Luscious Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Baking this delectable apple pecan cake with caramel glaze brings warmth to any kitchen.

Sweet autumn aromas will fill your home with comfort and nostalgia.

Ripe apples combine perfectly with crunchy pecans, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

The caramel glaze adds a luxurious touch that elevates this classic dessert from ordinary to extraordinary.

Layers of rich, moist cake showcase the natural sweetness of seasonal ingredients.

Each slice promises a delightful balance of nutty, fruity, and caramel notes that dance on your palate.

Apple Pecan Cake: Why It’s a Favorite

• Embrace Autumn Comfort: Dive into a warm, spiced cake that captures the cozy essence of fall with its rich apple and pecan flavors.
• Boost Family Bonding: Create delightful memories while baking together, mixing ingredients and sharing laughter in the kitchen.
• Simplify Baking Adventure: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires minimal technical skills, perfect for bakers of all experience levels.
• Impress Without Stress: Wow guests with a stunning dessert that looks and tastes gourmet but comes together with surprising ease.

Apple Pecan Cake Ingredient Essentials

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundational base that provides structure 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.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a tender crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Apples, Pecans: Add texture, flavor, and natural sweetness to the cake.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep, caramel-like sweetness.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth, pourable consistency.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the caramel flavor.

How to Make Apple Pecan Cake

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Heat your oven to 350°F.

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

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Blend

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

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Melted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until smooth and creamy.

Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly until well incorporated.

Step 4: Marry Ingredients Together

Slowly add dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, stirring gently.

• Chopped apples
• Chopped pecans

Ensure ingredients are evenly distributed throughout batter.

Step 5: Bake The Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with no raw batter.

Step 6: Create Decadent Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Add brown sugar and milk.

Bring to a rolling boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Finish And Serve

Drizzle warm caramel glaze over slightly cooled cake.

Slice and serve immediately for maximum deliciousness.

Apple Pecan Cake Tips and Tricks

• Choose crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Toss chopped apples with a little lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent discoloration during mixing.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and add a delightful crunch.
• Use the toothpick test, inserting it into the center of the cake – if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cake while it's still slightly warm to help it absorb and create a moist, decadent dessert.

Creative Apple Pecan Cake Spins

• Gluten-Free Option: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use plant-based butter, and choose maple syrup instead of traditional sugar. Select dairy-free milk for caramel glaze.
• Reduced Sugar Alternative: Substitute half the sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Use sugar-free caramel sauce and incorporate more apples for natural sweetness.
• Nutty Variation: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds. Consider adding pumpkin seeds or sunflower seeds for extra crunch and nutritional variety.

Ways to Present Apple Pecan Cake

• Cozy Family Gathering: Serve warm slices after Sunday dinner, creating a comforting dessert moment that brings everyone together around the table.
• Fall Festive Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with extra chopped pecans for a beautiful seasonal display that captures autumn's warmth.
• Ice Cream Companion: Top each slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the warm cake slightly melt the cold cream for a delightful temperature contrast.
• Coffee Pairing Delight: Slice cake into smaller pieces and serve alongside rich, hot coffee or spiced chai tea for an afternoon treat that warms the soul.

Storing Apple Pecan Cake at Home

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze up to 3 months for quick single servings.
• Warm refrigerated cake in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 10-15 minutes. Drizzle extra caramel glaze on top to refresh moisture and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of nut instead of pecans?

Yes, you can easily substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar crunchy texture.

• Do I need to peel the apples before adding them to the cake?

It’s recommended to peel the apples, but you can leave the skin on if you prefer a more rustic texture and added nutrition.

• 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.

• Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it at room temperature, adding the caramel glaze just before serving.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

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

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Description

Warm spices dance through this classic apple pecan cake with caramel glaze, bringing Southern comfort to your dessert table. Buttery pecans and sweet caramel create a rich, indulgent experience you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups peeled, chopped apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

Flavoring:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan with a light grease coating to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring all dry ingredients are well combined and free of lumps.
3. Cream melted butter with granulated and brown sugars using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly fluffy.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, then blend in vanilla extract until the wet ingredients are thoroughly integrated.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a uniform cake batter without overmixing.
6. Gently fold chopped apples and roughly chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan, using a spatula to spread it uniformly and ensure an even surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean with minimal crumbs.
9. While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then stirring in brown sugar and milk.
10. Bring the caramel mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for approximately 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
11. Remove the caramel from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract to enhance the flavor profile.
12. Once the cake is removed from the oven, immediately drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to seep into the cake’s surface.
13. Allow the cake to cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving, enabling the glaze to set slightly.

Notes

• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to make this cake suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Replace pecans with sunflower seeds or omit nuts entirely for a nut-free version without compromising texture.
• Chop apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and prevent dry spots in the cake.
• Stir the glaze constantly while simmering to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, silky consistency.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 333 kcal
• Sugar: 23 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg