Description
This moist and flavorful Caramel Apple Pound Cake combines the sweet, spiced essence of fresh apples with the rich texture of a classic pound cake, all topped with a luscious homemade caramel glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a delightful dessert, this recipe yields a tender cake bursting with warm apple pie spices and a sweet caramel finish.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apple Pound Cake
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons apple pie spice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 medium Red Delicious apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 2 cups)
For the Caramel Glaze
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 12-cup fluted tube cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine granulated sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla extract, and eggs. Using an electric hand mixer, beat on medium speed until the mixture is light and fluffy, ensuring a smooth batter.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, salt, and baking soda into the wet mixture. Beat just until combined to avoid overmixing which can toughen the cake.
- Add Apples: Gently stir in the peeled and finely chopped Red Delicious apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top if needed. Bake for 55 to 65 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, carefully invert the cake onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
- Prepare Caramel Glaze: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine salted butter, brown sugar, and milk. Stir constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Continue boiling for 2 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
- Glaze the Cake: Remove the caramel glaze from heat and spoon it generously over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into the crevices and add a glossy finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake and serve warm with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use fresh Red Delicious apples for a mildly sweet flavor; other apple varieties like Granny Smith can add a tart contrast.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to keep the cake tender.
- If you prefer a richer caramel glaze, you can add a pinch of salt or vanilla extract after boiling.
- The cake can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
- For easier slicing, chill the cake slightly after glazing before cutting.
