To create the ultimate cinnamon bundt cake, perfect the art of creating a soft, fluffy dough that will hold up well in the bundt pan. Make sure to allow enough time for the dough to rise properly, as this is key to achieving that light and airy texture that pairs so perfectly with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple butter. Spread evenly throughout the dough to ensure a consistent taste in every slice.

How to Make Apple Butter Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake

In a medium saucepan, stir milk, water, 1 cup butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until warm (120 to 130°) and the butter almost melts.

Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface. Knead enough of the remaining flour into it to make it moderately soft, smooth, and elastic.

Cover and let rise in a warm place ( I like placing my dough in a cold oven with the oven light on) until nearly double in size.

Roll the dough into a 20×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter, apple butter, sugar, and cinnamon over the dough.

Sprinkle the nuts over the filling. Roll up into a rectangle, starting from the filled long side. Pinch the dough to seal.

Carefully place the rolled rectangle, seam side down, in the prepared bundt pan, bringing ends together to form a ring.

Push down around the edges to even out. Cover the pan with a lint-free towel or plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size.

Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden, covering loosely with foil and baking an additional 10 minutes. Tap on the top of the bread; if you hear a hollow sound, the bread is done.

CINNAMON ROLL BUNDT CAKE INGREDIENTS LIST-full printable recipe below in recipe card

• 5-1/8 to 5¼ cups bread flour, divided
• 2 packages of active dry yeast or 4½ teaspoons
• 1 cup milk
• ½ cup water
• ½ cup unsalted butter, cut up
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

APPLE BUTTER FILLING INGREDIENTS

• ½ tablespoons unsalted butter softened
• 1 cup apple butter
• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

MAPLE DRIZZLE INGREDIENTS

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon maple extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1½ tablespoons milk
• ¼ cup walnuts, chopped (optional topping)

CINNAMON ROLL CAKE AND APPLE BUTTER FILLING INSTRUCTIONS-full printable recipe below in recipe card

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together 2 cups of flour and the yeast.
2. In a medium saucepan, stir milk, water, 1 cup butter, sugar, cinnamon, and salt until warm (120 to 130°) and the butter almost melts.
3. Add milk mixture to flour mixture, stir together, add eggs, and stir to combine.
4. Using a sturdy spoon, stir in walnuts and 3 cups of the remaining flour.
5. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
6. Knead enough of the remaining flour into the dough to make it moderately soft, smooth, and elastic. I used 1/8 cup (about 2 minutes total).
7. Shape the dough into a ball.
8. Place in a lightly greased bowl, turning once to grease the surface of the dough.
9. Cover and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (about 1 hour).
10. Punch dough down, and turn dough out onto a lightly floured surface.
11. Cover and let rest for 10 minutes.
12. Lightly spray a 10-cup bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.
13. Roll the dough into a 20×12-inch rectangle. Spread softened butter, apple butter, sugar, and cinnamon over the dough, leaving 1 inch unfilled along the long sides.
14. Sprinkle walnuts over the top of the filling.
15. Roll up the rectangle, starting from a filled long side; pinch the dough to seal the seam. Carefully place the rolled rectangle, seam side down, in the prepared bundt pan, bringing ends together to form a ring. PUSH DOWN AROUND TO EVEN OUT.
16. Cover the pan with a lint-free towel or plastic wrap sprayed with nonstick cooking spray, and let rise in a warm place until nearly double in size (about 45 minutes).
17. Preheat the oven to 350°. Bake for 45 minutes or until golden, covering loosely with foil and baking an additional 10 minutes. Tap on the top of the bread; if you hear a hollow sound, the bread is done.
18. Carefully invert bread onto a wire rack; cool completely. Drizzle with maple drizzle.

MAPLE DRIZZLE INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, maple syrup, maple extract, vanilla, and milk until combined and smooth.
2. Drizzle over the top of the cooled cake, letting the icing run down the sides.
3. Garnish with optional chopped walnuts.

CHOOSING THE BEST FLOUR FOR MAKING YEAST DOUGH

When selecting the ideal flour for creating yeast dough, opting for one with a high protein content is crucial. This protein, typically found in bread flour, helps to develop the gluten structure necessary for a chewy and airy texture in your cinnamon rolls. Additionally, bread flour has a higher gluten content than all-purpose flour, making it a top choice for yeast-based recipes like this Apple Butter Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake. The elasticity of the gluten in bread flour allows the dough to rise properly, resulting in lighter and fluffier cinnamon rolls that will impress even the most discerning brunch guests. As you embark on perfecting this decadent dessert, remember that the type of flour you use can make all the difference in achieving bakery-quality results. So, select your flour wisely and prepare to elevate your baking game to new heights.

OPTIONAL TOPPINGS

HOMEMADE PURE MAPLE SYRUP BUTTER: Even though the maple glaze is delicious, here are a couple more topping options. Have you ever had homemade maple butter? Not butter with maple syrup added, but REAL MAPLE BUTTER. Honestly, it’s like eating a buttery piece of candy.

MAPLE SYRUP: Adding a drizzle of maple syrup to each piece of cake is DELICIOUS! The flavors together remind me of bread pudding. The cheap artificial syrup works great, or the “real” syrup works well, too! Use what you like.

CRAFTING HOMEMADE APPLE BUTTER

Making apple butter from scratch is easy and adds a rich, spiced flavor that perfectly complements the sweetness of the cinnamon rolls in this decadent dessert. Start by simmering fresh apples with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves until they break down into a thick, luscious spread. This process allows you to control the sweetness and texture of your apple butter, ensuring a truly unique and delicious addition to your baking repertoire. CHECK OUT MY SLOW COOKER VERSION→SLOW COOKER APPLE BUTTER—NOTE: STORE-BOUGHT APPLE BUTTER WILL WORK GREAT IN THIS RECIPE TOO.

