If you are ready to bake something that feels like a warm hug in dessert form, this Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine tender, buttery cake bursting with sweet, tender apple chunks and just the right hint of cinnamon, all topped with a smooth, creamy vanilla glaze that ties everything together perfectly. This cake is a cozy celebration of fall flavors that works beautifully year-round, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser any time you bring it out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A rectangular loaf cake with a thick layer of creamy white icing covering the top and sides, with some icing dripping down onto the white plate beneath. The cake inside is light brown with a soft texture, shown by one slice cut at the front revealing its dense crumb. Two red apples sit in the background on the white marbled surface, next to a white cloth with light gray stripes. The lighting is soft and natural, giving a warm and cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a wonderfully moist and flavorful cake. Each component plays a crucial role—from the butter adding richness, to the cinnamon providing that classic warm spice, and the fresh apples giving texture and natural sweetness.

Unsalted butter (1 cup, softened): The base of the cake’s tenderness and flavor; be sure it’s at room temperature for easy mixing.
White granulated sugar (1½ cups): Sweetens the cake and helps achieve a delightful crumb.
Ground cinnamon (½ teaspoon): Adds that iconic cozy warmth essential in apple desserts.
Large eggs (3, room temperature): Provide structure and richness, binding everything together.
All-purpose flour (2 cups, sifted): Gives the cake its body and crumb texture; sifting helps avoid lumps.
Milk (¾ cup, room temperature): Keeps the batter smooth and moist.
Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons): Enhances all the flavors with a sweet, aromatic note.
Apples (2, peeled and chopped): Bring freshness, natural sweetness, and a tender bite throughout the cake.
Unsalted butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Key to the creamy vanilla glaze that adds a luscious finishing touch.
Powdered sugar (3 cups): Sweetens and thickens the glaze for perfect drizzling.
Heavy cream (3 tablespoons, or milk as substitute): Creates that silky texture in the glaze, making it ideal for pouring over the cake.

How to Make Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pan and Oven

Start by greasing a 1 lb loaf pan generously to prevent sticking. Preheat your oven to 300 degrees Fahrenheit; the lower temperature helps the cake bake evenly and stay moist without over-browning.

Step 2: Cream the Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl or your stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened butter until it becomes pale and fluffy—this usually takes about 3 minutes. Gradually add the sugar and ground cinnamon, continuing to beat until the mixture is light and airy. This step is crucial because it traps air that gives the pound cake its tender crumb.

Step 3: Incorporate the Eggs

Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This gradual addition helps maintain the batter’s airy texture while ensuring it’s smooth and cohesive.

Step 4: Add Flour and Milk Alternately

Switch to the paddle attachment or use a spatula, then gradually add the sifted flour and milk alternately. Start and end with flour to maintain structure. Be gentle but thorough, mixing until you reach a smooth batter but avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. Stir in the vanilla extract, then gently fold in the chopped apples for bursts of juicy flavor.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Firm

Pour the batter into your prepared loaf pan, filling it about three-quarters full to allow room for rising. Place in the oven and bake for approximately 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The lower heat keeps the texture melt-in-your-mouth soft while baking the apples to tender perfection inside.

Step 6: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake cools completely, prepare your glaze by combining the melted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream in a large bowl. Using a whisk or electric mixer on low speed, mix until the glaze is smooth and creamy. If it’s too thick to pour, warm it gently in the microwave for 30 seconds to achieve a luscious, drizzle-friendly consistency.

Step 7: Glaze and Set

Once the cake is fully cooled, pour the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides in beautiful, glossy sheets. Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before slicing to enjoy the perfect combination of soft cake and sweet, silky glaze.

How to Serve Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

A rectangular loaf cake sits on a white, slightly textured plate with a thick, creamy white icing that covers the entire top and drips down the sides in smooth layers. Two slices have been cut from one end, revealing a dense, light beige crumb with small soft chunks inside. The icing on the sliced pieces is slightly uneven but thick, with a creamy texture that looks soft and moist. The background is a white marbled surface with two red apples blurred in the distance, adding color contrast. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

To elevate your Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe, consider sprinkling toasted chopped walnuts or pecans on top of the glaze for crunch and a nutty contrast. A light dusting of cinnamon or a few thin apple slices arranged beautifully can also make your presentation irresistible.

Side Dishes

This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. For a fresh contrast, serve alongside a crisp green apple salad or spiced chai tea that complements the warm cinnamon notes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, slice the pound cake thick and layer it with apple butter or mascarpone cheese between the pieces, creating a mini cake sandwich. You can also cut the cake into cubes and serve it as part of a dessert board with cheeses, fruit, and nuts for a charming, shareable experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container to keep it moist and fresh for up to 3 days at room temperature. The vanilla glaze stays nicely on the cake without becoming sticky or overly soft.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap the cooled, unglazed cake well in plastic wrap and then foil to avoid freezer burn. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the glaze fresh for the best texture and flavor.

Reheating

If you prefer your Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe slightly warm, gently microwave a slice for about 15 seconds or warm it in a low oven (around 275 degrees Fahrenheit) for 5 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to heat it too long as you don’t want to lose that delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith adds tartness, while Fuji or Honeycrisp bring more sweetness and juiciness. Just chop the apples evenly to ensure they bake uniformly within the cake.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended for this recipe to maintain a smooth texture throughout the cake. Apple peels can sometimes add a bit of chewiness or bitterness, which might distract from the cake’s tender crumb.

Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free option?

Yes, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour, but be sure it contains xanthan gum or another binding agent to keep the cake’s structure. The texture may vary slightly but will still be delicious.

What if I don’t have heavy cream for the glaze?

You can substitute milk in equal parts for heavy cream in the glaze. The texture might be a bit thinner, so add powdered sugar gradually until you reach your desired consistency for pouring.

How long does the Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe keep fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 3 days. Refrigerating can extend freshness to 5 days but may slightly dry the cake unless wrapped very well.

Final Thoughts

I can say with total confidence that baking this Apple Cinnamon Pound Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe will bring joy to your kitchen and sweet smiles to anyone fortunate enough to try it. It’s a timeless treat that combines comforting spices, fresh apples, and a luscious glaze into one beautiful, cozy bite. So go ahead and bake it for your next get-together or a simple self-care moment—you won’t regret it!