Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple Harvest Pound Cake is a moist, buttery dessert packed with tender apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze that captures the essence of fall. Perfect for cozy gatherings, holiday tables, or enjoying with a cup of coffee, this cake offers the dense richness of a pound cake with the comforting flavors of a homemade apple pie.

ingredients

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

all-purpose floursugarunsalted butter (softened)eggsvanilla extractbaking powdersaltground cinnamonnutmegapples (peeled and diced)sour cream or plain yogurtchopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

for the glaze

powdered sugarsmilk or creamvanilla extract

directions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt or loaf pan.

In a mixing bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla.

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Gradually add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream.

Fold in diced apples and nuts if using.

Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Let cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.

Whisk glaze ingredients together until smooth and drizzle over cooled cake.

Servings and timing

Serves: 10–12Preparation time: 20 minutesBaking time: 55–65 minutesCooling and glazing time: 40 minutesTotal time: 1 hour 55 minutes

Variations

Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra texture.

Swap nuts for sunflower seeds or omit entirely.

Use brown sugar for a deeper caramel-like flavor.

Add a splash of apple cider to the glaze for a fall twist.

storage/reheating

Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.Freeze tightly wrapped slices for up to 2 months—thaw at room temperature before serving.Serve at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple?

Yes, firm and slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, it tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.

Do I need a bundt pan?

No, you can use two loaf pans or a 9×13 baking dish—adjust baking time as needed.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes, reduce slightly, but it may affect texture and sweetness.

What makes this a “harvest” cake?

The seasonal apples, spices, and rich flavor make it perfect for fall and harvest celebrations.

Conclusion

Apple Harvest Pound Cake is a warmly spiced, rich dessert that brings out the best of apple season in every bite. With its tender crumb, sweet glaze, and comforting aroma, it’s a timeless favorite that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.