Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
Introduction
This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is the ultimate fall dessert—moist, rich, and bursting with flavor. Fresh apples and crunchy pecans are folded into a spiced batter, then baked to perfection and finished with a buttery caramel glaze that soaks into the cake, creating a luscious finish. It’s a recipe that feels nostalgic, like something straight from grandma’s kitchen, yet elegant enough for holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Moist and flavorful: Apples keep the cake tender, while pecans add crunch.
Easy to make: Simple steps with pantry staples.
Crowd‑pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or Sunday dinners.
Decadent glaze: Caramel topping makes it irresistible.
Ingredients
For the Cake
1½ cups cooking oil
2 cups sugar
4 eggs
3 cups all‑purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
½ tsp cinnamon
½ tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Glaze
½ cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
¼ cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Pan & Oven
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a baking pan.
Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk oil and sugar until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well. Stir in vanilla.
Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to wet mixture until just combined.
Step 4: Fold in Apples & Pecans
Gently stir in chopped apples and pecans.
Step 5: Bake
Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Step 6: Make Caramel Glaze
While cake bakes, melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Add brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly. Bring to gentle boil for 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla.
Step 7: Finish Cake
Pour warm glaze over warm cake. Let cool slightly before serving.
Baking Tips
Use tart apples (like Granny Smith) for balance against the sweet glaze.
Chop apples evenly for consistent texture.
Don’t overmix batter—this keeps cake tender.
Pour glaze while cake is still warm so it soaks in beautifully.
Variations
Spiced Cake: Add nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavor.
Nut Swap: Use walnuts or almonds instead of pecans.
Bundt Style: Bake in a bundt pan for an elegant presentation.
Glaze Twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to glaze for a grown‑up version.
Serving Ideas
Serve warm with vanilla ice cream.
Pair with hot apple cider or coffee.
Slice into squares for potluck trays.
Garnish with extra pecans or apple slices for presentation.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Bake cake a day ahead and glaze just before serving.
Q: Can I freeze it?
Yes, freeze cake (without glaze) for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
Q: Can I use different apples?
Absolutely—Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala work well too.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Keep covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
Nutrition (Approx. per slice)
Calories: 420
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 5g
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is a cozy, comforting dessert that’s perfect for fall and holiday gatherings. With its moist apple‑pecan crumb and rich caramel topping, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.