall day!
Torani is offering a bottle of their delightful Green Apple Puremade Syrup and a decadent Caramel Puremade Sauce. These versatile syrups are perfect for elevating your baking creations or crafting a variety of delicious drinks.
Dixie Crystals Sugar wants to ensure your baking remains sweet and perfect. They are giving away a fantastic set of OXO Good Grips 3-piece Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls, essential for any kitchen.
Taylor and Colledge is providing a wonderful variety of their premium baking pastes. With these, your fall and holiday baked goods are guaranteed to impress both family and guests with their rich and authentic flavors.
Elevate your dinner game to a whole new level with a diverse box of fresh, high-quality produce from Melissa’s. This is a fantastic opportunity to experiment with unique fruits and vegetables you might not typically find in your local market.
One fortunate winner will receive a delightful goodie box packed with a variety of Nairn’s gluten-free products. Enjoy these wholesome treats as a quick snack or get creative by incorporating them into your meals and desserts.
This giveaway will feature multiple winners. The giveaway is open exclusively to US residents who are 18 years of age and older. Winners will have 24 hours to respond to their email notification. If a response is not received within this timeframe, the prize will be forfeited, and a new winner will be selected. This giveaway is void where prohibited by law. Prize fulfillment will be handled directly by the sponsors. Neither the event hosts nor the participant bloggers are responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. No purchase is necessary to enter or win. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social channel mentioned in the posts or entry.
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For even more inspiring fall recipes, be sure to follow the Fall Flavors Pinterest board!
Now, let’s get down to baking this incredibly easy and utterly delicious Caramel Apple Tea Cake! 
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Print Recipe
Caramel Apple Tea Cake
Equipment
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Cuisinart Boxed Grater
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KitchenAid Hand Mixer
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Kitchenaid Stand Mixer
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Cuisinart Chef’s Classic Nonstick Bakeware 9-1/2-Inch Bundt Pan
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 15.25 ounce box of vanilla cake mix
- 1 3.4 ounce package instant vanilla pudding mix
- 3 Apple Cider Tea Bags steeped in 1 cup boiling water cooled, divided
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup applesauce I used cinnamon applesauce for extra flavor
- 2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
- 1 cup fresh apple peeled and shredded (e.g., from Melissa’s Produce)
- 2 Tablespoons all-purpose flour for tossing with apples
- Generous drizzle of Caramel Syrup (e.g., Torani Puremade Caramel Sauce)
For The Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (e.g., Taylor & Colledge)
- remaining 1/4 cup brewed apple cider tea
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Liberally spray a 10-inch bundt pan with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring all crevices are coated.
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In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer, combine the vanilla cake mix, instant vanilla pudding mix, applesauce, large eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste, vegetable oil, and 3/4 cup of the cooled brewed apple cider tea. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds to combine, then increase speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well aerated.
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In a separate small bowl, toss the shredded apple with the 2 tablespoons of flour. This helps prevent the apple pieces from sinking during baking. Gently fold the floured shredded apple into the cake batter until just combined.
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Pour the batter evenly into the prepared bundt pan. Bake for 45 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 5-10 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a serving plate or wire rack. While the cake is still warm, generously drizzle it with the caramel syrup. The warmth of the cake will help the caramel soak in beautifully.
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To make the vanilla glaze, combine the powdered sugar with 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste and the remaining 1/4 cup of brewed apple cider tea in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth, adding the tea a little at a time until your desired consistency is reached. I personally prefer a thicker glaze.
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Once the cake has cooled slightly (or completely, if you prefer), pour the vanilla glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Serve immediately for a warm, gooey treat, or place it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve, which will help the glaze set nicely. Store any leftover cake in an airtight container in the fridge.
Nutrition
Monday Fall Recipes for Inspiration
- Apple Butternut Squash Casserole by That Recipe
- Apple Pie Tacos Recipe by Blogghetti
- Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars by Lemon Blossoms
- Apple Tea-ramisu by Jolene’s Recipe Journal
- Butternut Squash Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
- Caramel Apple Cinnamon Rolls by Sweet Beginnings
- Caramel Apple Crisp by Big Bears Wife
- Caramel Apple Empanadas by Take Two Tapas
- Caramel Apple Ice Cream Pie by A Day in the Life on the Farm
- Caramel Apple Spice Cupcakes by Daily Dish Recipes
- Caramel Apple Tea Cake by An Affair from the Heart
- Caramel Swirl Pound Cake by Family Around the Table
- Creamy Sweet Potato and Sunchoke Soup by Eat Move Make
- Easy Sausage And Veggies Sheet Pan Dinner by Intelligent Domestications
- Fall Harvest Potato Beet Soup by Frugal & Fit
- Fall Punch Mocktail by Kate’s Recipe Box
- Fall Vegetable Breakfast Hash by Cindy’s Recipes and Writings
- Green Appletini Martini by Art of Natural Living
- Grilled Apple and Pear Salad with Maple Walnut Vinaigrette by Cheese Curd In Paradise
- Meyer Lemon Scones by A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
- Pear Almond Crumble Pie by Savory Moments
- Pear Brown Betty by Cookaholic Wife
- Plum Kuchen by Palatable Pastime
- Scalloped Potatoes with Sweet Potatoes, Fennel, and Leeks by Karen’s Kitchen Stories
- Smashed Roasted Rosemary & Garlic Potatoes by Simple and Savory
- Sour Cream Coffee Cake with Toasted Pecan Filling by Books n’ Cooks
- Sunchoke Ricotta Gnocchi with Walnut Thyme Butter Sauce by The Spiffy Cookie
Thank you to our amazing #FallFlavors Week Sponsors: Melissa’s Produce, Torani, Republic of Tea, Taylor & Colledge, and Nairn’s for generously providing the prizes free of charge. These wonderful companies also supplied our participating bloggers with samples and products to use for their #FallFlavors Week recipes. All opinions and culinary creations expressed are entirely my own.
The #FallFlavors Week giveaway is open to residents of the United States who are 18 years of age or older. All entries for the winner will be meticulously checked and verified to ensure fairness. By entering this giveaway, you grant the right to use your name and likeness for promotional purposes. The number of entries received directly determines the odds of winning. Six (6) lucky winners will be selected to receive fantastic prize packages. The prize packages will be sent directly from the individual giveaway sponsors. The #FallFlavors Week Bloggers are not responsible for the fulfillment or delivery of the prize packages. Bloggers hosting this giveaway and their immediate family members residing in their household are not eligible to enter or win the giveaway. No purchase is necessary to enter. This promotion is void where prohibited by law. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter, or any other social media channel mentioned in the #FallFlavors Week posts or entry.