The Perfect Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

Whisking through memories, this apple pecan cake with caramel glaze brings comfort straight to your kitchen table.

Sweet aromas will dance around your space while golden chunks of fruit mingle with crunchy nutty textures.

Generations of bakers have treasured such delightful combinations that spark joy and connection.

Seasonal ingredients shine brilliantly in this simple yet sophisticated dessert.

Warm spices and rich caramel create a harmonious melody of flavors that invite immediate excitement.

Layers of soft cake promise a delectable experience that feels both nostalgic and innovative.

Every slice tells a story of love, tradition, and culinary creativity.

Come uncover the magic waiting in this irresistible treat!

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 my 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 baking.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to create a gluten-free version of the cake.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this recipe?

You’ll need a 9×13-inch baking dish, mixing bowls, a whisk, and a saucepan for the caramel glaze.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel You’ll Savor

• Quick Family Favorite: Perfect for busy households wanting a delicious dessert that doesn't require complex baking skills.
• Seasonal Comfort Delight: Captures autumn's warmth with fresh apples and toasted pecans, making it an ideal fall-season treat.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works brilliantly for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual weekend desserts that everyone will love.
• Simple Baking Success: Achievable for novice bakers with straightforward steps and minimal technical techniques, ensuring consistent delicious results.

Apple Pecan Cake Caramel Glaze Parts

• All-Purpose Flour: Base for cake structure, provides essential texture and volume.
• Baking Soda: Helps cake rise and creates light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile and balances sweetness.
• Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple and adds depth to cake.

• Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create golden-brown color.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps cake moist and tender, ensures soft crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds complex flavor and aromatic depth.

• Apples: Fresh fruit adds moisture, natural sweetness, and texture.
• Pecans: Provide crunch and nutty flavor, complement apple's softness.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for caramel.
• Brown Sugar: Gives deep, caramelized flavor and sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Adds silky texture and helps create glossy glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances caramel's complex flavor profile.

Apple Pecan Cake With Glaze Cooking Route

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Get your oven warmed up to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it with a light layer of grease.

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

Whisk these dry ingredients until they’re perfectly combined.

Step 2: Create Wet Mixture

• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Vegetable oil

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla extract.

Mix everything until smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 3: Blend Cake Batter

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients.

Stir gently until just combined.

• Chopped apples
• Chopped pecans

Mix until ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Bake The Cake

Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish.

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

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.

Step 5: Craft Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream.

Keep stirring until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Let it bubble and boil for 2 minutes.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

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

Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving this delectable dessert.

Apple Pecan Cake – Caramel Glaze Tips That Stick

• Pat chopped apples dry with paper towels to prevent excess moisture from making the cake soggy and ensure better texture.
• Toast pecans briefly in a dry skillet before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty flavor and add a deeper, richer dimension.
• Use the toothpick test carefully – insert near the center and look for minimal, not completely clean crumbs for perfectly moist results.
• Reduce sugar by 1/4 cup if using very sweet apples like Fuji or Gala to maintain a balanced flavor profile in the cake.
• Cover cake loosely with foil at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping caramel glaze from becoming too hard or sticky.

Save Apple Pecan Cake And Reheat Slowly

• Store leftover cake in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping its moisture and delicious flavor intact.
• Wrap individual slices or the entire cake in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for maximum 3 months without losing texture.
• Leave glazed cake at room temperature for 2 hours, covering loosely with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Warm individual slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes to restore its just-baked warmth and softness.

Satisfying Matches for Apple Pecan Cake

• Pair with Rich Coffee Companions: Brew a bold espresso or dark roast coffee to complement the cake's deep caramel and apple flavors, cutting through the sweetness with robust coffee notes.
• Enhance with Creamy Vanilla Accompaniment: Serve a scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast with the warm, spiced cake layers.
• Elevate with Spiced Beverage Harmony: Create a warm chai latte or spiced apple cider to mirror the cake's cinnamon undertones, providing a cozy and complementary drinking experience that amplifies the dessert's autumnal profile.
• Match with Dessert Wine Elegance: Select a late-harvest Riesling or moscato, whose sweet and slightly acidic characteristics beautifully balance the caramel glaze and nutty pecan elements.

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Variations

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and create dairy-free caramel glaze using coconut cream and maple syrup.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace white and brown sugar with coconut sugar or stevia, reducing overall sugar content while maintaining cake's sweet flavor profile.
• Nut-Free Alternative: Swap pecans with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for those with nut allergies, keeping the cake's texture and crunch intact.

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.9 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Indulgent Southern apple pecan cake with caramel glaze brings comfort and warmth to your dessert table. Rich layers of spiced cake, studded with pecans and drizzled with silky caramel, promise a delightful escape into pure culinary bliss.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients (Cake Base):

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Fruits and Nuts:

• 2 cups diced apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (8 tablespoons) butter
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring no lumps remain.
3. In a separate large mixing bowl, vigorously whisk together granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil until well combined and slightly frothy.
4. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the sugar mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
5. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring gently to create a smooth, consistent batter without overmixing.
6. Carefully fold chopped apples and roughly chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly with a spatula to ensure even baking.
8. Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through to promote even browning.
9. Test cake doneness by inserting a clean toothpick into the center; it should emerge without raw batter clinging to it.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely in the baking dish for approximately 30 minutes before preparing the caramel glaze.
11. For the glaze, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar and heavy cream.
12. Whisk the caramel mixture continuously, bringing it to a gentle boil and cooking for exactly 2 minutes to develop rich flavor.
13. Remove the caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract for additional depth.
14. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides and set naturally.
15. Let the glazed cake rest for 15 minutes before slicing and serving to allow the caramel to fully set.

Notes

• Choose ripe, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in the cake.
• Toast pecans beforehand to enhance their nutty aroma and provide a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Consider using gluten-free flour blend for a celiac-friendly version without compromising the cake’s moisture and structure.
• Reduce sugar content by substituting some brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce for a healthier alternative that maintains the cake’s delightful sweetness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 40 mg