Make This Heavenly Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Decadent apple pecan cake whispers comfort through its rich, nutty embrace.

Warm spices dance gracefully between tender cake layers, creating a sensory symphony.

Crisp autumn memories flood your imagination with each heavenly slice.

Seasonal ingredients merge into a delightful dessert that celebrates sweet nostalgia.

Rustic charm meets sophisticated baking technique in this irresistible treat.

Homemade goodness promises a moment of pure culinary bliss.

Prepare to savor every luxurious, caramel-glazed bite that tells a delicious story.

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze That Shines

• This apple pecan cake delivers warm, nostalgic flavors that wrap you in cozy autumn memories with every bite.
• The cake combines soft, moist crumb with crunchy pecans and tender apple chunks, creating an incredible contrast that delights your palate.
• Straightforward mixing method and simple ingredients make this recipe perfect for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned pros, promising delicious results with minimal effort.
• Whether served as an afternoon treat, family dessert, or potluck contribution, this cake impresses with its rich caramel glaze and irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen with sweet happiness.

What You’ll Need for Apple Pecan Cake Magic

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and texture.
• Baking Soda, Baking Powder: Essential leavening agents that help the cake rise and become light.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor and balances the sweetness.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves: Warm spices that add depth and autumn-like warmth to the cake.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender crumb, best used at room temperature.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to the cake's structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor to the cake.
• Sour Cream: Brings moisture and a slight tanginess to the batter.

• Apples, Pecans: Fresh apples add moisture and texture, while pecans provide a nutty crunch.
• Brown Sugar, Butter, Heavy Cream: Key components for creating a rich, glossy caramel glaze.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth to the caramel glaze.

Steps to Make Apple Pecan Cake with Glaze

Step 1: Prepare Baking Environment

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter and dust with flour to ensure easy cake release.

Step 2: Create Dry Ingredient Mixture

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

Whisk ingredients thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Blend Sugars and Butter

• Unsalted butter
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar

Beat until mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale.

Step 4: Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla

Add eggs one at a time, mixing completely after each addition. Pour in vanilla extract and blend smoothly.

Step 5: Add Creamy Element

Stir in sour cream until well integrated. Gradually fold dry ingredient mixture into wet ingredients, mixing gently to maintain cake’s airy texture.

Step 6: Introduce Fruit and Nuts

Gently fold chopped apples and pecans into batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.

Step 7: Bake Cake

Transfer batter to prepared baking dish, spreading evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into center emerges clean.

Step 8: Craft Caramel Glaze

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow mixture to boil for one minute, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract.

Step 9: Glaze Application

While cake remains warm, create numerous small holes using a skewer or fork. Slowly pour caramel glaze over cake, allowing it to seep into punctures.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Allow cake to cool completely. Slice and serve as is, or pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Baker’s Tips for Moist Apple Pecan Cake

• Prevent Apple Browning: Toss chopped apples with a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration while preparing the cake.
• Ensure Even Mixing: Cream butter and sugars thoroughly until light and fluffy to create a smooth, well-incorporated cake batter that bakes evenly.
• Control Moisture Perfectly: Don't overmix the batter when adding dry ingredients to maintain the cake's tender crumb and prevent a tough texture.
• Enhance Pecan Flavor: Lightly toast pecans before chopping to intensify their nutty flavor and add extra depth to the cake's overall taste.
• Glaze Application Trick: Poke holes while the cake is still warm to allow the caramel glaze to penetrate deeply, creating a more moist and flavorful dessert.

Keeping Apple Pecan Cake Fresh & Soft

• Refrigerate: Store leftover cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Reheat: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds on medium power. For best results, let the slice sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving to restore its original texture and flavor.
• Freeze: Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before enjoying.

Sweet Pairings for Apple Pecan Caramel Cake

• Pair with Warm Spiced Cider: Complement the cake's cozy autumn flavors with a steaming mug of spiced apple cider. The warm, fragrant drink echoes the cake's apple and spice notes, creating a delightful harmony of flavors.
• Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Add a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the cake. The cool, smooth texture contrasts beautifully with the warm, dense cake, while the vanilla enhances the caramel and apple undertones.
• Match with Cream Cheese Whipped Topping: Dollop a light cream cheese whipped topping on each slice. Its tangy richness cuts through the cake's sweetness and complements the nutty pecans, adding a luxurious layer of flavor.
• Enjoy with Salted Caramel Latte: Pair the cake with a salted caramel latte for a decadent treat. The coffee's depth and the latte's caramel notes perfectly mirror the cake's rich caramel glaze and warm spices.

Flavorful Twists on Apple Pecan Cake

• Nutty Autumn Delight: Replace pecans with walnuts and add a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice to enhance the fall flavor profile.
• Tropical Paradise Cake: Swap apples with crushed pineapple and add shredded coconut to the batter for a Hawaiian-inspired dessert.
• Spiced Pear Version: Use ripe pears instead of apples and incorporate cardamom alongside existing spices for a subtle, warming undertone.
• Gluten-Free Comfort: Substitute regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add almond flour for extra moisture and texture.

FAQ Roundup for Apple Pecan Cake Fans

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

The best apples are firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn. These hold their shape well and provide a nice tartness to balance the sweet cake.

• How can I store this apple pecan cake?

Store the cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. The caramel glaze keeps it moist and delicious.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use one designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture.

• What if I don't have pecans?

You can replace pecans with walnuts or skip nuts entirely. The cake will still be delicious, though the pecans add a nice crunch and nutty flavor.

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

Homemade apple pecan cake with caramel glaze combines sweet autumn flavors in one irresistible dessert. Warm spices and rich caramel drizzle elevate this classic cake, inviting you to savor each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 2 large eggs

Dry Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves

Wet and Dairy Ingredients:

• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to a precise 350°F (175°C) and meticulously prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a generous coating of grease and flour to ensure effortless cake removal.
2. Create a harmonious dry ingredient blend by whisking together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a medium mixing bowl. Set this aromatic mixture aside.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, cream butter with granulated and brown sugars until the mixture transforms into a light, pillowy texture that promises a delectable cake.
4. Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly integrating each one and ensuring a smooth consistency. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract’s rich essence.
5. Introduce sour cream to the mixture, blending until perfectly combined. Gradually fold in the dry ingredient mixture, mixing with a delicate touch to maintain the batter’s tender structure.
6. Gently incorporate chopped apples and pecans, distributing them evenly to guarantee a balanced flavor and texture in every slice.
7. Transfer the batter to the prepared baking dish, carefully spreading it to create an even layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick emerges completely clean when inserted into the cake’s center.
8. Craft the caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Introduce brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches a vigorous boil. Allow it to bubble for precisely one minute before removing from heat and finishing with a splash of vanilla extract.
9. While the cake remains warm, perforate the surface extensively using a skewer or fork. Cascade the luscious caramel glaze over the cake, allowing it to penetrate deeply through the created channels.
10. Exercise patience and permit the cake to cool completely before slicing. Elevate the experience by serving alongside a decadent scoop of vanilla ice cream for an ultimate indulgence.

Notes

• Prep ahead by chopping apples and measuring ingredients to streamline the baking process.
• Room temperature ingredients like butter and eggs ensure smoother mixing and better cake texture.
• Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and structure.
• Toasting pecans beforehand intensifies their nutty flavor and adds delightful crunch to the cake.
• Check cake doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean with minimal crumbs.
• Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 34 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg