Name: Glazed Apple Pound Cake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 10 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, softened; 2 cups granulated sugar; 4 eggs; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 1 tsp baking powder; ½ tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp salt; ½ cup milk; 1½ cups finely chopped peeled apples (e.g., Honeycrisp); 1 cup powdered sugar; 2–3 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

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If you’re searching for a showstopper dessert that tastes like fall in every bite, the Glazed Apple Pound Cake might just be your new go-to treat. Each slice delivers a buttery, moist crumb, dotted with pockets of tender apple, all crowned by a rich vanilla glaze that sparkles like a first frost. Whether you serve it at a cozy brunch, bring it along to a potluck, or just want a simple afternoon pick-me-up, this rustic cake wraps up comfort, nostalgia, and full-on flavor in one unforgettable package.

Glazed Apple Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Glazed Apple Pound Cake comes together with a handful of pantry staples, but each ingredient is carefully chosen for flavor, texture, and that beautiful golden color. Don’t skip or swap—these classics work in harmony to guarantee crowd-pleasing results.

Unsalted butter: The base of any great pound cake, it brings rich flavor and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and helps to create a delicate, golden exterior.
Eggs: Four eggs deliver moisture, structure, and that signature pound cake richness.
Vanilla extract: Boosts the fragrance and melds beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
All-purpose flour: The canvas for our cake—uncomplicated, reliable, and sturdy enough to hold the apples.
Baking powder: Gives the batter a gentle lift without making it airy or dry.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and gently perfumes every bite.
Salt: Essential for balancing sweetness and bringing out depth of flavor.
Milk: Keeps the crumb soft and luscious, and helps everything come together smoothly.
Finely chopped apples (Honeycrisp or similar): Juicy, sweet-tart apple bits keep the cake moist and add irresistible bursts of autumn flavor.
Powdered sugar (for glaze): Forms the silky, shiny topping that sets the cake apart.
Milk (for glaze): Loosens the sugar to just the right pourable texture.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses even the glaze with deep, sweet aroma.

How to Make Glazed Apple Pound Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by heating your oven to 325°F (160°C) for that gentle, even bake, which is key to a perfect pound cake. Lightly grease a standard loaf pan and line it with parchment paper, letting the paper overhang for easy cake removal later.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

Using an electric mixer, beat the softened butter with the granulated sugar until the mixture is light, fluffy, and nearly white in color. This step isn’t just for combining—it’s the secret to that delicate crumb everyone loves in a Glazed Apple Pound Cake.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Add your eggs one at a time, mixing after each addition. This ensures a silky, cohesive batter. After the last egg, blend in the vanilla extract until it’s fully incorporated and aromatic.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing them first keeps the leavening and spices evenly distributed, so every bite is consistent and just-right.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Add the dry mixture to the butter and egg mixture in batches, alternating with the milk. Fold gently—this gradual approach keeps the cake ultra-tender and prevents overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the finely chopped apples. Make sure every spoonful of batter gets a generous helping for ultimate apple flavor in every slice of Glazed Apple Pound Cake.

Step 7: Bake

Transfer the batter to your prepared loaf pan and smooth the top. Slide it into the oven and bake for 60–70 minutes. It’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. Allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before lifting it out to cool completely on a wire rack.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is completely cool, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth, pourable glaze. Drizzle the glaze liberally over the cake and watch it cascade down the sides—this finishing touch makes your Glazed Apple Pound Cake as irresistible to look at as it is to eat.

How to Serve Glazed Apple Pound Cake

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way here. A dusting of cinnamon, a scatter of finely diced fresh apples, or even a handful of toasted chopped pecans can elevate the look and add a delightful little crunch to each slice.

Side Dishes

This cake is stunning on its own, but it also loves a partner. Serve thick slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a mug of hot apple cider for a classic fall pairing. Each bite feels like a warm hug.

Creative Ways to Present

For brunch, cut the Glazed Apple Pound Cake into cubes and pile them into pretty jars for a cake parfait with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Or, slice thin and use for decadent French toast—your guests will be begging for the recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap any remaining cake tightly in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making it even more delicious the next day.

Freezing

To freeze, slice the cooled Glazed Apple Pound Cake and wrap each portion in plastic wrap. Freeze in a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or let the slices sit at room temperature when you get a craving.

Reheating

If you’d like your cake to taste bakery-fresh, pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or gently warm it in a low oven. The glaze softens, the crumb turns melt-in-your-mouth, and that lovely apple aroma fills your kitchen once again.

FAQs

What kind of apples work best for Glazed Apple Pound Cake?

I love Honeycrisp apples for their sweet-tart flavor and juicy texture, but Granny Smith or Fuji are great too—just choose a variety that holds its shape when baked.

Can I make this cake in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, this cake tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld. Store it well-wrapped at room temperature and glaze right before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?

Yes, you can double the batch and bake it in two loaf pans or a bundt pan. Keep a close eye on the bake time—a larger cake may need a little longer in the oven.

Is it possible to make Glazed Apple Pound Cake dairy-free?

You can use plant-based butter and your favorite non-dairy milk; just be sure to pick a neutral, unsweetened variety for best results. The texture may differ slightly but the flavor will still shine.

Can I add nuts or other spices?

Definitely! Chopped toasted pecans or walnuts add crunch, and a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger pairs beautifully with the apple and cinnamon for a more complex taste.

Final Thoughts

Glazed Apple Pound Cake is that magical recipe you’ll want to make again and again: easy enough for a weeknight, comforting enough for a special gathering, and packed with apples, warmth, and all the goodness of home baking. Try it once, and you’ll be sharing the recipe with friends—and maybe keeping an extra loaf all to yourself!