If you’re searching for a showstopping bake that feels like a warm embrace on a chilly afternoon, this Glazed Apple Pound Cake is an absolute must-bake. Imagine moist, buttery cake laced with juicy apple bits and crowned with a shimmer of silky vanilla glaze. It’s equal parts rustic and elegant – a dessert that can cozy up your autumn gatherings or brighten any time of year. Glazed Apple Pound Cake brings together everything we love about comfort baking: rich simplicity, sweet apples, and a beautiful finish that’s irresistible down to the very last crumb.

Glazed Apple Pound Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Glazed Apple Pound Cake recipe keeps things simple with pantry staples, proving you don’t need anything fancy to achieve bakery-worthy results. Each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the cake’s signature richness, tender crumb, and unforgettable aroma.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The foundation for a classic pound cake texture and that buttery, melt-in-your-mouth bite.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Sweetens the cake and helps create a delicate, golden crust.
Eggs (4): Add structure, lift, and extra richness for a perfectly tender pound cake.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp): Brings warmth and depth, amplifying the apple and spice flavors.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): Gives the cake its stability and signature dense-but-soft crumb.
Baking powder (1 tsp): Provides just enough lift to keep the texture luscious, never heavy.
Cinnamon (½ tsp): Adds cozy, autumnal spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
Salt (½ tsp): Brightens and balances all the sweet and buttery notes.
Milk (½ cup): Moistens the batter so every bite is plush and tender.
Finely chopped peeled apples (1½ cups, such as Honeycrisp): Pockets of juicy, tart-sweet apple throughout add flavor and a rustic look.
Powdered sugar (1 cup): For a velvety-smooth glaze that completes the cake.
Milk for glaze (2–3 tbsp): Adjusts the consistency of your silky topping.
Vanilla extract for glaze (½ tsp): Lends the glaze a delicious aroma and flavor to match the cake.

How to Make Glazed Apple Pound Cake

Step 1: Prep the Pan & Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (160°C). Take a few minutes to thoroughly grease and line a loaf pan – this small step ensures your Glazed Apple Pound Cake releases without a fuss and maintains its beautiful shape.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process is crucial for incorporating air and setting the stage for a tender crumb and buttery richness.

Step 3: Add the Eggs and Vanilla

Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. This gradual approach builds structure and keeps your batter smooth. Splash in the vanilla extract, which will infuse warmth throughout your Glazed Apple Pound Cake.

Step 4: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Taking this step ensures the leavening and spice are evenly distributed, so every bite is perfectly balanced.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk

Add the flour mixture to your wet ingredients in batches, alternating with the milk. Start and finish with the flour. Mix until just combined – this keeps your cake soft, never tough.

Step 6: Fold in the Apples

With a gentle hand, fold in the finely chopped apples. Their tart-sweet flavor is the star here, so be careful not to overmix and keep them intact within the batter.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before glazing.

Step 8: Make and Pour the Glaze

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until you have a pourable, glossy glaze. Once the cake is cool, drizzle the glaze generously over the top for that gorgeous finish that makes Glazed Apple Pound Cake truly irresistible.

How to Serve Glazed Apple Pound Cake

Garnishes

For an elegant touch, sprinkle your Glazed Apple Pound Cake with finely diced fresh apples, a dusting of cinnamon, or even a scattering of toasted chopped nuts for added crunch. A few curls of apple peel or a light drizzle of extra glaze can add a beautiful finish worthy of a bakery window.

Side Dishes

Pair a warm slice of Glazed Apple Pound Cake with vanilla ice cream, a dollop of honey-sweetened whipped cream, or a cup of creamy cappuccino. Each of these add-ons highlights the cake’s cozy flavors and transforms dessert into a truly memorable occasion.

Creative Ways to Present

This cake shines at brunch as thick, rustic slices alongside fresh fruit, or you can turn it into an indulgent dessert served with caramel sauce and roasted pears. For a playful twist, cube the cake and layer it into parfaits with spiced apples and cream – perfect for individual servings that sparkle at any gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover Glazed Apple Pound Cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The moisture from the apples keeps it wonderfully soft, so you can enjoy a slice whenever the craving strikes.

Freezing

To freeze, wrap the fully cooled, unglazed cake securely in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It’ll keep beautifully in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and glaze just before serving for maximum freshness and flavor.

Reheating

If you love your Glazed Apple Pound Cake slightly warm, just zap a slice in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds. The cake regains its soft crumb and the glaze becomes almost molten – the ultimate treat with a cup of afternoon tea or coffee.

FAQs

Can I use a different variety of apples?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp is beloved for its sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, you can use Granny Smith for more tartness or Gala and Fuji for extra sweetness. Just make sure they’re finely chopped so they bake evenly into the pound cake.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Definitely. Simply double all the ingredients and divide the batter between two loaf pans, or use a large bundt pan (with adjusted bake time). The rich flavors and gorgeous glaze will impress at any gathering.

Is it okay to skip the glaze?

The glaze is part of what makes this Glazed Apple Pound Cake special, but if you prefer less sweetness or a more rustic vibe, the cake is delicious all on its own – moist, apple-studded, and full of cozy fall flavor.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

Start checking around the 60-minute mark. The top should be golden and a skewer or toothpick inserted into the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached. If it’s still wet, give it a few more minutes but keep a close eye!

Can I make mini loaves or muffins with this batter?

Absolutely – just fill your mini loaf pans or muffin cups about two-thirds full and reduce the baking time (start checking at 25 minutes). They’re perfect for gifting or sharing, and still capture everything we love about Glazed Apple Pound Cake.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to delight friends or simply treat yourself, this Glazed Apple Pound Cake is pure joy. The tender crumb, ribboned with apples and finished with a dreamy vanilla glaze, is sure to win hearts – don’t wait for fall to make it your new favorite bake!