Mrs. Lacy’s Fresh Apple Bundt Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze 🍎🍰❤️

Holiday Desserts Family Tradition | Fall Cake

Y’all, if you love fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a rich homemade brown sugar glaze, you’re going to absolutely LOVE this cake!

Today, Faye from Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House in Sanford, North Carolina, is showing you how to make her delicious Fresh Apple Bundt Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze!

We’re talking a wonderfully moist cake filled with fresh chopped apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, and a little vanilla.

And then we’re pouring a homemade buttery brown sugar glaze right over the top!

Y’all, it doesn’t get much better than that! 😍

And here’s the best part — this recipe starts with a box of butter pecan cake mix!

That makes it easy enough for beginner bakers while still giving you a delicious, homemade-style dessert.

It’s perfect for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, Christmas, church potlucks, family reunions, or just enjoying a slice with your morning coffee.

🎥 Watch Faye Make Her Fresh Apple Bundt Cake!

Want to see how Faye prepares this delicious cake?

She’s showing you how to combine the ingredients, add the fresh apples, and make a beautiful homemade Bundt cake.

❤️ Watch Faye Make Mrs. Lacy’s Fresh Apple Bundt Cake on YouTube

🍎 Mrs. Lacy’s Fresh Apple Bundt Cake Recipe

Prep Time: Approximately 20 minutes
Bake Time: 45–55 minutes
Cooling Time: Approximately 30–45 minutes
Oven Temperature: 350°F
Yield: One Bundt cake
Servings: Approximately 12–16 slices

Ingredients for the Apple Cake

  • 1 box butter pecan cake mix
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups fresh apples, finely chopped
  • ½ cup chopped pecans (optional)

Ingredients for the Homemade Brown Sugar Glaze

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt
  • 1 cup powdered sugar

👩‍🍳 Easy Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F.

Grease and flour a standard 10- to 12-cup Bundt pan thoroughly, making sure to get into all the little grooves.

This is especially important because you want your beautiful cake to come out of the pan without sticking!

Step 2: Prepare Your Fresh Apples

Wash and finely chop your apples until you have 3 cups.

You can peel the apples if you prefer, but leaving the skins on is also an option.

Try to keep the pieces fairly small so they distribute evenly throughout the cake.

Faye’s tip: Fresh apples help make this cake wonderfully moist!

Step 3: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

  • 1 box butter pecan cake mix
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 cup milk
  • ½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Mix until everything is well combined and the batter is smooth.

Be careful not to overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Fresh Apples

Add 3 cups finely chopped apples to the cake batter.

Using a spatula, gently fold the apples into the mixture.

Make sure they’re distributed evenly.

Step 5: Add the Pecans (Optional)

If you love a little crunch in your cake, fold in ½ cup chopped pecans.

If you prefer your apple cake without nuts, just leave them out!

This is an easy recipe to make your own.

Step 6: Pour Into Your Bundt Pan

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared Bundt pan.

Smooth the top with a spatula.

Avoid filling the pan more than about three-quarters full. If you have extra batter, bake it separately in a small prepared pan.

Step 7: Bake for 45–55 Minutes

Place the Bundt pan in your preheated oven.

Bake at 350°F for approximately 45–55 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick or cake tester inserted into the thickest part comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Because this cake contains fresh apples, baking times can vary depending on your oven, pan size, and the moisture in your apples.

Step 8: Cool the Cake

Remove the cake from the oven.

Allow it to cool in the Bundt pan for approximately 15–20 minutes.

Carefully loosen the edges if necessary, then invert the cake onto a wire rack or serving plate.

Allow it to cool before adding the glaze.

Now comes the really good part! ❤️

🍯 How to Make the Homemade Brown Sugar Glaze

Step 9: Melt the Butter

In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, melt ½ cup butter.

Step 10: Add the Brown Sugar and Cream

Stir in:

  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half

Continue stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes smooth.

Bring it to a gentle simmer for a minute or two, stirring frequently.

Be careful not to let it scorch.

Step 11: Add the Vanilla and Salt

Remove the saucepan from the heat.

Stir in:

  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • A pinch of salt

Mix until combined.

Step 12: Add the Powdered Sugar

Gradually whisk in 1 cup powdered sugar until the glaze is smooth.

If the glaze is too thick to drizzle, add a small splash of cream or milk.

