Apple Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that combines the buttery richness of traditional pound cake with the freshness of apples, creating a moist and flavorful treat. Perfect for any occasion, this cake is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Moist and Flavorful: The apples add natural sweetness and moisture to the dense pound cake.
Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh apples.
Versatile: Enjoy it plain or topped with a glaze for extra indulgence.
Beginner-Friendly: Straightforward steps that are perfect for novice bakers.

Ingredients

For the Cake:

1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
2 cups (400g) granulated sugar
4 large eggs, at room temperature
3 cups (360g) all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (240ml) whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (e.g., Jonathan, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith)

For the Optional Glaze:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Directions

Prepare the Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
Grease and flour a 10-inch loaf pan or bundt pan to ensure easy removal.

Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (3-5 minutes).
Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Stir in the vanilla extract and gently fold in the chopped apples.

Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Optional Glaze

In a medium bowl, whisk together melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk.
Adjust consistency with additional cream or milk if needed.

Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides for a decorative finish.

Serve

Slice and serve the cake. It pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or tea for a cozy dessert experience.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 10-12 slices
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

Spiced Apple Pound Cake: Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice to the batter for warm, fall-inspired flavors.
Nutty Twist: Fold in chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch.
Citrus Kick: Replace vanilla extract with lemon or orange zest for a tangy flavor boost.
Apple Swirl: Layer the batter with an apple-cinnamon-sugar mixture for a marbled effect.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freezing: Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Reheating: Warm slices in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or enjoy at room temperature.

FAQs

What type of apples are best for this cake?
Baking apples like Jonathan, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith are ideal as they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce the added salt in the recipe to balance the flavors.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and check consistency, as it may vary slightly.

How do I ensure my cake doesn’t stick to the pan?
Grease and flour the pan thoroughly, ensuring all crevices are coated.

What if I don’t have powdered sugar for the glaze?
Make your own by blending granulated sugar in a food processor until it’s fine and powdery.

Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, but the glaze adds a touch of sweetness and decoration.

Can I use oil instead of butter?
Butter provides the best flavor, but you can substitute with equal parts vegetable or canola oil for a slightly different texture.

How do I prevent overmixing the batter?
Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.

Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, pears or peaches can be used for a variation, though the flavor will differ.

Why did my cake sink in the middle?
This could happen if the batter was overmixed, the oven temperature was too low, or the cake was underbaked.

Conclusion

Apple Pound Cake is a timeless dessert that blends the rich, buttery flavor of pound cake with the freshness of apples for a treat that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Whether served plain or drizzled with glaze, this cake is sure to impress your family and friends. Bake one today and savor every moist and flavorful bite!

Apple Pound Cake

Author: Chef Clara
Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
Yield: 10–12 slices 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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