The Best Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe Ever Made

My grandmother’s secret apple pecan cake recipe brings comfort and warmth to every kitchen.

Memories of autumn afternoons flood back with each slice of this delectable dessert.

Crisp apples mingle beautifully with crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of textures and flavors.

Soft, tender crumbs hold a delightful balance between sweet and nutty notes.

Rich caramel glaze drizzled on top adds a luxurious finish that makes everyone swoon.

Baking this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a cozy blanket of nostalgia.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible treat.

FAQs

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

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Choose apples that are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

• How do I know if the pecans are toasted?

Toasted pecans will have a golden brown color and a fragrant, nutty aroma. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 3-5 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend that includes xanthan gum for better texture.

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze: What Makes It Special

• Savor Seasonal Comfort: Dive into a delightful dessert that captures the warm, cozy flavors of autumn with sweet apples and toasty pecans.
• Master Baking with Ease: Enjoy a straightforward recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for both novice and experienced home bakers.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: Create a show-stopping treat that will impress family and friends at gatherings, potlucks, or holiday celebrations.
• Indulge in Decadent Glaze: Experience the rich, luxurious caramel topping that transforms a simple cake into an extraordinary dessert sensation.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

• All-Purpose Flour: A key dry ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Warm spices that add depth and warmth to the cake's flavor profile.

• Butter: Adds richness and moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a classic, aromatic flavor to the cake.

• Apples, Pecans: Fresh apples bring moisture and natural sweetness, while pecans add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Heavy Cream: These ingredients create a rich, smooth caramel sauce.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a finishing touch of flavor to the glaze.

How to Bake Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Step 1: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg until perfectly blended. Set this magical dry mixture aside for later.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar

In a separate large bowl, beat softened butter and sugar until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. The texture should look creamy and smooth.

Add eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly.

Step 3: Combine Cake Batter

Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the butter mixture.

• Chopped apples
• Chopped pecans

Mix until ingredients are just combined and evenly distributed.

Step 4: Prepare Baking Pan

Grease a baking pan generously with butter or cooking spray. Ensure every corner is covered to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Slide the pan into a preheated oven and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Let the cake cool completely in the pan.

Step 6: Create Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Cook until the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened.

Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Finish With Glaze

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

Use a spatula to spread it evenly, allowing the glaze to cascade down the sides of the cake.

Tips to Maximize Apple Pecan Cake Flavor

• Toast pecans lightly before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sinking to the bottom of the cake.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and balanced sweetness in the cake.
• Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the caramel from becoming too runny and sliding off the cake.
• Store cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain moisture and freshness.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smoother batter and more even baking results.

Flavor Boosts to Complement Apple Pecan Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly cake. Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, eggs with flax eggs, and heavy cream with coconut cream. Use plant-based caramel ingredients for the glaze.
• Reduced Sugar Option: Use natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. Substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar in the caramel glaze for a lower glycemic index.
• Nutty Alternative: Replace pecans with walnuts or almonds. Add different spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique flavor profile.

Side Dishes That Pair Nicely with Apple Pecan Cake

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Platter: Slice the cake and arrange on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and whole pecans for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Breakfast Companion: Serve warm cake slices alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, creating a delightful morning treat that celebrates fall flavors.
• Ice Cream Pairing: Top a slice with vanilla bean ice cream and drizzle extra caramel glaze for an indulgent dessert that balances warm cake with cool, creamy richness.
• Holiday Gifting Idea: Package individual slices in clear cellophane bags tied with autumn-colored ribbons, perfect for sharing homemade goodness with friends and neighbors.

Best Storage Practices for Apple Pecan Cake

• Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Refrigerate the cake for extended storage, lasting up to 5-7 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap to prevent drying out.
• Freeze the entire cake or individual slices by wrapping securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Keeps well for 2-3 months.
• Reheat refrigerated or thawed cake slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm in the oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes to restore softness and bring out the caramel glaze's rich flavors.

Moist Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Homemade apple pecan cake with caramel glaze brings southern comfort to dessert tables. Rich layers of spiced cake showcase autumn’s best flavors while caramel adds luxurious sweetness you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) salt
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Fruits:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract
• 2 cups apples (peeled and chopped)
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)

Caramel Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup (57 grams) butter
• 1/2 cup (100 grams) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Sift together the dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg in a medium mixing bowl to ensure even distribution and eliminate potential lumps.
2. In a separate large bowl, cream softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter.
3. Incorporate eggs one at a time into the butter mixture, blending thoroughly after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
4. Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
5. Carefully fold chopped apples and roughly chopped pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
6. Transfer the batter to a greased 9-inch baking pan, smoothing the top with a spatula to create an even surface.
7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan for about 30 minutes, which helps set the structure and prevents crumbling.
9. For the caramel glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly.
10. Simmer the caramel mixture for 3-4 minutes until it reaches a smooth, slightly thickened consistency, then remove from heat.
11. Stir vanilla extract into the warm caramel glaze, creating a rich and aromatic topping.
12. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the completely cooled cake, allowing it to cascade down the sides for an elegant finish.

Notes

• Swap out regular flour with gluten-free flour blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals, ensuring the same tender texture.
• Reduce sugar content by using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, creating a healthier alternative without compromising flavor.
• Toast pecans before adding to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Use room temperature ingredients like eggs and butter to ensure smoother mixing and more consistent cake texture.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 320 kcal
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 45 mg