Homemade Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Autumn’s crisp apple harvest pound cake weaves magic into every delectable slice, promising pure comfort in a single bite.

Memories of orchards dance through this rich, moist creation.

Warm spices mingle with sweet fruit, creating a nostalgic symphony of flavor.

Seasonal ingredients elevate this classic dessert beyond ordinary expectations.

Cozy kitchen moments beckon you to mix, bake, and savor.

Fragrant hints of cinnamon and caramel glaze will make hearts flutter with delight.

Come explore this irresistible recipe that turns simple ingredients into an unforgettable treat.

Perfect Pairings For Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Brew Complementary Coffee: Select a medium-roast Colombian coffee with nutty undertones that mirror the cake's walnut notes and balance the sweet caramel glaze.
• Serve Creamy Accompaniment: Pair with vanilla bean ice cream or cinnamon-spiced whipped cream to enhance the cake's apple and warm spice flavors.
• Match Dessert Wine: Choose a late-harvest Riesling with its honeyed sweetness and subtle acidity to complement the cake's rich caramel and fruity apple profile.
• Create Seasonal Experience: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh apple chips or candied walnuts to add textural contrast and amplify the harvest-inspired dessert.

Best Way To Store Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Store cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for up to 5 days in the refrigerator, keeping its moisture and flavor intact.
• Wrap the entire cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container or bag, lasting up to 3 months for future enjoyment.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag for convenient single-serving thawing.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore its fresh-baked warmth and softness.

Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze Questions

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a good balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Is apple cider essential for this recipe?

Apple cider adds moisture and depth of flavor, but you can substitute with apple juice or milk if needed. The cider enhances the apple taste in the cake.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Reasons To Enjoy Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Savor Seasonal Delight: Celebrate the apple harvest with this moist, flavor-packed cake that captures the essence of autumn's bounty.
• Master Simple Baking: Designed for bakers of all skill levels, this recipe requires basic mixing techniques and common ingredients found in most kitchens.
• Create Versatile Dessert: Perfect for family gatherings, potlucks, or a cozy afternoon treat that impresses without complicated steps.
• Customize with Comfort: Add your personal touch by adjusting nut quantities or experimenting with different apple varieties to make the recipe uniquely yours.

Everything Needed For Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Flour: A foundational ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Butter: Creates a rich and tender texture in the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide moisture.
• Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Walnuts: Provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Apple Cider, Vanilla Extract: Enhance the overall flavor profile of the cake.

• Baking Powder, Salt: Help the cake rise and balance the flavors.

How To Bake Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Baking Equipment

Warm up your oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until well combined.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

Use an electric mixer to blend butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Beat eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated. Stir in vanilla extract for additional flavor depth.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually mix the dry ingredient blend into the wet ingredients, alternating with apple cider. Stir until just combined to maintain a tender cake texture.

Step 6: Fold in Fruit and Nuts

• Chopped apples
• Walnuts

Gently fold chopped apples and walnuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Rest

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let it cool completely before serving.

Step 9: Prepare Caramel Glaze

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract

Melt butter in a saucepan, add brown sugar, and stir until dissolved. Pour in heavy cream and simmer until smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 10: Drizzle and Serve

Generously pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for a stunning presentation.

Helpful Tips For Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in the cake.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Allow ingredients like eggs and butter to reach room temperature before mixing to ensure smoother batter and more even baking.
• Check cake doneness early by inserting a toothpick at 50 minutes to prevent potential overbaking and dryness.
• Store cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

Different Styles For Apple Harvest Pound Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Rustic Spiced Apple Cake: Replace walnuts with pecans and add cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice for a warm, cozy flavor profile.
• Caramel Apple Streusel Variation: Top the cake with a buttery crumb streusel and drizzle extra caramel sauce before serving.
• Maple Walnut Apple Cake: Substitute apple cider with maple syrup and sprinkle toasted maple-glazed walnuts on top for an autumnal touch.
• Gluten-Free Apple Harvest Cake: Use gluten-free flour blend and almond flour to create a tender, allergen-friendly version of the original recipe.

Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 65-75 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Seasonal bounty meets sweet indulgence in this Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze, a delightful dessert celebrating autumn’s rich flavors. Warm spices and tender apples meld perfectly, inviting you to savor each luxurious, golden-glazed slice.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup chopped apples

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat a 9×5-inch loaf pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt in a mixing bowl, whisking to eliminate any lumps and ensure even distribution.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and develops a fluffy texture, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, mixing thoroughly after each addition, then blend in vanilla extract until fully integrated.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with apple cider to maintain a smooth, consistent batter.
6. Gently fold chopped apples and walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution without overmixing.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly and creating a slight dome in the center for uniform rising.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
9. Allow the cake to rest in the pan for 10 minutes, which helps it set and prevents breaking when removing.
10. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack and let it cool completely before applying caramel glaze.

Notes

• Select firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and create a crunchier texture.
• Adjust moisture by draining excess liquid from chopped apples to prevent a soggy cake bottom.
• Consider gluten-free flour blend as a direct substitute for all-purpose flour for those with wheat sensitivities.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 50-60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 402 kcal
• Sugar: 27 g
• Sodium: 160 mg
• Fat: 26 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg