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    Home » Desserts » Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze

    Easy Apricot Nectar Cake with Glaze

    Published: Dec 10, 2021 · Modified: Jun 12, 2025 by Anne Clark · This post may contain affiliate links · 16 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    apricot nectar bundt cake recipe pin

    Old fashioned apricot nectar cake is an easy pound cake recipe that starts with yellow cake mix. The apricot nectar juice adds a light, citrus flavor. Sour cream and butter make this cake fluffy and super moist.

    Craving something chilled to go with all that citrus? My Lemon Lush Dessert is layered, luscious, and full of Southern charm—no oven required!

    baked and glazed cake with slice on cake server
    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Cake
    • What Goes Into This Recipe
    • How to Make Apricot Nectar Cake
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Expert Tips
    • More Cake Recipes
    • Recipe
    • Comments

    I'm excited and honored to share with you this apricot nectar cake recipe.  Apricot nectar cake is a classic Southern dessert, so I was glad to find my mom's recipe and share it with you.  It's hand-written by her on a recipe card so it's sentimental as well.

    Another favorite southern dessert is my Lemon Chess Pie. It's sweet and tart and very easy to make.

    Why You'll Love This Cake

    Flavor - This cake uses apricot nectar juice which adds a hint of citrus flavor.  It's a light and fluffy cake; not heavy or dense so it won't leave you wanting to take a nap in your favorite recliner. 

    Cake Mix - Store-bought cake mix saves you some prep time (the flour, salt, baking soda, and baking powder are already measured out perfectly for you). 

    One Cake Pan - This is a one-layer, Bundt pan recipe.  Only one layer to think about plus it's baked in a pretty Bundt cake design making it special for any occasion!

    Moist Cake -  This recipe calls for sour cream and real butter.   Sour cream makes this cake super moist and butter adds a rich buttery flavor and also adds moisture.

    Easy Glaze - A simple, light glaze with a sweet, citrus flavor that compliments this cake so well! 

    What Goes Into This Recipe

    please scroll down to the full, printable recipe card.

    ingredients measured out in silver bowls on countertop

    box of yellow cake mix - love this shortcut!  Betty Crocker is my go-to brand.  Substitute lemon-flavored cake mix if desired.

    stick of butter - real butter adds a rich, buttery flavor and moisture.

    granulated sugar - save yourself a little money and buy the store brand.

    sour cream - adds moisture to prevent a dry cake.  Yogurt is a good substitute; be sure to use the full fat, plain version.

    eggs - for binding the cake mix and adding height and texture.

    apricot nectar - adds that wonderful citrus flavor!  Goya is the most widely used brand and comes in a soda-type can.  Can use mango nectar as a substitute, if necessary.

    pure vanilla extract - a flavor staple for most cake recipes; real vanilla extract tastes better than imitation vanilla extract.

    confectioners sugar (optional for glaze) - makes a light glaze that adds a nice finishing touch.

    How to Make Apricot Nectar Cake

    photo collage of recipe steps

    (1) Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour bundt pan (or use something like Baker's Joy).  Place all the ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix with your electric mixture on low speed for 1 minute.  Scrape down sides of bowl and mix on medium speed for another 2 minutes. 

    (2) Pour cake batter evenly into the prepared cake pan. This is my favorite bundt pan from Wilton. The handles come in handy when you're flipping the cake out of the pan to cool.  Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.  

    (3) Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to completely cool.  

    (4) After the cake completely cools, place it on a cake platter; add the glaze, if desired. 

    A Cake for any Occasion

    I recently made this cake then my husband took it to his office.  It didn't last long and several people told him it was delicious!  So next time you're needing an easy, delicious cake to take to an office function or for a family gathering, this cake is a winner!

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What's the storage and shelf life?

    This cake will stay fresh for up to 3 days if left covered on your countertop. Keeping the cake in a plastic cake holder such as the Nordic Ware Bundt Cake Keeper will help keep the cake nice and fresh. The lid locks onto the base and is somewhat transparent.

    Can I make this cake ahead of time?

    Cakes are always better the next day! Cakes like this, especially pound cake, seem to be moister the next day or two. However, if making in advance, I would wait to glaze the cake until the day you plan to serve it.

    Can I freeze it?

    Cakes freeze very well and often makes them even better than before you froze them! Be sure the cake is completely cooled off. Then wrap the cake in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you're ready to eat the cake, removed the plastic wrap and foil, then let the cake thaw on the countertop for 2-3 hours. Enjoy!

    What's the difference between an Apricot Nectar Cake and an Apricot Cake?

    An apricot nectar cake contains only the juice of pureed apricots; it's a popular southern cake recipe. An apricot cake actually contains apricots and reminds me more of a cobbler. Apricot cake is a popular German dessert.

    Expert Tips

    • Be sure to grease and flour the bundt pan; non-stick spray that contains only oil will not prevent the cake from sticking.
    • To ensure the cake bakes and rises evenly, after you've poured the cake batter into the cake pan, gently tap and rotate the cake pan on the countertop to remove any air bubbles that may have formed. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure the batter is level.
    • Make the cake the day before you plan to serve it.  The cake will be even more flavorful and moist the next day!
    slice of cake on white plate with fork

    More Cake Recipes

    • baked and frosted cake cut into squares topped with orange zest on blue serving platter with orange slice and whipped cream garnish
      Easy Chocolate Orange Cake
    • baked cake with one slice on round wooden cake holder being removed with cake spatula
      Easy Pumpkin Spice Cake
    • Three chocolate cake layers with frosting in between and on top of the cake.
      Triple Layer Chocolate Cake
    • A slice of cake topped with two of mandarin orange segments and mint leaves on a square white plate with a fork.
      Mandarin Orange Cake

    If you made this deliciously easy apricot nectar cake recipe, please be sure to rate and review it below. I love hearing about your kitchen adventures!  We can also be social if you like! I’m on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.

