This Apple Harvest Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that celebrates the flavors of fall. With a moist and tender crumb, infused with warm spices and chunks of fresh apples, this pound cake is perfect for any autumn occasion. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want to enjoy a cozy treat at home, this recipe is sure to impress. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious Apple Harvest Pound Cake!
Ingredients for Apple Harvest Pound Cake
For the Cake:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 4 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
For the Glaze (optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Harvest Pound Cake
1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or coat it with baking spray.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugars
- In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Combine the Dry Ingredients
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
5. Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the sour cream, and mixing until just combined.
6. Fold in the Diced Apples
- Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Cool and Glaze (optional)
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
- If desired, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a glaze. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
About the Main Ingredients
Apples
Apples are the star of this recipe, providing sweetness and a burst of flavor in every bite. Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best results.
Butter
Butter adds richness and moisture to the pound cake, giving it a tender crumb and delicious flavor. Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature for easy mixing.
Sour Cream
Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang to the pound cake, making it extra tender. It also helps to balance the sweetness of the cake.
Spices
Cinnamon and nutmeg add warm, cozy flavors to the pound cake, complementing the apples beautifully. Adjust the amount of spices to suit your taste preferences.
Tips for Making the Perfect Apple Harvest Pound Cake
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature before mixing to ensure a smooth batter.
- Don’t Overmix: Mix the batter until just combined after adding the dry ingredients to avoid a dense cake.
- Add a Glaze: The optional glaze adds a sweet finish to the cake. Feel free to skip it if you prefer a less sweet dessert.
- Store Properly: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
