The Best Apple Pound Cake Recipe: Homemade Comfort in Every Slice

Sweet apple pound cake elevates ordinary ingredients into a magical dessert that captures autumn’s warmest embrace.

Bakers adore this classic treat for its rich, dense texture and irresistible aroma wafting through kitchen spaces.

Dense and moist, the cake balances subtle fruit notes with buttery undertones that dance across taste buds.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a comforting experience that feels both nostalgic and exciting.

Home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can elevate basic components into something extraordinary.

Soft crumb and golden exterior promise a delightful experience that celebrates simplicity and flavor.

Passionate bakers know this recipe represents more than just a dessert—it’s a connection to cherished memories and culinary traditions.

Why Apple Pound Cake Hits That Perfect Fall Flavor Note

• Savor Homemade Comfort: This apple pound cake delivers pure comfort with its warm, tender crumb and classic homemade goodness that wraps you in cozy nostalgia.
• Master Simple Baking Magic: The recipe offers foolproof steps for baking novices, requiring basic ingredients and minimal technical skills while producing an impressive, delicious dessert.
• Celebrate Seasonal Apple Charm: Fresh chopped apples provide delightful bursts of natural sweetness and subtle texture, transforming an ordinary pound cake into a rustic, autumnal treat that celebrates seasonal fruit.
• Versatile Dessert Delight: Perfect for casual afternoon tea, family gatherings, or elegant dinner parties, this cake adapts effortlessly to different occasions with its optional vanilla glaze and serving flexibility.

Everything That Goes Into This Rich Apple Pound Cake

• Butter: Soft and creamy base that provides rich texture and flavor.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and complements the apple flavor.
• Eggs: Binding agent that provides structure and richness to the cake.
• All-Purpose Flour: Main dry ingredient that gives the cake its structure.
• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth, tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances overall flavor with its sweet, aromatic profile.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds moisture, texture, and natural sweetness.

• Melted Butter: Provides richness and helps bind the glaze.
• Powdered Sugar: Creates smooth, sweet coating for the cake.
• Heavy Cream: Adds creaminess and helps achieve desired glaze consistency.

• Whipped Cream: Light, creamy topping that adds extra indulgence.

How to Bake a Moist, Dense Apple Cake with Big Flavor

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 300°F. Grab a loaf pan and coat it thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Cream the Butter

In a spacious mixing bowl, whip the softened butter until it transforms into a light and airy cloud. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Add Sweet Spice Mixture

Gradually introduce the sugar and cinnamon to the butter. Keep beating until the mixture looks fluffy and inviting.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs

Gently add eggs one at a time, mixing on low speed. Ensure each egg blends completely before adding the next.

Step 5: Create the Cake Batter

• Flour
• Milk

Continue alternating until the batter becomes smooth and silky. Stir in vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.

Step 6: Fold in Apple Chunks

Carefully fold chopped apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 7: Fill the Pan

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, filling it about three-quarters full to allow room for rising.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 65 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick- it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 9: Cool and Release

Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Optional Glaze Topping

Step 10: Whip Up the Glaze

• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Vanilla extract
• Heavy cream

Mix until the glaze reaches a smooth, slightly thick consistency.

Step 11: Finish with Flair

Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top for a stunning final touch.

Serving Suggestions

Slice the cake and serve as is, or add a dollop of whipped cream.

Handy Tips for Mixing and Baking Without Fail

• Choose Crisp Apples: Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a delightful texture contrast.
• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature to create a smoother, more evenly mixed batter with better rising potential.
• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a little lemon juice to prevent oxidation and maintain their fresh appearance in the cake.
• Avoid Overmixing: Gently fold in apples and mix batter just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender and prevent a tough texture.
• Check Cake Doneness: Use the toothpick test carefully, inserting it into the cake's center- if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.

How to Keep Apple Pound Cake Fresh for Days

• Refrigerate: Wrap the pound cake tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container to maintain moisture and prevent drying out. Keep refrigerated for up to 5 days.
• Freeze: Slice the cake before freezing for easier portioning. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months to preserve freshness.
• Reheat: Thaw frozen slices in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's soft texture and enhance its flavor.

What to Sip or Scoop with Apple Pound Cake

• Pair with Warm Cinnamon Coffee: Brew a rich, aromatic cinnamon-infused coffee that perfectly complements the cake's warm spices and apple notes, creating a comforting morning or afternoon treat.
• Match with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, letting the cold, smooth texture contrast beautifully with the dense, warm pound cake.
• Enjoy with Caramel Apple Cider: Sip on a mug of hot caramel apple cider that echoes the cake's fruity essence and adds an extra layer of sweet, autumnal warmth to your dessert experience.
• Complement with Spiced Whipped Cream: Whip heavy cream with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a dreamy topping that enhances the cake's apple and spice flavors.

Ways to Add Even More Apple Love

• Nutty Apple Delight: Replace half the flour with ground almonds and sprinkle chopped walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy texture and rich nutty flavor.
• Caramel Apple Swirl: Create a caramel sauce by cooking brown sugar and butter, then swirl it through the batter before baking for a decadent, gooey experience.
• Spiced Autumn Edition: Add ground ginger, nutmeg, and a pinch of cloves to enhance the warm fall flavors, complementing the existing cinnamon in the recipe.
• Cream Cheese Infusion: Mix softened cream cheese into the batter for a tangy, moist cake that adds extra richness and depth to the traditional apple pound cake.

Apple Pound Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm, spiced apple pound cake brings classic comfort to your dessert table. Moist layers of cinnamon-infused batter and tender apple chunks create a nostalgic treat you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Fruit and Flour):

• 2 apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour

Primary Binding and Sweetening Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 ½ cups white granulated sugar
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• ¾ cup milk, room temperature

Supporting Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Glaze Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cups powdered sugar
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or substitute milk)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by warming it to 300°F (150°C) and coating a loaf pan with a light grease layer.
2. Whip the butter using an electric mixer until it transforms into a smooth, airy texture, approximately 3 minutes.
3. Incorporate granulated sugar and cinnamon into the butter, continuing to blend until the mixture achieves a fluffy, pale consistency.
4. Introduce eggs individually into the mixture, gently mixing after each addition to maintain a uniform texture.
5. Gradually integrate flour and milk into the batter, alternating between ingredients to create a silky, well-combined mixture.
6. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract, stirring to distribute the aromatic essence evenly.
7. Gently fold chopped apples through the batter, ensuring they are uniformly suspended throughout the mixture.
8. Transfer the batter into the prepared loaf pan, filling it approximately three-quarters full to allow proper rising during baking.
9. Position the pan in the preheated oven and bake for roughly 65 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
10. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then carefully transfer to a wire rack for complete cooling.
11. For the optional glaze, whisk melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream until achieving a smooth, slightly thickened consistency.
12. Once the cake has cooled entirely, delicately drizzle the glaze across the top for an elegant, sweet finish.
13. Serve the cake in slices, optionally accompanied by a dollop of whipped cream for added indulgence.
14. Preserve remaining cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness up to 5 days.

Notes

• Gentle folding of apples ensures even distribution and prevents sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Low and slow baking at 300°F creates a moist, tender crumb with perfectly developed flavors.
• Room temperature ingredients help create a smoother, more uniform batter with better texture.
• Toothpick test is crucial for determining cake doneness – it should come out clean with no wet batter.
• Optional glaze adds a luxurious sweetness and elegant finish to the rustic apple pound cake.
• Cooling in the pan briefly before transferring helps the cake maintain its structure and prevents breaking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 65 minutes
• Category: Desserts, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 424
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg