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- 2 cups all-purpose flour - 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder - ½ teaspoon baking soda - ½ teaspoon salt - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1 cup unsalted butter, softened - 2 cups granulated sugar - 4 large eggs, at room temperature - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature - 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced - ¼ cup brown sugar for filling - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for filling Gathering these simple ingredients makes the magic happen. Start with all-purpose flour. It gives the cake its structure. You need baking powder, baking soda, and salt to help the cake rise. Ground cinnamon adds warm flavor, which pairs well with apples. Unsalted butter is your fat of choice. It keeps the cake moist and rich. Granulated sugar adds sweetness. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature. This helps them mix well into the batter. Vanilla extract brings a lovely aroma. Sour cream adds moisture and a slight tang. For the star of the show, use Granny Smith apples. They have the right tartness to balance the cake's sweetness. The brown sugar and extra cinnamon create a sweet filling. This blend is what makes the swirl in the cake. Each ingredient plays a role in making this pound cake delightful and soft. 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter. Line the bottom with parchment paper. This helps the cake come out easily. 2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients. Mix 2 cups of flour, 1½ teaspoons baking powder, ½ teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this mixture aside. 3. In a large bowl, cream 1 cup of softened butter and 2 cups of granulated sugar. Use an electric mixer on medium speed for 3-5 minutes. You want it to be light and fluffy. 4. Add 4 large eggs to the butter mixture one at a time. Beat well after each egg. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until mixed. 5. Gradually add the dry mixture and 1 cup of sour cream to the bowl. Start and finish with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined. Do not overmix to keep the cake soft. 6. Fold in 2 diced Granny Smith apples. Make sure they are evenly spread without breaking them up too much. 7. In a small bowl, mix ¼ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for the filling. 8. Pour half of the batter into the prepared loaf pan. Spread it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling over this batter layer. 9. Carefully spread the rest of the batter over the cinnamon layer. Smooth the top. Sprinkle the rest of the filling on top. Use a butter knife or skewer to swirl the filling into the batter gently. 10. Place the pan in the preheated oven. Bake for 60-70 minutes. Check with a toothpick after 60 minutes. It should come out clean. 11. Once baked, let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool fully before slicing. - Overmixing batter: This can make your cake tough. Mix just until combined. - Not preparing the pan properly: Grease the pan well and use parchment. This helps avoid sticking. - Options for adjusting sweetness: You can reduce sugar by a little. Try adding a bit of honey for extra flavor. - Ideal serving temperature: Serve the cake warm or at room temp. Both are tasty choices. - Suggested loaf pan and mixer options: Use a 9x5 inch loaf pan for best results. A hand mixer works well for creaming butter and sugar. - Tools for measuring and mixing: Use a kitchen scale for accuracy. A good set of measuring cups makes prep easier. {{image_4}} You can make this pound cake even better by swapping some ingredients. Here are two great options: - Gluten-free flour substitutes: Use a gluten-free flour blend. It works well for this cake. Just make sure it has xanthan gum for the right texture. - Dairy-free options: Replace the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Also, use dairy-free sour cream or yogurt for a tasty result. Want to switch things up? Try these fun ideas to change the taste of your cake: - Adding nuts or raisins: Chop some walnuts or pecans and fold them into the batter. You can also add raisins for a sweet touch. - Different spice combinations: Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice. They bring a warm, cozy flavor to the cake. You can adapt this cake for any season. Here’s how: - Using different types of apples: Try using Honeycrisp or Fuji apples. They add sweetness and a unique flavor. - Holiday variations with added spices: For the holidays, add a pinch of cloves or ginger. These spices give a festive twist to your cake. To keep your Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake fresh, follow these steps: - Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely on a wire rack. - Wrap it Up: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. - Store in a Container: Place the wrapped cake in an airtight container. This helps keep the cake moist and prevents it from drying out. Freezing your pound cake is simple. Here’s how: - Slice the Cake: Cut the cake into individual slices for easy thawing. - Wrap Each Slice: Use plastic wrap to cover each slice tightly. - Use a Freezer Bag: Place the wrapped slices in a freezer bag. To thaw, take a slice out and leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes. You can also warm it in the microwave for a few seconds if you prefer it warm. At room temperature, your cake lasts about 3 to 5 days. Here’s what to watch for: - Signs of Spoilage: Look for mold or an off smell. - Texture Changes: If the cake feels dry or hard, it’s time to toss it. Storing it properly can help you enjoy this tasty cake for days. To make your cake moist, use room temperature ingredients. This includes butter, eggs, and sour cream. Mixing them well adds air, which keeps the cake fluffy. Also, don’t overmix the batter. Gently fold in the diced apples. They add moisture and flavor to every slice. Yes, you can! While Granny Smith apples work well for their tartness, other apples can shine too. Try Honeycrisp for a sweet crunch or Fuji for a juicy bite. Each apple will give your cake a unique taste and texture. Check the cake at 60 minutes. Insert a toothpick in the center. If it comes out clean, your cake is done. If it has wet batter, bake for a few more minutes. Avoid opening the oven door too often, as this can cause the cake to sink. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature. A sprinkle of powdered sugar on top adds charm. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a treat. Thin apple slices or a drizzle of caramel sauce can enhance each slice. Absolutely! If you love cinnamon, feel free to increase the amount in the batter. Add an extra half teaspoon for a bolder taste. Just be careful not to overpower the apples. Balance is key to keeping that lovely flavor blend. In this article, we explored apple cinnamon swirl pound cake, covering its key ingredients and baking steps. You learned how to mix and bake the cake for the best results. We also shared handy tips to prevent common mistakes and enhance flavor. Variations and storage information will help you keep the cake fresh. Remember to experiment with different apples or spices for unique flavors. This cake is a delightful treat that’s easy to make and share. Enjoy your baking!

Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake

Indulge in the deliciousness of Apple Cinnamon Swirl Pound Cake! This moist and flavorful treat pairs perfectly with your morning coffee or as a delightful dessert. With layers of tender cake, sweet apples, and a cinnamon swirl, every bite is a taste of autumn. Follow our simple recipe for a show-stopping treat that will impress family and friends alike. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your baking game!
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Ingredients
  

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 ½ teaspoons baking powder

½ teaspoon baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature

2 cups granulated sugar

4 large eggs, at room temperature

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup sour cream, at room temperature

2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and diced

¼ cup brown sugar for the filling

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for the filling

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan with butter or cooking spray, and line the bottom with parchment paper to facilitate easy removal of the cake.

    In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon until evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.

      In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together using an electric mixer on medium speed. Mix for about 3-5 minutes, until the mixture is light and fluffy.

        Add the eggs to the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring to beat well after each addition. This helps to incorporate air and ensures a tender crumb. Stir in the vanilla extract until combined.

          Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the sour cream to the bowl, starting and finishing with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined; be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender.

            Fold the diced apples into the batter carefully, ensuring they're evenly distributed without breaking them up too much.

              In a small bowl, prepare the cinnamon filling by whisking together the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until mixed thoroughly.

                Pour half of the prepared cake batter into the bottom of the greased loaf pan, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle half of the cinnamon filling mixture over this batter layer.

                  Carefully spread the remaining batter over the cinnamon layer, smoothing the top. Then, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon filling evenly across the surface. Using a butter knife or a skewer, gently swirl the filling into the batter to create a marbled effect without fully mixing it.

                    Place the loaf pan in the preheated oven and bake for 60-70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye after the 60-minute mark to ensure it doesn't overbake.

                      Once the cake is finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before slicing.

                        Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes | Servings: About 10 slices

                          - Presentation Tips: For a charming presentation, serve slices of the pound cake on a decorative platter. Dust the tops lightly with powdered sugar, and garnish with thin apple slices and a sprinkle of cinnamon for an elegant finishing touch. Enjoy the delightful combination of flavors and textures!