Apple Pound Cake Recipe

There’s something so heartwarming about a slice of cake that brings the flavors of the season right to your plate. This Apple Pound Cake is just that—a perfect blend of tender cake, spiced apples, and that unmistakable richness you get from a classic pound cake. Picture this: a thick, buttery slice of cake, speckled with juicy bits of apple, cinnamon, and a hint of vanilla, all coming together to create the ultimate cozy dessert. It’s a cake that feels like a warm hug on a cool day, and trust me, you’ll want to bake it again and again. Whether you’re enjoying it with a cup of tea or serving it at a family gathering, this Apple Pound Cake is the kind of treat that’s impossible to resist!

Why You’ll Love Apple Pound Cake

Here’s why this Apple Pound Cake is about to become your new favorite dessert:

Moist and Tender

The pound cake base is rich and buttery, with a perfectly soft crumb that melts in your mouth. The apples keep the cake moist while adding a delightful texture and burst of flavor.

Perfectly Spiced

Cinnamon and nutmeg work their magic in this cake, infusing it with the comforting flavors of fall. If you love the warmth of spices, you’re in for a treat!

Easy to Make

This cake might seem like a fancy dessert, but it’s actually quite simple to make! With just a few basic ingredients and one bowl, you’ll have it ready in no time.

Versatile

Whether you enjoy it plain, dusted with powdered sugar, or topped with a drizzle of caramel or whipped cream, this cake is wonderfully adaptable and can be customized to suit any occasion.

Ingredients

This Apple Pound Cake is made with simple ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cake:

• All-purpose flour: The base of your cake, creating that perfect texture.
• Baking powder: To help the cake rise and stay light.
• Cinnamon & nutmeg: For that warm, spiced flavor that makes this cake so cozy.
• Salt: Enhances the sweetness and balances the flavors.
• Butter: Adds richness and creates that melt-in-your-mouth tenderness.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while giving it a lovely golden color.
• Eggs: Help bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Vanilla extract: For a touch of sweetness and depth.
• Milk: Adds moisture and a soft texture to the cake.

For the Apple Filling:

• Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are great choices because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Brown sugar: Adds depth of flavor and a bit of caramel-like sweetness to the apples.
• Cinnamon: Enhances the apple flavor with a warm, aromatic spice.

Instructions

Ready to bake? Let’s get started! Here’s how you can whip up this Apple Pound Cake:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into small chunks. In a bowl, toss the apples with the brown sugar and cinnamon until well coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan (or line it with parchment paper for easy removal). In a large bowl, cream the butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes with a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined—be careful not to overmix.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the cinnamon-sugar-coated apples into the batter, being sure to distribute them evenly throughout the cake.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Keep an eye on it towards the end, as oven times can vary.

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy as-is, or dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with caramel for an extra special touch.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 10-12
Calories per serving: 250-300 (depending on portion size and toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes

How to Serve Apple Pound Cake

This Apple Pound Cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few ways you can serve it up:

• With Whipped Cream: Top each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a light, creamy contrast to the spiced cake.
• A Scoop of Ice Cream: Vanilla or cinnamon ice cream pairs beautifully with the cake’s flavors, making it even more indulgent.
• With Caramel Drizzle: A drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the top makes it feel extra luxurious.
• As a Breakfast Treat: This cake is great for breakfast or brunch—pair it with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Additional Tips

• Apple Variations: You can use any apple you like! While tart apples like Granny Smith work well, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala will also add a delicious flavor.
• Make It Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
• Moisture Check: If the cake seems too dry while mixing, add a splash more milk until you get the right batter consistency. You want it thick but spreadable.
• Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans can be folded into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
A1: You can! Pears or peaches would work beautifully in this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the sugar depending on the sweetness of the fruit you use.

Q2: How do I store the cake?
A2: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, wrap it in plastic wrap and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Q3: Can I freeze this cake?
A3: Yes, this cake freezes wonderfully! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw at room temperature before serving.

Q4: How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A4: Insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is ready. If it comes out wet, give it a few more minutes in the oven.

Q5: Can I make this as a bundt cake instead of a loaf?
A5: Absolutely! Just grease and flour a bundt pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Keep an eye on it, as the cooking time may vary depending on the pan size.

Q6: Can I use applesauce instead of fresh apples?
A6: You can, but I recommend using about 1 cup of unsweetened applesauce and reducing the amount of sugar in the recipe slightly. The texture may be a bit different, but it’ll still be delicious!

Q7: How can I make the cake sweeter?
A7: If you like your cake sweeter, you can add a bit more sugar to the batter or drizzle a sweet glaze over the top after baking.

Q8: Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
A8: Yes, but reduce the amount of added salt in the recipe to compensate for the extra salt in the butter.

Q9: What can I serve this cake with?
A9: Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for a delicious dessert. It’s also fantastic with a hot cup of coffee or tea!

Q10: How can I make this cake more festive for the holidays?
A10: Add a dash of ginger or cloves to the batter for extra spice, or top the cake with candied pecans or a dusting of powdered sugar for a holiday-ready touch.

Conclusion

This Apple Pound Cake is the perfect combination of tender cake, sweet apples, and warm spices, making it a true crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re baking it for a cozy afternoon treat or for a holiday gathering, it’s sure to be a hit. So go ahead—grab those apples and let’s get baking! You won’t regret it.

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