If you’re on the hunt for a dessert that perfectly balances cozy autumn flavors with a decadent finish, then this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender cake bursting with sweet-tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans, all topped with a rich, buttery caramel glaze that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the kind of treat that warms your kitchen with irresistible aromas and fills your heart with that comforting, homemade joy—truly a slice of happiness for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun and magic behind this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe. Each component is simple yet essential, contributing to the cake’s moist texture, spiced warmth, and nutty crunch, while the glaze adds that luscious finishing touch that ties everything together.
- Cooking oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering flavors.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake while helping create a light crumb.
- Brown sugar: Adds deep molasses notes, especially important for the caramel glaze.
- Eggs: Provide structure and richness to the batter.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that holds everything together.
- Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become delightfully fluffy.
- Cinnamon: Brings warm spiced flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Salt: Enhances all the sweet and savory elements.
- Vanilla extract: Lends aromatic sweetness and depth.
- Granny Smith apples: Crisp, tart apples that keep the cake lively and fresh.
- Chopped pecans: Add crunch and a buttery, nutty contrast.
- Butter: Essential for the silky, rich caramel glaze.
- Whole milk: Balances the glaze for smooth consistency.
How to Make Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Start by setting your oven to the perfect 325°F (163°C). While it heats up, grease your tube or loaf pan thoroughly and dust it with a bit of flour. This step ensures your cake slides out like a dream once baked.
Step 2: Whisk Wet Ingredients Together
In a large bowl, combine the cooking oil, granulated sugar, and eggs. Whisk them until the mixture looks smooth and creamy—this blend is the moist base that will keep your cake tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Mix Dry Ingredients Separately
Take another bowl and sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Sifting helps the dry ingredients blend evenly and adds to that light, airy texture we crave in a homemade cake.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Slowly add the dry ingredients into your wet mixture, folding gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing here; you want to keep the batter light to ensure your cake stays soft and moist.
Step 5: Fold in the Fruit and Nuts
Now for the fun part—gently fold in the fragrant vanilla extract, chopped Granny Smith apples, and crunchy pecans. These ingredients are what truly make this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe shine, giving it layers of texture and flavor.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the luscious batter into your prepared pan and pop it into your preheated oven. Bake for about 1 hour, but start checking around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick. When it comes out clean, your cake is ready to be admired and enjoyed.
Step 7: Create the Decadent Caramel Glaze
While the cake bakes, melt the 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 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a silky, golden glaze that’s nothing short of magical.
Step 8: Glaze and Cool
Once your cake has cooled to room temperature, lovingly drizzle the warm caramel glaze all over the top. This final step seals in moisture and adds that signature glow to your Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe, making it impossible to resist.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For a beautiful presentation, sprinkle a handful of chopped pecans or a dusting of cinnamon over the caramel glaze. A small scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on the side elevates the indulgence, balancing the warm spices with cool creaminess.
Side Dishes
This cake is lovely enough to stand alone, but if you’re serving it as part of a dessert spread, fresh fruit like sliced pears or spiced apple compote complements it wonderfully. A hot cup of coffee or chai tea pairs perfectly with the sweet and nutty notes in the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting slices into small squares and serving them as a charming dessert buffet option. Layer your Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe between whipped cream for a quick trifle, or use the caramel glaze as a dipping sauce for bite-sized cake pieces—delicious and fun!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap your leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for about 2 days. For best texture and flavor, refrigeration extends its life up to 5 days but bring it back to room temp before serving.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to remain as vibrant as freshly baked.
Reheating
Warm slices gently in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or let them sit in a warm oven for a few minutes to revive that freshly baked feel. Adding a little cream or ice cream on the side makes reheated cake taste even more indulgent.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples offer tartness and firm texture, varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can add a sweeter, juicier profile to the cake. Just be sure to choose apples that hold their shape when baked.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, but make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain texture. The flavor and overall deliciousness will remain just as satisfying.
How thick should the caramel glaze be?
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still pourable. It will firm up a bit as it cools on the cake, forming a glossy, sticky finish that’s heavenly to bite into.
Can I make the caramel glaze ahead of time?
Definitely! You can prepare the caramel glaze up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Warm it gently before drizzling over the cake to bring back that golden, pourable perfection.
What pan works best for this recipe?
A tube pan or loaf pan is ideal as it helps the cake bake evenly and creates a charming loaf shape. Non-stick pans make it easier to remove the cake, but thorough greasing and flouring work well with any baking dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about making and sharing this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe. It’s a blend of comforting fall flavors wrapped in a moist, nutty cake with a caramel topping that feels like a warm hug. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or yourself, this recipe promises to bring smiles and sweet satisfaction every time.
Print
Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10-12 slices
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a moist, flavorful dessert combining tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans in a tender cinnamon-spiced cake. Topped with a rich, homemade caramel glaze, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Cake
- Cooking oil – 1/2 cup
- Granulated sugar – 1 cup
- Eggs – 3 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 and chopped – 2 medium
- Chopped pecans – 3/4 cup
For the Caramel Glaze
- Butter – 1/4 cup (half a stick)
- Brown sugar – 1/2 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 to prevent the cake from sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cooking oil, granulated sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could toughen the cake.
- Add Flavorings and Mix-ins: Fold in the vanilla extract, chopped Granny Smith apples, and chopped pecans until evenly incorporated throughout the batter.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, beginning to check with a toothpick 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 small pan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and whole milk, then bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the glaze thickens and is smooth.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is fully baked and cooled, drizzle the warm caramel glaze evenly over the top of the cake for a luscious finish.
Notes
- Make sure the apples are diced into small pieces so they bake evenly and blend well into the batter.
- Check the cake at around 50 minutes to avoid overbaking and dryness.
- The caramel glaze can be reheated gently before drizzling if it thickens too much as it cools.
- Store the cake in an airtight container; it tastes best within 2 days but can be refrigerated for up to 4 days.
- You can substitute the cooking oil with melted butter if preferred for a richer flavor.
