Fresh Apple Pound Cake Recipe
Overview:
Fresh Apple Pound Cake is a delightful dessert, reminiscent of cherished family traditions and flavors. This recipe, passed down through generations, infuses the sweetness of Red Delicious apples, the crunch of pecans, and the warmth of cinnamon into a moist and indulgent pound cake. Perfect for any occasion, this cake can be whipped up in just over an hour, making it an easy and satisfying treat for gatherings or simply as a sweet indulgence for yourself. 🍏🍰
Preparation Time:
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Cook: 1 hour
- Total: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 eggs
- 3 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 Red Delicious apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup golden raisins
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
-
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour two loaf pans to prepare them for the batter.
-
Combine granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract in the bowl of a mixer. Beat them together until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
-
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, salt, baking soda, and ground cinnamon. This ensures that the dry ingredients are evenly distributed and will result in a uniform texture in the cake.
-
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients in the mixer bowl. Mix on low speed until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
-
Fold in the chopped Red Delicious apples, golden raisins, and chopped pecans (if using). These ingredients not only add flavor and texture but also provide bursts of sweetness and crunch throughout the cake.
-
Divide the batter evenly between the prepared loaf pans, spreading it out into an even layer.
-
Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cakes as they bake, and if the tops start to brown too quickly, you can tent them with aluminum foil to prevent burning.
-
Towards the end of the baking time, you may find it necessary to increase the oven temperature to 350°F (177°C) for the last 15 minutes. This helps to ensure that the cakes bake evenly and develop a golden crust on top.
-
Once baked, remove the cakes from the oven and allow them to cool in the pans for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing and serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Fresh Apple Pound Cake is delicious on its own, but you can take it to the next level by serving it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a glass of cold milk, making it the perfect ending to any meal or a sweet snack any time of day. Enjoy the comforting flavors and nostalgic aroma of this classic cake recipe! 🍎🥧