Description
Magnificent apple pecan cake with caramel glaze showcases Southern baking traditions with complex layers of flavor. Warm spices and rich caramel complement tender apple chunks and crunchy pecans in this irresistible dessert you will savor to the last crumb.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or butter.
- Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl to ensure even distribution of dry ingredients.
- Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until the mixture becomes pale and develops a light, airy texture.
- Incorporate eggs individually into the butter mixture, beating thoroughly after each addition. Mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Gradually fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing.
- Gently fold diced apples and chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
- Transfer batter to the prepared pan, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even surface.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through cooking time. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center, which should emerge clean.
- For the caramel glaze, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Slowly pour in heavy cream and vanilla, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Remove cake from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. Drizzle warm caramel glaze over the cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides.
- Slice and serve the cake while still slightly warm for optimal flavor and texture.
Notes
- Adjust spice levels by adding more cinnamon or nutmeg for a bolder flavor profile that enhances the apple and pecan combination.
- Toast pecans before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more complex taste.
- Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend to make the cake suitable for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring the texture remains moist and tender.
- Use alternative sweeteners like maple syrup or honey in the caramel glaze for a different depth of sweetness that complements the apple and pecan notes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 140 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 29 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 46 mg