Apple Harvest Pound Cake with Caramel Glaze

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup butter, softened
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
• 1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
• For the glaze:
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch (23 cm) round cake pan.
2. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a bowl and set aside.
3. In a separate bowl, beat together the butter and the sugars with an electric mixer until creamy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, and then stir in the vanilla.
4. Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.
5. Fold in the apples and walnuts (if desired). Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
6. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Cool the cake in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
8. To make the glaze, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and cream. Bring to a boil and let boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let cool for 10 minutes before pouring over the cooled cake.

Interesting Facts

• Pound cake got its name because traditionally it was made with a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.
• Apple harvest is a great time to use apples in baking because they are plentiful and in season.
• Caramel glaze not only looks pretty, but it also adds a delicious flavor to the cake.