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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Incorporate eggs individually, thoroughly integrating each one and ensuring a smooth consistency. Infuse the batter with vanilla extract’s rich essence.
- 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.
- Gently incorporate chopped apples and pecans, distributing them evenly to guarantee a balanced flavor and texture in every slice.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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