Apple Harvest Pound Cake

Apple Harvest Pound Cake is a moist, dense, and warmly spiced cake packed with chunks of fresh apple and crunchy walnuts, then finished with a rich caramel glaze. It’s the perfect dessert for fall, holidays, or anytime you’re craving something cozy and home-baked. With comforting flavors and a beautiful Bundt presentation, this cake is both rustic and elegant.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect for fall: Full of apples, cinnamon, and warm autumn vibes.
• Moist and flavorful: Fresh apples keep the cake soft, while the glaze adds rich sweetness.
• Great for gatherings: Makes a generous, crowd-pleasing dessert.
• Easy to make: Simple steps and no mixer required.
• Lasts for days: Tastes even better after a day or two as flavors meld.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pound cake:

• Granulated sugar
• Vegetable oil
• Vanilla extract
• Eggs
• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
• Chopped walnuts

For the caramel glaze:

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Milk or cream

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch Bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
3. In another bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir until combined.
4. Fold in chopped apples and walnuts.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 1 hour to 1 hour 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.
8. For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk, then bring to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.
9. Pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake and serve.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes

Variations

• Different nuts: Try pecans or almonds instead of walnuts.
• Add raisins or cranberries: For extra texture and a touch of tartness.
• Spice blend: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a deeper spice profile.
• Mini Bundts or loaf pans: Adjust baking time accordingly.
• No glaze: Dust with powdered sugar or serve with whipped cream instead.

Storage/Reheating

• Room temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigerator: Keeps well for up to 1 week. Let it come to room temperature before serving.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds if desired.

FAQs

What apples work best for this cake?

Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold up well when baked.

Can I use a different type of oil?

Yes, you can use canola oil or even melted butter, though butter may slightly alter the texture.

Can I leave out the nuts?

Absolutely, the cake will still be delicious without them.

Can I make this cake in a different pan?

Yes, you can use a 9×13 pan or two loaf pans—just adjust the baking time accordingly.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick in the center—it should come out clean with no wet batter.

Can I make this cake ahead?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better the next day.

What if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

Use a tube pan, or divide the batter into loaf pans or a 9×13-inch pan.

Is this cake overly sweet?

It’s well-balanced. The tart apples and cinnamon help cut the sweetness of the glaze.

Can I skip the glaze?

Sure! It’s optional, but adds a delicious, buttery finish.

Can I use applesauce instead of chopped apples?

Not in this recipe. You need the chunks of apple for texture and moisture.

Conclusion

Apple Harvest Pound Cake is the perfect way to welcome the fall season—or to enjoy a comforting slice of sweetness year-round. Moist, warmly spiced, and topped with a dreamy caramel glaze, it’s a showstopper dessert that’s easy enough for any home baker. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this cake is guaranteed to impress.

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