Irresistible Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

Baking an apple pecan cake with caramel glaze brings pure comfort to your kitchen.

Sweet aromas will drift through every room, promising deliciousness ahead.

Pecans add a delightful crunch that transforms ordinary desserts into memorable treats.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a harmonious blend of warm flavors.

Crisp apples nestled within tender cake layers make this recipe special.

Caramel glaze drizzled on top adds a luxurious finishing touch that tempts anyone nearby.

You’ll find this cake irresistible and perfect for sharing with loved ones.

Prepare to fall in love with every single bite.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this cake moist?

The combination of oil, eggs, and fresh apples ensures a super moist texture. The oil keeps the cake soft, while the apples add natural moisture and sweetness.

• Can I use different types of nuts in this recipe?

Absolutely! While pecans are traditional, you can easily substitute with walnuts or almonds. Just chop them to a similar size to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly springy to the touch.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Highlights

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: This apple pecan cake brings cozy autumn flavors right to your kitchen, making every bite feel like a warm hug.
• Create Stress-Free Dessert: With simple mixing steps and basic ingredients, bakers of all skill levels can confidently whip up this delightful treat without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Celebration: Perfect for potlucks, family gatherings, or weekend brunches, this cake offers rich textures and a decadent caramel glaze that will impress everyone at the table.
• Adaptable Flavor Profile: Versatile enough to serve as a dessert or breakfast pastry, the combination of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and smooth caramel creates a crowd-pleasing recipe that suits multiple occasions.

Ingredients For Apple Pecan Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, sweet spice that complements the apples.
• Ground Nutmeg: Provides a subtle, aromatic flavor to the cake.

• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake's texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures the cake remains moist and tender.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Apples, Pecans: Fresh apples add moisture and natural sweetness, while pecans provide a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the caramel.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep, caramel-like sweetness to the glaze.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a creamy, luxurious texture to the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Rounds out the flavor of the caramel glaze.

How To Make Apple Pecan Cake

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Warm up the oven to 350F.

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg

Blend these ingredients until perfectly combined and lump-free.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat eggs and sugar until the mixture becomes light and creamy.

Slowly incorporate vegetable oil and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until smooth and well-integrated.

Step 4: Blend Cake Batter

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

• Chopped fresh apples
• Roughly chopped pecans

Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Craft Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream.

Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, continuously stirring for about 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and whisk in vanilla extract until silky smooth.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely.

Drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the top, letting it cascade down the sides.

Slice and serve this irresistible autumn-inspired dessert.

Pro Tips For Apple Pecan Cake

• Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they don't make the cake too wet.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and crunch.
• Cover the cake with foil halfway through baking to prevent over-browning and keep the interior moist.
• Pour caramel glaze while it's warm for better absorption and a more even coating on the cake surface.
• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft texture and flavor.

Variations For Apple Pecan Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a gluten-free version that maintains the cake's rich texture and flavor.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create a dairy-free caramel glaze using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Low-Sugar Option: Substitute white sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use sugar-free caramel sauce for a diabetic-friendly alternative.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty profile while keeping the cake's core recipe intact.

Serving Suggestions For Apple Pecan Cake

• Cozy Fall Dessert Plate: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors.
• Rustic Autumn Presentation: Dust cake with powdered sugar and garnish with extra chopped pecans for a beautiful, homemade touch.
• Coffee Companion Pairing: Enjoy a slice alongside a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or rich espresso to enhance the cake's warm spices.
• Holiday Brunch Centerpiece: Cut into smaller squares and arrange on a decorative platter for a stunning dessert that doubles as a festive table centerpiece.

Storage Advice For Apple Pecan Cake

• Seal cake in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Wrap cake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Place in a freezer-safe container to protect from freezer burn.
• Keep cake covered with a clean kitchen towel at room temperature for 1-2 days if planning to consume quickly. Avoid leaving out longer to prevent spoilage.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For oven reheating, place cake in a 300F preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Warm spices dance through this irresistible Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze, celebrating classic Southern comfort. Moist layers packed with autumn’s richness drip with buttery caramel, promising pure indulgence you’ll savor to the last crumb.

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Ingredients

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Cake Ingredients:

• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith preferred)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Flavor Enhancer:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices evenly.
3. Using an electric mixer, cream eggs and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake.
4. Gradually incorporate oil and vanilla into the egg mixture, blending until fully integrated and creating a uniform consistency.
5. Gently fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined to maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Carefully fold chopped apples and pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer batter to the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly with a spatula to create a smooth top.
8. Bake for 40-45 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean when the cake is fully cooked.
9. For the caramel glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, creating a rich base for the sauce.
10. Add brown sugar and heavy cream to the melted butter, stirring continuously to prevent burning.
11. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, maintaining constant stirring for approximately 2 minutes to develop deep caramel flavors.
12. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla, creating a glossy and smooth caramel glaze.
13. Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling the warm caramel glaze over the top, ensuring even coverage.

Notes

• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch.
• Swap all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version of the cake.
• Reduce sugar content by using applesauce or mashed ripe bananas as a partial sugar substitute for a healthier alternative.
• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother batter mixing and more even cake texture.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 292 kcal
• Sugar: 20 g
• Sodium: 151 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12.6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 31 mg