Sweet Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe / Fall’s Best Treat

Decadent desserts often surprise us with unexpected flavor combinations that dance on the palate.

This moist apple pecan cake with caramel glaze brings warmth and comfort to every slice.

Seasonal apples mingle with crunchy pecans, creating a symphony of textures that beckons sweet lovers.

Rich caramel drizzled generously over the tender cake adds a luxurious touch to this homemade treat.

Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg weave through the batter, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruit.

Each forkful promises a delightful balance of nutty, fruity, and caramel notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this irresistible dessert that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable culinary experience.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 7

What You’ll Need For Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• All-Purpose Flour: The foundation that provides structure and delicate crumb to the cake, selecting unbleached flour ensures the best texture.
• Baking Soda: Essential leavening agent that helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy consistency.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor and balances the sweetness of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Warm spice that adds depth and classic autumn flavor to the dessert.
• Ground Nutmeg, Ground Cloves: Aromatic spices that contribute complex, warming notes and complement the apple's natural sweetness.

• Butter: Provides rich flavor and tender crumb, using room temperature butter ensures smooth mixing.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, moist cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure, using fresh large eggs works best.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds sophisticated, rounded flavor that deepens the overall taste profile.
• Sour Cream: Creates incredible moisture and tender crumb, full-fat version recommended for best results.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp baking varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp provide perfect texture and natural sweetness.
• Pecans: Adds delightful crunch and nutty flavor, toasting them beforehand intensifies their taste.

• Butter: Creates rich, smooth base for the glaze.
• Brown Sugar: Provides deep caramel flavor and natural sweetness.
• Heavy Cream: Gives luxurious, silky texture to the glaze.

Gear Checklist For Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• 9×13-inch baking pan or Bundt pan: Perfect for baking the delicious cake, ensuring even cooking and beautiful shape.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and combining wet ingredients smoothly.
• Medium mixing bowl: Ideal for whisking dry ingredients together without mess.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and creating lump-free mixtures.
• Electric mixer or hand mixer: Helps cream butter and sugar to light, fluffy perfection.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for folding in apples and pecans gently.
• Small saucepan: Perfect for creating the rich, smooth caramel glaze.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Wire cooling rack: Helps cake cool evenly and prevents soggy bottom.
• Toothpick: Helps check cake doneness by testing center.

Quick Instructions For Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Batter Preparation

Mix dry ingredients like flour, spices, and baking essentials in a bowl. Cream butter and sugar until soft and airy. Gently add eggs and sour cream, blending smoothly. Fold in crisp apple chunks and crunchy pecan pieces. The mixture should look creamy and rich with fruit and nut specks.

• Oven Magic

Transfer batter to a greased pan, spreading evenly. Slide into a warm oven and bake until golden brown. A perfectly inserted toothpick will come out clean, signaling the cake is ready. Allow cake to rest briefly in the pan before moving to a cooling rack.

• Caramel Drizzle

Create a decadent sauce by melting butter and stirring in brown sugar and cream. Let the mixture bubble and transform into a silky, glossy glaze. Remove from heat and add a splash of vanilla for extra depth. Allow the caramel to settle and slightly thicken.

• Final Touch

Cascade the warm caramel over the cooled cake, letting it drift down the sides naturally. Wait a few moments for the glaze to set before slicing. Each piece promises a harmony of sweet apple, nutty pecans, and luscious caramel.

Creative Twists For Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Perfect Baking Tips & Delicious Variations
• Apple Storage Hack: Select firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during baking and provide excellent texture and tartness.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the cake one day ahead and store it covered at room temperature to enhance flavor development and ensure maximum moistness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and add 1 teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake's structure and prevent crumbling.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil, replace sour cream with dairy-free yogurt, and use almond milk in the caramel glaze for a delicious lactose-free version.
• Nutty Flavor Boost: Toast pecans in a dry skillet for 3-4 minutes before adding to the batter to intensify their rich, roasted flavor and add a delightful crunch to the cake.

How To Serve Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Autumn Harvest Party Centerpiece: Create a stunning dessert table display with this cake as the star, surrounded by fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and scattered pecans for a cozy seasonal feel.
• Brunch Companion Delight: Serve slices alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or pair with a warm cup of spiced chai tea for a luxurious weekend morning treat.
• Coffee Shop Inspired Presentation: Dust the cake with powdered sugar, drizzle extra caramel on individual plates, and garnish with a single toasted pecan for an elegant café-style serving suggestion.
• Holiday Gifting Magic: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper, tie with a rustic twine, and present as a homemade edible gift during fall gatherings or thanksgiving celebrations.

Keeping Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Fresh And Moist

• Refrigeration Strategy: Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain moisture and prevent absorption of other food odors.
• Freezing Technique: Wrap the cake securely in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe container. Keep frozen for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving to maintain texture and flavor.
• Room Temperature Storage: If enjoying within 2 days, keep the cake at room temperature in a covered cake stand or container. This helps preserve the soft, moist texture and prevents the caramel glaze from hardening.
• Glaze Maintenance: For best results, add the caramel glaze just before serving. If storing glazed cake, place wax paper between layers to prevent sticking and preserve the glaze's glossy appearance.

Rustic Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Homemade apple pecan cake with caramel glaze celebrates autumn’s rich flavors and comforting textures. Southern bakers craft this dessert with carefully selected ingredients, creating a delightful treat you’ll savor with each memorable bite.

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Ingredients

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• 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsps baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ¼ tsp ground cloves (optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup brown sugar, packed
• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ¼ cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Ingredient Preparation: Combine flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves in a mixing bowl, ensuring uniform distribution of dry ingredients.
2. Butter Mixture: Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the cake batter. Add eggs one at a time, blending thoroughly after each addition, then incorporate vanilla extract and sour cream for rich moisture.
3. Batter Assembly: Delicately fold dry ingredients into the wet mixture, minimizing stirring to maintain the cake’s tender texture. Gently fold in diced apples and chopped pecans, distributing evenly throughout the batter.
4. Baking Process: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour batter into a prepared baking pan, smoothing the surface for consistent baking. Bake in the oven’s center for 40-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
5. Cooling Stage: Rest the cake in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. This allows the cake to set and develop its full flavor profile.
6. Caramel Glaze Creation: In a saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring continuously. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla extract, and allow to cool and thicken slightly.
7. Finishing Touch: Generously drizzle the caramel glaze over the cooled cake, ensuring an even distribution that cascades down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and surface to stabilize.

Notes

• Select Perfect Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that maintain structure during baking and provide balanced flavor complexity.
• Prevent Pecan Burning: Toast pecans lightly before adding to batter to enhance nutty flavor and prevent scorching during baking, ensuring a rich, deep taste profile.
• Control Moisture Balance: Pat apple chunks dry with paper towels to minimize excess liquid, preventing soggy cake texture and maintaining ideal structural integrity.
• Glaze Temperature Matters: Allow caramel glaze to cool slightly before drizzling, ensuring it’s thick enough to cling beautifully to cake sides without completely running off, creating an elegant, professional finish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 40 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 60 mg