    If you’d like more traditional Southern recipes delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for my email newsletter. 

    Recipe

    apricot nectar cake slice on white plate

    Apricot Nectar Cake

    Old fashioned apricot nectar pound cake is an easy, delicious, moist cake made with apricot nectar, sour cream, and real butter topped with a simple glaze.
    4.71 from 17 votes
    Print Pin For Later Rate
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 40 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 50 minutes minutes
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 297kcal
    Author: Anne Clark | My Kitchen Serenity

    Equipment

    • Bundt pan
    • Electric mixer
    • large mixing bowl
    • measuring cup(s)
    • measuring spoons
    • wire rack (for cooling cake)

    Ingredients

    CAKE INGREDIENTS

    • 1 box Yellow cake mix
    • 1 stick Butter, softened
    • ½ cup Sugar
    • 8 oz Sour Cream
    • 4 Eggs
    • ¼ cup Apricot nectar
    • 1 tablespoon Vanilla extract

    GLAZE INGREDIENTS

    • 2 cups Confectioners sugar
    • 2-4 tablespoon water, lemon juice, or apricot nectar I prefer lemon juice for a sweet & tart glaze
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    CAKE DIRECTIONS

    • Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour bundt pan (or use something like Baker's Joy).
    • Place all the cake ingredients into a large mixing bowl and mix with your electric mixture on low speed for 1 minute.  Scrape down sides of bowl and mix on medium speed for another 2 minutes.
    • Pour cake batter evenly into prepared cake pan. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes or until toothpick inserted comes out clean. 
    • Cool cake in pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to completely cool.  After the cake completely cools, place it on a cake platter and add the glaze.

    GLAZE DIRECTIONS

    • Mix 2 cups confectioners sugar and 2-4 tablespoons of water, lemon juice, or apricot nectar in a small bowl with a whisk. Note:  start with 2 tablespoon of liquid and slow add more if needed. It may take more liquid to get the desired consistency for the glaze.  The glaze should flow smoothly; not too thin and not too thick.  I like to compare to the consistency of honey.

    Notes

    • If desired, add a simple glaze of 2 cups confectioners sugar and 2-4 tablespoons of water, lemon juice, or apricot nectar.  Note:  it may take more liquid to get the desired consistency for the glaze.  The glaze should flow smoothly; not too thin and not too thick.  I like to compare it to the consistency of honey.
    • Be sure to grease and flour the bundt pan; non-stick spray that contains only oil will not prevent the cake from sticking.
    • To ensure the cake bakes and rises evenly, after you've poured the cake batter into the cake pan, gently tap and rotate the cake pan on the countertop to remove any air bubbles that may have formed. Use a spoon or spatula to make sure the batter is level.
    • Make the cake the day before you plan to serve it.  The cake will be even more flavorful and moist the next day!
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @mykitchenserenity or tag #mykitchenserenity on Instagram!!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1slice | Calories: 297kcal | Carbohydrates: 61g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 86mg | Sodium: 350mg | Potassium: 68mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 25g | Vitamin A: 502IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 106mg | Iron: 1mg

    This recipe was originally published in 2018 and was updated in 2025.

    Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy to my readers. I'm not a nutritionist and I don't guarantee the accuracy of this data. The data may differ according to the brands I used versus the brands you use. To calculate the data yourself using your brands, try using an online nutrition calculator or app.

    « Easy Banana Nut Muffins Recipe
    Keto Squash Casserole »

    About Anne Clark

    Hi! I'm Anne, the founder and content creator at My Kitchen Serenity, a food blog focused on serving the needs of busy moms and dads who are looking for easy and delicious recipes for the family.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jackson

      March 04, 2019 at 10:16 am

      5 stars
      This looks so awesome!

      Reply
      • MyKitchenSerenity

        March 05, 2019 at 6:39 am

        Thanks! Hope you enjoy it.

        Reply
    2. MyKitchenSerenity

      March 07, 2019 at 8:52 am

      Thank Shannon! Yes, the lemon cake mix bodes so well with the apricot nectar. Give this recipe a try. It’s easy! Wish I had a slice of it now!

      Reply
    3. Ashleigh

      March 13, 2019 at 8:32 pm

      5 stars
      This was the best cake I’ve ever made!!!! Everybody loved it! Can’t wait to make it again.

      Reply
    4. Ryan K Biddulph

      May 09, 2019 at 7:50 am

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness guys. This looks incredibly good. 5 stars.

      Reply
      • MyKitchenSerenity

        May 09, 2019 at 5:04 pm

        Hey Ryan! Good to hear from you! This cake always gets rave reviews. Give it a try! Y’all take care.

        Reply
    5. TAPITA LAUERMANN

      April 07, 2020 at 4:45 pm

      5 stars
      Made it twice, raves all around. Nothing is quite as easy and tastes so so good as this cake!

      Reply
      • MyKitchenSerenity

        April 07, 2020 at 10:30 pm

        Thank you for your nice comment, Tapita! I'm so glad that you like this cake. It's my favorite 🙂

        Reply
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    Hi. I’m Anne and I’m happy to share with you my easy, family-friendly recipes. I’ve been cooking for my family for 30 years, and what I’ve learned is that most busy families appreciate easy homemade meals. Now that the kids are grown, my passion is creating and sharing flavorful food for you and your family to enjoy as well. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at Anne@mykitchenserenity.com. 

    I’d love to hear from you!

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