HELP! MY KITCHEN IS TOO COLD FOR RISING DOUGH! TIPS FOR CREATING A WARM ENVIRONMENT FOR RISING DOUGH

It doesn’t matter if you live in an area with extremely cold weather or, like me, in Tucson, Arizona, where the weather is warm most of the year. You will have days when your kitchen is too cold to raise dough. The perfect rising temperature for most doughs is around 72° to 77°. I have three ways of outsmarting the cold weather.

1. OVEN TECHNIQUE: This one is simple. I used this method all the time. All that’s needed is an oven light. Before starting the dough-making process, turn on the oven light. Make the dough, place it in the rising vessel, cover it with a cotton cloth, and place the dough in a cold oven only heated by the oven light. Close the door and let the magic happen.
2. BREAD PROOFING MAT: Place the mat on a long towel. Turn on the thermostat to preheat for 15 minutes. Then, place the dough bowl on the mat. Finally, cover the dough with a towel. CLICK HERE FOR THE MAT I PURCHASED→BREAD PROOFER (not an affiliate link)
3. HEATING PAD: Practically everyone has a heating pad lurking in the back of their closet. This is a unique way to use your long-forgotten heating pad without spending any money! Place a kitchen towel on the heating pad, and put the bowl on the heating pad set to the lowest setting.

OVERNIGHT CINNAMON ROLL BUNDT CAKE

Elevate your brunch game by incorporating your favorite recipe into this Apple Butter Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake. Whether it’s a classic quiche, a savory frittata, or a fluffy stack of pancakes, serving this decadent dessert alongside your signature brunch dish will leave your guests in awe. The warm notes of cinnamon and apple combined with the rich flavors of homemade apple butter will create a symphony of tastes that will delight everyone at your table. As you prepare to wow your guests with this show-stopping dessert, be sure to choose the best flour for making yeast dough to ensure your cinnamon rolls turn out perfectly light and fluffy.

THE DAY BEFORE BAKING: Preparation is key when it comes to making overnight cinnamon rolls. Start by making your dough the day before and allowing it to rise until doubled in size (about 1 hour). Follow the instructions all the way to step 17 (DO NOT COMPLETE THIS STEP). Cover the bundt pan and refrigerate overnight.

THE NEXT DAY: Swap out the plastic wrap for a lint-free towel. Cover the bundt pan, place in a draft-free environment, and let rise until nearly double in size (about 45 minutes). I like using the stove light method. MENTIONED ABOVE↑

How to Store Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake

COUNTERTOP: Cover your bundt cake with a cake keeper. I used this one from Walmart→NORDIC WARE 10 CUP BUNDT CAKEKEEPER SET (not an affiliate link) or Cakekeeper. If you don’t have a cake cover, cut the cake into pieces and store it in an airtight container. The cake should stay fresh for up to three days. After three days, I suggest storing it in the refrigerator.

REFRIGERATOR: Place the cake in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If you want your cake to stay fresh longer, I suggest freezing it.

How to Freeze Cinnamon Roll Bundt Cake

To store your cinnamon roll bundt cake for later enjoyment, start by allowing the cake to cool completely after baking. Once cooled, carefully wrap the cake in plastic wrap, ensuring it is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn. Place the wrapped cake in a resealable freezer bag or airtight container to provide an extra layer of protection. Label the bag or container with the date to keep track of when it was frozen. I highly recommend holding off on adding the maple drizzle until you’re ready to serve your cake.

When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen cinnamon roll bundt cake, simply remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. This gradual thawing process will help preserve the cake’s texture and flavor. Once thawed, you can bring the cake to room temperature, add the maple drizzle, and serve. Freezing your cinnamon roll bundt cake is a convenient way to have a delicious dessert on hand whenever a craving strikes. This storage method ensures that you can savor the sweet flavors of this indulgent treat whenever the mood strikes.

CREATIVE FREEZING METHOD WITH RAW DOUGH

1. Follow all the steps through 11. DO THIS INSTEAD OF STEP 12 in the recipe card instructions. OPTION #1 Cover the inside of the bundt pan with plastic wrap and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside. DO THIS STEP IF YOU ARE PLANNING ON STORING YOUR CAKE IN A FREEZER-SAFE ZIP-TO-BAG. OPTION #2: SKIP ADDING THE PLASTIC WRAP AND PREPARE THE PAN AS ORIGINALLY INSTRUCTED WITH NONSTICK COOKING SPRAY.
2. Pick up the recipe card at steps 13 through 15. DO THIS FOR STEP 16. Place the formed cinnamon roll cake in the freezer until frozen solid. Using the plastic wrap, remove the cinnamon roll from the bundt cake pan and place it in a freezer-safe zip-top bag. Freeze for up to 3 months.
3. When ready to bake, take the cake out of the freezer the night before, spray the bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray, place the cinnamon cake back into the pan (if it was stored in a zip lock), and into the refrigerator to partially thaw. Continue following the recipe from step 16. ALL THE ABOVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE FREEZING METHOD WILL BE INCLUDED AS A PRINTABLE IN THE RECIPE CARD.

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In conclusion, by mastering the art of yeast cinnamon rolls, creating a decadent cinnamon bundt cake, and crafting your homemade apple butter, you can elevate your baking game to new heights with the irresistible apple butter cinnamon roll bundt cake. Your guests will be blown away by your skills and creativity, leaving them begging for more. So go ahead, impress with your favorite brunch recipe, and watch as you become a baking superstar in no time. Get ready to wow with this show-stopping dessert and take your baking to the next level. Happy Baking!💗Sheryl