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Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
About This Recipe
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the ultimate fall dessert — warm, cozy, and filled with the comforting flavors of cinnamon, apples, and buttery pecans. Each slice offers a perfectly moist crumb and a glossy caramel glaze that soaks into the cake for a melt-in-your-mouth experience. It’s easy enough for weeknight baking yet elegant enough to serve at holiday gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup chopped pecans, toasted
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Step 1 — Preheat and prepare
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan and lightly dust it with flour. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2 — Mix the dry ingredients
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This blend will give your cake a warm spice base and ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Step 3 — Combine wet ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and well blended. The oil gives the cake its moist, tender texture while the eggs add richness.
Step 4 — Add apples and pecans
Gently fold the diced apples and toasted pecans into the wet mixture. The apples should be evenly distributed to ensure each bite gets plenty of fruit and nut flavor.
Step 5 — Combine and bake
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45–50 minutes (or about 55–60 minutes for a bundt pan), or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 6 — Make the caramel glaze
While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar, milk, and salt. Bring to a gentle boil and let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened. Remove from heat and add the vanilla extract.
Step 7 — Glaze the cake
Once the cake is done, let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, while still slightly warm, drizzle the caramel glaze slowly over the top. The glaze will soak into the cake, making it incredibly moist and flavorful.
Step 8 — Serve and enjoy
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing. The caramel sets slightly as it cools, giving each slice a glossy finish. Serve warm or at room temperature — it’s delicious either way.
Tips for Success
- Use firm apples: Varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape well during baking.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the batter just until everything comes together to avoid a dense cake.
- Toast the pecans: Toasting brings out a richer, nuttier flavor that complements the caramel glaze perfectly.
- Glaze while warm: Pouring the glaze on a warm cake helps it absorb and develop that signature gooey texture.
Storage & Serving Suggestions
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to 2 months. To reheat, microwave individual slices for a few seconds to restore that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.
This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or hot apple cider. For a decadent twist, serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Protein: 5 g
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Sodium: 240 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 38 g
Final Thoughts
The Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is everything a fall dessert should be — moist, flavorful, and perfectly indulgent. The combination of apples, pecans, and caramel creates a rustic yet elegant dessert that feels like home. Whether you serve it for Sunday dinner, Thanksgiving, or as a sweet weekend treat, this cake promises to impress every time.