Apple Butter Pound Cake combines the rich flavors of apple butter with the dense, moist texture of a classic pound cake.
The result is a comforting, spiced dessert perfect for any occasion. Apple butter, often made with apples, sugar, and spices, infuses the cake with a subtle sweetness and apple flavor, creating a balance of creamy and spiced notes.
The addition of toasted pecans gives the cake a nutty crunch, while the optional dried apple chips provide a fun texture and an extra apple punch.
This recipe is ideal for a family dessert or a special treat at gatherings. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and cream cheese makes it indulgent yet homey.
In this post, I’ll guide you through every step of the process—from gathering your ingredients to savoring a slice of your homemade apple butter pound cake. Let’s dive in!
Why We Love This Recipe
We love this Apple Butter Pound Cake because it’s the perfect blend of comfort and flavor. The apple butter adds a rich, velvety texture and a subtle sweetness, while the warm spices like cinnamon create a cozy, inviting taste.
The cake is wonderfully moist and tender, with the toasted pecans providing a satisfying crunch. It’s easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for any occasion, from casual family gatherings to special celebrations.
Plus, the irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen while it bakes makes it impossible not to fall in love with this recipe!
How To Prepare Apple Butter Pound Cake?
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 375 per slice (approximately)
Yield: 12 servings
Kitchen Utensils
- Mixing Bowls,
- Electric Mixer,
- Measuring Cups And Spoons,
- Spatula,
- Loaf Pan,
- Oven,
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 (8-oz.) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Slow-Cooker Apple Butter
- 1 cup butter, softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- 1 cup apple butter (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ cup dried apple chips
- ¼ cup finely chopped, toasted pecans
How To Make Apple Butter Pound Cake
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
2. Cream the Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and light brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
4. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using).
5. Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Apple Butter:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in thirds, alternating with the apple butter and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
6. Add the Dried Apples and Pecans:
Gently fold in the dried apple chips and finely chopped toasted pecans using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
7. Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
8. Cool and Serve:
Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious apple butter pound cake!
Special Notes
❖ Apple Butter: If you have the time, I highly recommend making your own apple butter. It’s incredibly simple and allows you to control the spices and sweetness. But store-bought apple butter works just fine for this recipe if you’re short on time.
❖ Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and sour cream are at room temperature. This ensures the cake batter comes together smoothly without clumps.
How To Serve Apple Butter Pound Cake
Apple Butter Pound Cake can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. For a simple yet delicious option, enjoy a slice as is, perhaps with a cup of coffee or tea.
You can also serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
For a festive twist, drizzle caramel sauce or a light glaze over the top, and garnish with toasted pecans or fresh apple slices. It’s a versatile cake that pairs wonderfully with both casual gatherings and special celebrations!
Delicious Variations
1. Caramel Apple Butter Pound Cake
Add a swirl of homemade caramel sauce into the batter or drizzle it over the top after baking. The caramel complements the apple butter beautifully, creating a richer, sweeter flavor.
2. Apple Cinnamon Streusel Pound Cake
Top the cake with a crunchy streusel made from cinnamon, brown sugar, and oats before baking. The added texture and spice make every bite irresistible and elevate the cake’s flavor.
3. Maple Apple Butter Pound Cake
Replace part of the sugar with pure maple syrup in the batter to add a natural, caramelized sweetness. The maple flavor pairs wonderfully with the apple butter, creating a warm, cozy vibe.
4. Apple Butter Pecan Pound Cake
Mix in toasted pecans into the batter and sprinkle more on top for a nutty, crunchy texture. The pecans add a savory contrast to the sweetness of the apple butter and create an irresistible bite.
5. Spiced Apple Butter Pound Cake
Boost the flavor profile by adding extra spices like nutmeg, ginger, and cloves. These warming spices will enhance the apple butter and give the cake an extra cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
How To Make With More Delicious
To make your Apple Butter Pound Cake even more delicious, here are five ideas to elevate the flavor and texture:
1. Add a Streusel Topping: For an extra touch of sweetness and crunch, sprinkle a cinnamon-pecan streusel on top before baking. Combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and chopped pecans with butter and flour, then scatter over the batter for a crispy, caramelized finish.
2. Incorporate Fresh Apples: For added moisture and flavor, fold in small cubes of fresh apple along with the dry ingredients. Choose a variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a balance of tart and sweet that complements the apple butter.
3. Use Brown Butter: Replace regular butter with browned butter for a richer, nutty flavor. This simple technique enhances the cake’s depth and adds an irresistible aromatic twist.
4. Infuse with Spices: Experiment with other warm spices like nutmeg, ginger, or allspice to enhance the cake’s flavor profile. A pinch of clove or cardamom can also add a unique, aromatic warmth.
5. Top with Glaze or Frosting: Drizzle a sweet glaze made of powdered sugar, apple cider, and a touch of cinnamon over the cake after it cools. Alternatively, spread a cream cheese frosting for an extra layer of decadence.
Storage & Make Ahead
To store Apple Butter Pound Cake, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the cake by wrapping it in plastic wrap and foil, then placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months.
If making ahead, bake the cake a day or two in advance, and let it cool completely before storing. Just reheat slices in the microwave for a few seconds for a warm, fresh taste!
(FAQs) For Apple Butter Pound Cake
Can I make this cake without apple butter?
Yes, if you don’t have apple butter, you can substitute it with applesauce, but it will change the flavor slightly. For a closer flavor, you can cook down applesauce with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to mimic apple butter.
Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?
Absolutely! If you prefer walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts, feel free to substitute. Toasted nuts enhance the flavor and texture, but the type can be adjusted to your personal taste.
How can I store the leftover cake?
Store the cooled pound cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 2 months. Be sure to wrap it well before freezing.
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes! This cake actually improves in flavor after a day or two. You can make it in advance and store it, tightly covered, until ready to serve.
What can I substitute for cream cheese in this recipe?
If you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free alternative, you can try substituting the cream cheese with a non-dairy cream cheese, Greek yogurt, or sour cream, though it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
Conclusion
Apple Butter Pound Cake is a delightful dessert that marries the timeless appeal of pound cake with the comforting, spiced notes of apple butter.
Easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a special celebration or a casual craving for something sweet, this cake delivers a moist, flavorful experience.
The apple butter not only enhances the texture but also imparts a unique depth of flavor that will leave everyone reaching for another slice.
I hope you enjoy baking (and indulging in) this delicious cake as much as I do. It’s ideal for sharing with loved ones or, let’s be honest, savoring all by yourself with a warm cup of coffee. Happy baking!
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Apple Butter Pound Cake
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- loaf pan,
- Oven
- Cooling rack
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup Slow-Cooker Apple Butter
- 1 cup butter softened
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- ½ cup packed light brown sugar
- 3 large eggs at room temperature
- 1 cup apple butter store-bought or homemade
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons whole milk
- ½ cup dried apple chips
- ¼ cup finely chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
Preheat the Oven:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 9×5-inch loaf pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Cream the Butter and Sugar:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat together the softened butter, cream cheese, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, and light brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the Eggs and Vanilla:
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground cloves (if using).
Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Apple Butter:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture in thirds, alternating with the apple butter and milk. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Add the Dried Apples and Pecans:
- Gently fold in the dried apple chips and finely chopped toasted pecans using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake for 1 hour and 10 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
Cool and Serve:
- Allow the pound cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and enjoy your delicious apple butter pound cake!