Heavenly Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

My latest culinary adventure, this delectable apple pecan cake, emerged from a spontaneous kitchen experiment on a crisp autumn afternoon.

Unexpected combinations often spark the most delightful surprises in baking.

Sweet orchard fruits and nutty crunch create a harmonious dance of flavors that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal ingredients whisper stories of cozy moments and cherished memories.

Each slice promises a delightful journey through rich, comforting textures that melt on your tongue.

Homemade desserts have this magical way of connecting us to cherished traditions and simple joys.

You won’t be able to resist cutting a generous slice and savoring every single crumb.

What’s in Apple Pecan Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: Soft and versatile flour that forms the base of the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweet crystal sugar that adds delightful sweetness.
• Eggs: Fresh eggs that help bind the cake together.
• Apples: Crisp and juicy apples that bring natural sweetness and moisture.
• Pecans: Crunchy nuts that provide rich, nutty flavor.

• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements the apple flavor.
• Nutmeg: Subtle spice that adds depth to the cake.
• Salt: Enhances the overall taste of the cake.

• Vegetable Oil, Butter: Moisturizing fats that create a tender cake texture.
• Vanilla Extract: Smooth flavoring that adds aromatic essence.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Leavening agents that help the cake rise.

• Brown Sugar: Rich, deep-flavored sugar for the caramel.
• Heavy Cream: Smooth and creamy liquid for glaze consistency.
• Butter: Adds richness and glossy texture to the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the caramel flavor.

Baking Apple Pecan Cake with Glaze

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Warm up your oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13 inch baking pan.

Grease the pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray to ensure your cake doesn’t stick.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re perfectly blended and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate bowl, cream together softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

This process helps create a tender, moist cake with amazing texture.

Step 4: Add Wet Ingredients

• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Blend until smooth and well combined.

Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently to create a consistent batter without overmixing.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans

• Chopped apples
• Chopped pecans

Make sure the fruits and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Spread it evenly and smooth the top with a spatula.

Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare Caramel Glaze

While the cake cools, create the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan.

Add brown sugar and heavy cream.

Stir continuously and bring to a gentle boil.

Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top.

Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Cut the cake into squares and serve.

This apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is perfect for dessert or a special afternoon treat!

Tips for Apple Pecan Cake Success

• Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your cake.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty, rich flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Toss chopped apples in a bit of flour before mixing into the batter to prevent them from settling at the bottom of the cake.
• Stir caramel glaze constantly and watch carefully to prevent burning, ensuring a silky, rich topping that complements the cake's warmth.
• Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap and store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Storing Apple Pecan Cake the Easy Way

• Store leftover cake covered in plastic wrap or an airtight container for up to 5 days. Keep it cool to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
• Let cake sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before serving to soften glaze and restore original texture.
• Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until just heated through.

Pair Apple Pecan Cake With These

• Elevate Wine Harmony: Pair this apple pecan cake with a crisp Riesling or late harvest Gewürztraminer for a delightful balance between the sweet cake and the wine's fruity notes.
• Complement Coffee Experience: Serve alongside a rich, medium-roast Colombian coffee that enhances the cake's warm spices and nutty pecan undertones.
• Match Bourbon Brilliance: Pour a smooth, slightly sweet bourbon like Maker's Mark to accentuate the caramel glaze and bring out the deep, toasty flavors of the pecans.
• Amplify Dessert Enjoyment: Add a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to create a luxurious contrast between the warm cake and cold, creamy accompaniment.

Glazed Apple Pecan Cake Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, ensuring the cake remains moist and tender while accommodating those with wheat sensitivities.
• Vegan Alternative: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce, use plant-based butter, and create a dairy-free caramel glaze using coconut cream and brown sugar.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Substitute some sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, and use fresh apple chunks to maintain natural sweetness without excessive added sugars.
• Nut-Free Adaptation: Remove pecans and replace with pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for a similar crunchy texture, perfect for those with nut allergies.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this apple pecan cake unique?

The combination of fresh apples, toasted pecans, and warm spices like cinnamon create a rich, moist texture and deep, comforting flavor profile that sets this cake apart from traditional desserts.

• Can I substitute nuts if I have a pecan allergy?

Walnuts work perfectly as an alternative to pecans and provide a similar crunch and nutty flavor. If you prefer, you can also omit nuts entirely without significantly affecting the cake’s overall taste.

• Is this cake suitable for special occasions?

Absolutely! The elegant caramel glaze and rustic appearance make this cake perfect for holiday gatherings, autumn celebrations, or as a stunning dessert centerpiece for family dinners.

• How difficult is this recipe for home bakers?

This apple pecan cake is considered intermediate-level and requires basic baking skills. Home bakers with some experience will find the recipe straightforward and enjoyable to prepare, with clear steps and common ingredients.

What Makes Apple Pecan Cake Shine

• Bake with Ease: This apple pecan cake offers a straightforward recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm spices and nutty pecans, this dessert delivers irresistible homemade flavors that everyone will adore, making it ideal for family gatherings or potluck events.
• Seasonal Sensation: Celebrating autumn's bounty, the recipe transforms fresh apples and pecans into a moist, rich cake that captures the essence of fall's most delectable ingredients.
• Versatile Indulgence: Suitable for breakfast, afternoon tea, or a delightful dessert, this cake transitions seamlessly between casual and slightly more elegant occasions with its caramel glaze finishing touch.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet southern charm meets fall comfort in this apple pecan cake with caramel glaze, delivering rich warmth and nostalgic flavors. Moist layers packed with cinnamon-spiced apples and crunchy pecans invite you to savor each delectable bite of homestyle dessert magic.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith recommended)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Wet Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a medium mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. In a separate large bowl, cream together vegetable oil and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the oil-sugar mixture, mixing well after each addition to ensure smooth integration.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
6. Gently fold chopped pecans and diced apples into the batter, distributing evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula to create a smooth surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
9. Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack.
10. For the caramel glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar and heavy cream.
11. Stir the caramel mixture continuously, bringing it to a gentle boil and cooking for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
12. Remove the caramel from heat and whisk in vanilla extract until smooth and glossy.
13. Pour the warm caramel glaze evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
14. Let the glaze set for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving the apple pecan cake.

Notes

• Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in the cake.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty aroma and prevent them from becoming soggy in the batter.
• Substitute vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat version of the cake that still maintains moisture.
• Allow the cake to cool completely before applying the caramel glaze to prevent it from sliding off or becoming too thin.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg