Irresistible Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Sweet memories of autumn swirl around this delectable apple pecan cake that promises comfort in every delightful slice.

Crisp orchard fruits mingle with crunchy nuts, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Warm spices dance through the soft, tender crumb, inviting you to savor each mouthful.

caramel glaze drips seductively over the golden surface, adding a luxurious touch of indulgence.

Baking this cake fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma that beckons loved ones to gather.

Layers of rich, moist goodness await your first forkful, promising a delectable experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Prepare to be transported by this irresistible dessert that turns simple moments into cherished memories.

Creative Twists On Apple Pecan Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free baking mix, ensuring the same measurement for a celiac-friendly cake.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create a dairy-free caramel glaze using coconut milk and maple syrup.
• Nutless Option: Remove pecans entirely or swap with sunflower seeds for a nut-allergy friendly version that maintains the cake's original texture and crunch.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar, and create a lighter caramel glaze with sugar-free alternatives to reduce overall carbohydrate content.

What To Pair With Apple Pecan Cake

• Sweet Brunch Companion: Pair this warm apple pecan cake with a steaming cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Elegant Dessert Platter: Slice the cake into small squares and arrange on a decorative platter, garnishing with extra chopped pecans and a light dusting of powdered sugar for an impressive presentation.
• Cozy Comfort Serving: Warm individual slices slightly and top with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, letting the caramel glaze mingle with the creamy coldness for a decadent dessert experience.
• Holiday Gathering Centerpiece: Create a rustic display by serving the cake on a wooden board with cinnamon sticks and whole pecans scattered around, perfect for autumn gatherings and family celebrations.

Best Ways To Store Apple Pecan Cake

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Refrigerate the cake for up to 5 days, covering it tightly with plastic wrap or placing it in a sealed container to prevent drying out.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months, perfect for enjoying later.
• Reheat refrigerated cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or warm in the oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes until heated through, restoring its delicious texture and warmth.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

• How can I tell if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

What Makes Apple Pecan Cake Special

• Bake with Ease: This recipe requires minimal prep work and basic kitchen skills, making it perfect for bakers of all levels.
• Comfort in Every Slice: Packed with warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans, the cake delivers a cozy, homemade flavor that feels like a hug.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Ideal for potlucks, family gatherings, and holiday celebrations, this cake impresses with its rich caramel glaze and rustic charm.
• No-Fuss Technique: Simple mixing method and straightforward ingredients mean you can create a delectable dessert without complicated steps or special equipment.

Key Ingredients For Apple Pecan Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A fundamental base that provides structure to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender texture.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy consistency.
• Ground Cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apples.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and helps create a soft crumb.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and provide richness.

• Apples, Pecans: Add texture, natural sweetness, and a delightful crunch to the cake.

• Brown Sugar: Creates a rich, deep sweetness for the glaze.
• Butter: Provides a smooth, creamy base for the caramel.
• Milk: Helps achieve the right consistency for the glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor of the caramel.

How To Bake Apple Pecan Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Make sure all the dry ingredients are well combined and free of any lumps.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Eggs

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.

Don’t overmix – you want the batter to be smooth but not tough.

Step 4: Fold in Fruit and Nuts

• Chopped apples
• Roughly chopped pecans

Distribute them evenly throughout the batter for a perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Transfer the batter to your prepared baking dish. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes.

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

Step 6: Create Caramel Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Butter
• Milk

Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and glossy.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Pour the warm caramel glaze over the slightly cooled cake.

Let it set for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Enjoy the delightful combination of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel!

Tips For Perfect Apple Pecan Cake

• Swap vegetable oil with applesauce for a healthier, lower-fat version of the cake that still maintains moisture.
• Toast pecans before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Check cake doneness early by testing with a toothpick around 40 minutes to prevent potential over-baking and dryness.
• Add a sprinkle of sea salt over the caramel glaze to create a delightful sweet-and-salty contrast that elevates the dessert.
• Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days to maintain its soft texture and prevent staleness.

Moist Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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

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Description

Moist Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze brings Southern comfort to your dessert table. Nutty 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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Cake Ingredients:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups chopped apples (peeled)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Sweeteners and Binding Agents:

• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

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

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup butter
• 2 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly combine dry ingredients including flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt in a mixing bowl, ensuring even distribution of spices.
2. Separately whisk oil and eggs until well blended, creating a smooth liquid mixture with consistent texture.
3. Gently incorporate the wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain cake’s tenderness.
4. Carefully fold chopped apples and pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
5. Transfer the batter into a greased and floured 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it uniformly to ensure consistent baking.
6. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges clean and cake appears golden brown.
7. For caramel glaze, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring continuously until mixture becomes silky and uniform.
8. Remove glaze from heat, quickly incorporate vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
9. Drizzle warm caramel glaze over slightly cooled cake, allowing it to cascade and create an appetizing, glossy surface.
10. Allow cake to rest for several minutes, enabling glaze to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Enhance moisture by grating apples instead of chopping for more even distribution and softer texture throughout the cake.
• Prevent pecans from sinking by lightly coating them in flour before folding into the batter, ensuring even suspension in the cake.
• Customize the recipe for gluten-sensitive diets by substituting all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend, maintaining the cake’s original delicious profile.
• For a lower-sugar version, replace half the sugar with unsweetened applesauce and use a sugar-free caramel alternative, reducing overall calorie content without compromising flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 390 kcal
• Sugar: 32 g
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg