Sweet & Nutty Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and warm apple pecan cake waft through kitchens, promising comfort in every slice.

Seasonal ingredients blend seamlessly into a dessert that whispers autumn’s charm.

Soft crumbs packed with nutty pecans create a delightful texture that melts in your mouth.

caramel glaze adds a luxurious sheen, transforming this humble cake into an irresistible treat.

Rustic yet elegant, each forkful tells a story of home-baked goodness.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort, making this cake perfect for casual gatherings.

Grab a plate and savor a slice that celebrates simple pleasures and cozy moments.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a similar texture and flavor profile.

• How do I know if the cake is properly mixed?

The batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with a consistent color and no dry flour patches visible.

• What's the best way to chop apples for this cake?

Use a sharp knife to dice apples into small, uniform pieces about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in size to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free certified.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze That Everyone Enjoys

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm spices and autumnal flavors, this cake captures the cozy essence of fall baking perfectly.
• Craft Delightful Dessert: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to experienced home cooks.
• Create Family-Friendly Treat: Loaded with sweet apples and crunchy pecans, this cake appeals to both kids and adults, making it ideal for family gatherings and potlucks.
• Elevate Dessert Game: The rich caramel glaze transforms an ordinary cake into a gourmet-style dessert that looks and tastes impressive without requiring professional baking skills.

What’s Inside Apple Pecan Cake Recipe

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender, moist cake.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.

• Apples, Pecans: Fresh apples add moisture and natural sweetness, while pecans bring a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

• Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Salt: Warm spices that enhance the cake's depth of flavor and balance the sweetness.

• Brown Sugar, Milk, Vanilla: Create a rich, smooth caramel sauce that adds a luxurious finish to the cake.

• Baking Soda, Vanilla: Helps the cake rise and adds a subtle aromatic flavor.

How to Bake Apple Pecan Cake Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab a 9-inch round cake pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Dry Mixture

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

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Base

In a separate mixing bowl, beat butter and sugar until they transform into a fluffy cloud-like mixture.

Add eggs one by one, then splash in vanilla extract.

Mix until everything looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Combine and Fold

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the creamy butter mixture.

• Chopped apples
• Chopped pecans

Stir until everything is just combined – don’t overmix!

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

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

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Craft the Caramel Drizzle

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Milk

Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 2-3 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Let the cake cool completely.

Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Slice and serve to eager friends and family.

Apple Cake Tips for Sweet Results

• Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
• Lightly toast pecans in a dry skillet to enhance their nutty flavor and provide extra crunch before adding to batter.
• Insert toothpick at cake's center; if it comes out with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked.
• Toss chopped apples with a little lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during mixing.
• Allow cake to cool entirely before glazing to ensure caramel sets properly and doesn't slide off the surface.

Apple Cake Styles That Add Flavor

• Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals. Maintain the same mixing technique and baking instructions.
• Vegan Apple Pecan Delight: Substitute butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and use plant-based milk for caramel glaze. Select ripe, sweet apples to enhance natural sweetness.
• Low-Sugar Nutty Apple Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Add extra spices like cardamom or ginger to boost flavor complexity without additional calories.
• Dairy-Free Caramel Apple Option: Replace milk with almond or oat milk for caramel glaze. Use coconut cream for a rich, creamy alternative that complements the cake's nutty profile.

What Works With Apple Pecan Cake Recipe

• Cozy Autumn Brunch Companion: Pair this warm apple pecan cake with a steaming mug of cinnamon coffee for a delightful morning treat.
• Weekend Dessert Delight: Serve slightly warmed with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream to enhance the cake's rich caramel and spice flavors.
• Elegant Afternoon Tea Option: Cut into elegant thin slices and arrange on a decorative platter alongside fresh berries and whipped cream for a sophisticated dessert presentation.
• Festive Holiday Centerpiece: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with toasted pecan halves around the cake's base to create a stunning seasonal dessert perfect for family gatherings.

Store Apple Pecan Cake to Last Longer

• Store the apple pecan cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Carefully wrap the entire unglazed cake in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before glazing.
• Wrap each cake slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Store for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade apple pecan cake with caramel glaze delivers comfort and warmth from Southern kitchens. Sweet seasonal ingredients blend perfectly, creating a delightful dessert that satisfies classic autumn cravings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups chopped apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (325 grams)

Cake Dry Ingredients:

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

Cake Wet Ingredients and Sweeteners:

• 1/2 cup butter, softened (113 grams)
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Glaze:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter (57 grams)
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 9-inch round cake pan by greasing and lightly dusting with flour to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, combining flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until evenly distributed.
3. In a separate large bowl, whip butter and sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture becomes light, airy, and pale in color.
4. Incorporate eggs into the butter mixture one at a time, ensuring each is fully blended before adding the next. Stir in vanilla extract for additional depth of flavor.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
6. Gently fold chopped apples and pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout to ensure balanced flavor in each slice.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared cake pan, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time to ensure uniform baking.
9. Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
10. For the caramel glaze, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil.
11. Cook the glaze for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning, then remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract.
12. Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling with the warm caramel glaze, ensuring an even coating across the surface.

Notes

• Choose fresh, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in the cake.
• Toast pecans before adding to enhance their nutty aroma and add a deeper, richer crunch to the dessert.
• Test cake doneness by inserting a toothpick at a slight angle to ensure no wet batter remains on the tester.
• Adjust caramel glaze consistency by adding more milk if too thick or cooking slightly longer if too thin for perfect drizzling.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 330 kcal
• Sugar: 26 g
• Sodium: 140 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg