Apple Pecan Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Apple Pecan Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

The holidays have passed, and I’m enjoying a quiet Sunday. It’s cold and snowing outside and a good day to stay at home and bake.  This bundt cake is inspired by one of my favorites at Panera Bread the Cinnamon Crumb Coffee Cake.  This healthier version has a swirl of pecans, brown sugar, and cinnamon.  Warm spices of cinnamon, cardamon, ginger, and all-spice highlight this apple bundt cake. Perfect as a breakfast or afternoon cake with coffee or it can be served for a special occasion.

Recipe

Apple Pecan Cinnamon Swirl Bundt Cake

Ingredients

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
• 1/2 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup grape seed oil
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 ounces unsweetened apple sauce
• 1 medium size honey crisp apple peeled and grated
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup sour cream

Dry Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour (sifted)
• 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Pecan Cinnamon Swirl 

• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

1. In a medium bowl whisk together sifted flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and all-spice. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl with a spoon , mix together the Pecan Cinnamon Swirl ingredients. Set aside.
3. On medium speed with an electric or standup mixer beat butter and granulated sugar until smooth. Add grape seed oil and maple syrup and continue to beat until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
4. In a small bowl whisk together the sour cream and milk together. Set aside.
5. To the cake batter add vanilla extract , then eggs one at a time blending well between each addition.
6. Add unsweetened applesauce and blend until evenly distributed.
7. On slow speed of mixer gradually add flour and sour cream mixture alternately, starting and ending with flour mixture in 3 additions.
8. Spray a 6 cup bundt cake with baking spray. Spoon 1/3 to 1/2 of cake batter evenly into baking pan. Evenly distribute Pecan Cinnamon Swirl over batter. Spoon remaining cake batter. In center of oven, bake for 35 to 38 minutes or until lightly springs back. Cool in pan for 15 minutes and then remove to a cooling rack.