If it’s too thin, allow it to cool slightly or add a little more powdered sugar.

Step 13: Drizzle Over Your Apple Cake

Place your cooled apple Bundt cake on a serving plate.

Slowly drizzle the warm brown sugar glaze over the top.

Let it run naturally down the sides of the cake.

Y’all, doesn’t that look absolutely delicious? 😍

Step 14: Slice, Serve, and Enjoy!

Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing.

Serve your cake as it is, or enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

And there you have it — Mrs. Lacy’s Fresh Apple Bundt Cake with Homemade Brown Sugar Glaze! 🍎❤️

❤️ Faye’s Tips for Making the Best Apple Bundt Cake

Use fresh apples! They add wonderful flavor and moisture.

Try butter pecan cake mix! It gives the cake a rich, buttery flavor that pairs beautifully with apples.

Don’t skip the cinnamon and nutmeg! These warm spices make the cake especially delicious.

Chop your apples into small pieces! This helps them bake evenly throughout the cake.

Grease your Bundt pan thoroughly! You want that beautiful cake to release easily.

Use real butter in your glaze! It gives the topping a rich, homemade flavor.

Don’t overbake! Check the cake toward the end of the baking time so it stays moist.

🍏 What Are the Best Apples for Apple Bundt Cake?

You can use several different types of apples in this recipe!

Some great choices include:

  • Granny Smith: A little tart, which balances the sweetness of the cake.
  • Honeycrisp: Sweet, crisp, and full of apple flavor.
  • Fuji: Naturally sweet and delicious in baked desserts.
  • Gala: Mild, sweet, and easy to find.

You can even mix two varieties for a little extra flavor!

🍂 The Perfect Cake for Fall and the Holidays

There’s just something about apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar that makes a kitchen feel cozy.

This cake is especially wonderful for:

  • Thanksgiving dinner
  • Christmas celebrations
  • Fall family gatherings
  • Church potlucks
  • Birthday parties
  • Sunday dinners
  • Afternoon coffee with friends

And because it’s baked in a Bundt pan, it looks beautiful without requiring complicated decorating.

🍰 Can You Make Apple Bundt Cake Ahead of Time?

Absolutely!

You can bake the cake a day ahead and allow it to cool completely.

Store it covered, then add the brown sugar glaze closer to serving time if you’d like the prettiest presentation.

You can also glaze the cake ahead and let the topping set before covering it.

❄️ How to Store Fresh Apple Bundt Cake

Because this cake contains fresh fruit and a dairy-based glaze, refrigeration is a good option for longer storage.

Keep it covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within approximately 4–5 days.

For the best flavor and texture, allow an individual slice to come closer to room temperature before serving.

You can also warm a slice briefly and enjoy it with vanilla ice cream!

❤️ Why We Love Sharing Easy Southern Cake Recipes

At Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House, we believe homemade desserts don’t have to be complicated to be delicious.

And this Fresh Apple Bundt Cake is a perfect example!

It starts with a simple boxed cake mix, but the fresh apples, warm spices, and homemade brown sugar glaze make it something special.

It’s a wonderful dessert to share with your family, bring to a gathering, or make just because you’re craving something sweet.

We hope you’ll give Faye’s recipe a try!

📚 Bring a Little Mrs. Lacy’s Home With You!

Love cooking with Faye? Then you’ll love Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House Cookbook!

Filled with 500 cherished family recipes, it’s a wonderful way to bring a little Southern hospitality into your own kitchen.

❤️ Shop Mrs. Lacy’s Cookbooks Online

Cookbooks are also available at Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House in Sanford, North Carolina.

They make wonderful gifts for Christmas, birthdays, weddings, and anyone who loves Southern cooking!

❤️ More Cooking With Faye!

At Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House, we love sharing family recipes, easy cooking tips, and a little Southern hospitality with all of you!

Be sure to follow our YouTube channel for more recipes, kitchen tips, and fun with Faye.

And if you’re ever in Sanford, North Carolina, we’d love for you to stop by Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House for lunch and something sweet!

Now we want to know! 🍎❤️

What’s your favorite apple to bake with — Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala?

And here’s another question — would you rather have your apple cake with brown sugar glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream?

Tell us in the comments! We love hearing about your favorite homemade desserts!

Chad Potts

Grandson of Faye Schulz & Marketing Director at Mrs. Lacy’s Magnolia House