Caramelized Apple Pound Cake

Caramelized Apple Pound Cake is a rustic yet elegant dessert that features a buttery, dense pound cake topped with tender, golden apples glazed in a rich caramel sauce. This cake offers a perfect blend of fruity sweetness and warm, comforting flavors—making it ideal for fall gatherings, teatime, or a cozy dessert any time of year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This pound cake is not only visually striking but also incredibly delicious. The caramelized apple topping brings a luscious texture and rich flavor, while the cake beneath remains dense, moist, and buttery. It’s a show-stopping dessert that’s easy to make but looks and tastes like a bakery treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Eggs
• Whole milk or buttermilk
• Vanilla extract
• Apples (firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• Brown sugar
• Lemon juice
• Ground cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a loaf pan with parchment paper.
2. Peel, core, and slice apples. In a pan, sauté apples with butter, brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon until tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside to cool.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, and salt.
4. In a separate bowl, cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.
5. Mix in vanilla extract.
6. Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredients and milk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with flour. Mix until just combined.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
8. Arrange the caramelized apple slices over the top of the batter, gently pressing them in.
9. Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
10. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 8 to 10 slices
• Prep time: 20 minutes
• Cook time: 55–65 minutes
• Total time: 1 hour 25 minutes

Variations

• Nutty addition: Add chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy texture.
• Spiced version: Include a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a warmer, more aromatic cake.
• Glazed top: Drizzle with a simple caramel or vanilla glaze after baking for added sweetness.

Storage/reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To freeze, wrap the cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature. Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds for a warm serving.

FAQs

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and balance the sweetness.

Can I use canned apples or pie filling?

Fresh apples are recommended for best texture and flavor, but canned can be used in a pinch.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling ensures a soft and uniform caramelized texture.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

Let the caramelized apples cool before placing them on the batter, and avoid using excess sauce.

Can I make this into a bundt cake?

Yes, double the recipe for a standard bundt pan and adjust the baking time accordingly.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use white sugar, but brown sugar enhances the caramel flavor.

Can I add apple chunks inside the cake?

Yes, fold in small diced apples to the batter for extra bursts of fruit.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce slightly if preferred, but it may affect the richness of the caramel layer.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Should I refrigerate the cake?

It’s not necessary, but refrigeration extends freshness up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Caramelized Apple Pound Cake brings together the rich, buttery essence of traditional pound cake with the sweet elegance of tender, caramel-glazed apples. It’s a versatile dessert that fits equally well at a festive holiday table or a quiet afternoon tea. Whether enjoyed warm or chilled, it’s sure to leave a lasting impression.

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