If you’re searching for a dessert that brings all the cozy flavors of fall right to your table, you’ve found it with this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe. The tender cake is bursting with tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans, all kissed by warm cinnamon and encased in a luscious caramel glaze that’s utterly irresistible. Every bite offers a perfect blend of sweet, nutty, and spiced goodness, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe is a delightful experience you’ll want to savor again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe may seem simple on the surface, but each ingredient plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that inviting aroma. From the crisp apples that add freshness and moisture to the pecans that bring a satisfying crunch, every component is essential.
- Cooking oil: Provides moisture and keeps the cake wonderfully tender without overpowering flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly and helps create a light crumb.
- Brown sugar: Used in the caramel glaze for its rich, molasses undertones that deepen the sweetness.
- Eggs: Bind everything together and add structure to the cake.
- All-purpose flour: The cake’s foundation, giving it body and ensuring a soft, yet sturdy texture.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise, making it light and airy.
- Cinnamon: Spices up the batter with a warm, comforting note that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
- Vanilla extract: Adds a delicate aroma and roundness to the overall taste.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and crisp, they provide juiciness and texture inside the cake.
- Chopped pecans: Give a nutty crunch that contrasts beautifully with the soft cake.
- Butter: Used in the caramel glaze for richness and silky smoothness.
- Whole milk: Adds creaminess to the caramel glaze, helping it coat the cake perfectly.
How to Make Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a tube or loaf pan thoroughly to ensure the cake releases easily after baking. This simple preparation step is key to achieving a perfect shape and easy serving later on.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the cooking oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture looks smooth and slightly creamy. This creates a lovely base that will help the cake stay moist and tender through baking.
Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting is important here because it breaks up any lumps and evenly distributes the baking soda and spices, ensuring your cake has a uniform flavor and rises evenly.
Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so a few small lumps are perfectly fine. This step blends the flavors and creates the cake batter’s perfect consistency.
Step 5: Fold in Flavors and Texture
Gently fold in the vanilla extract, chopped Granny Smith apples, and chopped pecans. This is where the cake starts to come alive with bursts of apple zing and pecan crunch, so be sure to distribute them evenly for every bite.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour your batter into the prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 1 hour, but start checking with a toothpick after 50 minutes to avoid overbaking. The toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs sticking to it when the cake is done.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Glaze
While the cake cools, melt butter in a small pan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and whole milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for around 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened. This caramel glaze will coat your cake with a glossy, sticky finish that tastes like a dream.
Step 8: Glaze and Serve
Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top, letting it cascade down the sides. This finishing touch adds richness, sweetness, and a beautiful sheen that makes your Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe truly unforgettable.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
Add some freshly chopped pecans or thinly sliced apple slices on top of the caramel glaze for extra crunch and a stunning presentation. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of cinnamon also creates an inviting, cozy look that’s perfect for gatherings.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream to balance the rich sweetness. For a warm touch, a cup of hot apple cider or spiced tea complements the flavors excellently.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual slices on rustic wooden boards or delicate dessert plates. For a party, present mini slices as cute finger foods on toothpicks or alongside a scoop of caramel-drizzled ice cream in small dessert bowls to wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe fresh by storing leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigeration will keep it moist and flavorful for about 5 days.
Freezing
You can freeze the cake, wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil, for up to three months. To thaw, leave it at room temperature overnight. If you want to freeze the glaze separately, store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and gently reheat before drizzling.
Reheating
Reheat cake slices gently in the microwave for 15–20 seconds or warm in a preheated oven at 300°F (148°C) for 10 minutes. This will refresh the texture and make the caramel glaze wonderfully soft and sticky again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, but you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples depending on your sweetness preference and availability. Just make sure they’re firm to maintain texture in the cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy this cake gluten-free. Just be aware that textures might vary slightly, so opt for a blend that includes xanthan gum for best results.
Can I prepare the caramel glaze ahead of time?
You can make the caramel glaze a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Warm it gently before drizzling over the cake to regain that silky, pourable consistency.
What pan works best for baking this cake?
A tube pan or a loaf pan works perfectly because the shape helps the cake bake evenly and hold its moist texture. Just be sure to grease and flour your pan thoroughly.
Can I add raisins or other dried fruits to the cake?
Definitely! Adding raisins, dried cranberries, or even chopped dates can add a lovely, chewy contrast. Just fold them in with the apples and pecans in Step 5 for even distribution.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a homemade Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe that turns any ordinary day into a celebration. With its perfect balance of tart apples, nutty pecans, warm spices, and that dreamy caramel glaze, this cake is a heartfelt reminder of the simple joys in baking and sharing with loved ones. I encourage you to try this recipe—you might just find your new favorite go-to dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Print
Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze combines tender chunks of Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans in a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake, topped with a rich and buttery caramel glaze. Perfect for a comforting dessert or a special occasion treat, this recipe yields a flavorful cake that’s easy to prepare and bake.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- Cooking oil, 1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar, 1 cup
- Eggs, 2 large
- All-purpose flour, 2 cups
- Baking soda, 1 teaspoon
- Cinnamon, 1 teaspoon
- Salt, 1/2 teaspoon
- Vanilla extract, 1 teaspoon
- Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped, 2 medium
- Chopped pecans, 1 cup
Caramel Glaze Ingredients
- Butter, 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup)
- Brown sugar, 1 cup packed
- Whole milk, 1/4 cup
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a tube or loaf pan thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cooking oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Sift Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined; avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
- Fold in Add-ins: Gently fold the vanilla extract, chopped Granny Smith apples, and chopped pecans into the batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and place it in the oven. Bake for about 1 hour, starting to check for doneness with a toothpick inserted into the center after 50 minutes. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
- Prepare Caramel Glaze: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and whole milk, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the glaze thickens.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the warm caramel glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in slightly for maximum flavor.
Notes
- Ensure the apples are fresh and tart (Granny Smith works best) to balance the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
- Check the cake early and often towards the end of baking to avoid overbaking, which can dry it out.
- You can toast the pecans lightly before folding into the batter for enhanced flavor.
- The caramel glaze is best used warm; reheat gently if it thickens too much before drizzling.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
