Heavenly Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Have you ever dreamed about a magical apple pecan cake that whispers comfort and warmth?

Crisp autumn mornings inspired this delightful dessert with unexpected layers of rich flavor.

Nuts and fruit dance together in a tender crumb, creating something truly memorable.

Sweet caramel glaze adds a glossy dimension that makes this cake impossible to resist.

Baking becomes an art form when ingredients blend so perfectly and effortlessly.

Each slice promises a symphony of textures that will make your taste buds sing with joy.

You cannot help but fall in love with this decadent treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

Delicious Details That Make Apple Pecan Cake a Winner

• This recipe requires minimal baking skills, using basic mixing techniques that even novice home cooks can master quickly. Step-by-step instructions make the process straightforward and approachable for anyone wanting to create a delicious dessert.
• Packed with warm spices like cinnamon and featuring classic fall ingredients such as apples and pecans, this cake captures the cozy essence of autumn. Its rich flavors and comforting texture make it an ideal treat for chilly days and family gatherings.
• Total preparation and baking time is approximately 45-50 minutes, making it an excellent choice for spontaneous weekend baking. The simple caramel glaze adds a gourmet touch without requiring complex culinary techniques, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort.
• Suitable for casual family dinners, potlucks, afternoon tea, or elegant dessert settings. The cake's rustic charm and decadent caramel glaze ensure it will impress guests and satisfy sweet tooth cravings across different social situations.

Ingredients That Sweeten and Spice the Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Baking Soda: Assists in leavening and balances the acidity in the recipe.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements the apples.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the overall sweetness of the cake.

• Butter, Granulated Sugar: Create a rich, creamy base for the cake, providing sweetness and tenderness.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture and richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth of flavor and enhances the other ingredients.

• Apples, Pecans: Fresh apples bring moisture and natural sweetness, while pecans add crunch and nutty flavor. Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best results.

• Butter, Brown Sugar: Form the base of the caramel, creating a rich, deep flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Adds smoothness and helps create the glossy glaze texture.
• Vanilla Extract, Salt: Enhance and balance the caramel's sweetness.

Instructions for a Tender Caramel Glazed Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F. Prep a 9-inch cake pan by greasing and flouring or lining with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

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

Set this magical powder blend aside.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to blend softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light, about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Blend Wet Ingredients

Add eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each. Splash in vanilla extract and mix well.

Step 5: Combine Cake Batter

• Diced apples
• Chopped pecans

Stir just until combined, avoiding overmixing.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into prepared pan. Spread evenly and bake for 30-35 minutes. Check doneness with a toothpick- it should come out clean. Let cake rest in pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to wire rack.

Step 7: Create Caramel Glaze

• Melt butter
• Stir in brown sugar
• Bring to boil
• Simmer 2-3 minutes

• Heavy cream
• Vanilla extract
• Salt

Continue simmering 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 8: Drizzle Caramel Topping

Once cake cools, pour warm caramel glaze over top, allowing delicious drips down the sides.

Baking Tips to Achieve a Moist, Rich Texture

• Prevent Overmixing: Gently fold dry ingredients and fruits to maintain a tender, light cake texture without developing tough gluten strands.
• Customize Nut Selection: Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds for different flavor profiles while keeping the cake's delightful crunch and nutty essence.
• Ensure Fresh Apples: Choose crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide a slightly tart contrast to the sweet caramel.
• Control Glaze Consistency: Let caramel cool slightly before drizzling to achieve the perfect pour-over effect without making the cake soggy or too runny.
• Store Smartly: Keep cake covered at room temperature for 2-3 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days to maintain moisture and freshness.

How to Keep This Cake Tasting Fresh

• Store the apple pecan cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out.
• Keep the cake at room temperature for 1-2 days if you plan to consume it quickly. Place it on a cake stand with a protective dome or cover it with a clean kitchen towel.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
• Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 300F for 5-7 minutes to restore the cake's moisture and bring out its warm, comforting flavors.

What to Serve Alongside This Autumn Dessert

• Select a smooth, caramel-forward bourbon like Woodford Reserve that complements the cake's rich nutty and sweet profile, enhancing the dessert's deep flavor notes.
• Brew a hot chai or cinnamon black tea that mirrors the cake's warm spices, creating a harmonious blend of comforting autumn flavors.
• Serve a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, which provides a cool, smooth contrast to the warm caramel glaze and adds luxurious texture.
• Mix a spiked apple cider with light rum or brandy to echo the cake's apple essence while offering a complementary seasonal beverage that heightens the dessert's aromatic qualities.

Ways to Tweak or Dress Up the

Gluten-Free Apple Pecan Cake: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.

Vegan Apple Pecan Delight: Swap eggs with flax eggs (ground flaxseed mixed with water), use plant-based butter, and substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.

Low-Sugar Apple Pecan Treat: Use a natural sweetener like stevia or monk fruit instead of granulated sugar, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining the cake’s rich flavor profile.

Nutty Alternative Version: Substitute pecans with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty dimension, offering flexibility for those with nut preferences or allergies.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Homemade Apple Pecan Cake delivers comfort and warmth in each delectable slice. Caramel glaze cascades over moist layers, creating a southern-inspired dessert where sweet meets nutty for an irresistible autumn indulgence you’ll savor completely.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ teaspoons baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 350F (175C). Coat a 9-inch round cake pan with grease and flour, or line with parchment paper for seamless cake removal.
2. Combine dry ingredients in a medium bowl, whisking flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt until thoroughly integrated. Reserve this mixture.
3. Utilize an electric mixer to cream butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes airy and voluminous, approximately 2 minutes.
4. Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, thoroughly mixing after each addition. Gently fold in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor complexity.
5. Gradually introduce dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with diced apples and chopped pecans. Blend carefully to maintain batter integrity, avoiding overmixing.
6. Transfer batter into prepared cake pan, distributing evenly across the surface. Bake for 30-35 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center. Allow cake to rest in pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack.
7. Craft caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar and bring to a boil, stirring periodically. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, then gradually whisk in heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Continue simmering until glaze reaches a slightly thickened consistency. Remove from heat and let rest momentarily.
8. Once cake has completely cooled, generously drizzle warm caramel glaze across the top, allowing it to cascade elegantly down the sides for a visually appealing and decadent finish.

Notes

• Swap apples for pears or plums to create exciting seasonal variations that keep the recipe versatile and fresh.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty flavor and add deeper complexity to the cake’s overall taste profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent cake texture.
• Consider reducing sugar by 25% if using sweeter apple varieties like Gala or Fuji to balance the dessert’s sweetness level.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 30 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg