Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

There's nothing quite like the smell of Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze filling your kitchen. The sweet aroma of spiced apples, warm pecans, and buttery caramel is the perfect prelude to a cake that’s truly a showstopper. This cake has become a fall tradition in my home, and every year, the first bite brings a sense of warmth and comfort.

I remember the first time I made this cake: it was a crisp autumn afternoon, and we had just returned from apple picking. Using freshly picked apples made all the difference, and the caramel glaze took the cake to another level. Let's dive into this irresistible recipe.

Why You'll Love This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Get ready to discover your new favorite fall dessert! This Apple Pecan Cake is more than just delicious; it’s a crowd-pleaser that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

First, the texture is absolutely perfect. The cake is moist and tender, thanks to the juicy apples and a generous amount of sour cream. With every bite, you get a delightful crunch from the toasted pecans, creating a heavenly combination of softness and crunch.

Another reason to love this recipe is its rich, spiced flavor profile. The cinnamon and nutmeg blend beautifully with the apples, making it feel like autumn on a fork. And that caramel glaze? It’s smooth, buttery, and clings to the cake like a sweet, golden embrace.

Plus, this cake is simple to make. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques needed! Even novice bakers can whip this up and impress family and friends. Whether served at a holiday gathering or a casual Sunday brunch, this cake is always a hit.

Ready to make your home smell like heaven? Let’s dive into the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Pecan Cake lies in its simple yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in making the cake a standout dessert.

• Apples: Choose firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples hold their shape during baking and balance the sweetness of the caramel glaze. Peel, core, and dice them into small pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the cake.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor. To enhance their taste, briefly toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant. Be sure to let them cool before folding them into the batter.
• Sour Cream: This is the secret to an incredibly moist cake. The sour cream adds richness and a subtle tang that complements the apples beautifully. If you’re out of sour cream, plain Greek yogurt makes an excellent substitute.
• Spices: A blend of ground cinnamon and nutmeg gives the cake its signature autumnal flavor. Feel free to adjust the amounts to your preference, or add a pinch of allspice or cloves for extra warmth.
• Caramel Glaze: Made with butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract, this glaze is silky, rich, and utterly decadent. Once poured over the warm cake, it seeps into every crevice, making each slice luscious and flavorful.

You’ll also need a 9x13-inch baking pan and parchment paper for easy removal, plus a large mixing bowl and an electric mixer to bring everything together.

How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Creating this mouthwatering Apple Pecan Cake is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and you'll be enjoying a slice in no time.

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In a separate bowl, beat together softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract.

Step 2: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Gently fold the diced apples and toasted pecans into the batter. Be careful not to overmix; you want the fruit and nuts evenly distributed without deflating the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown, and your kitchen will smell divine. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.

Step 4: Make the Caramel Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar, stirring constantly until smooth and bubbly. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and vanilla. Let it cool for a couple of minutes, then pour the warm glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.

The cake can be served warm or at room temperature, and the caramel glaze will set beautifully.

Storage Options

Storing this cake is easy, and it tastes just as good (if not better!) the next day. Here's how to keep it fresh.

• Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within 2 days, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. The glaze will remain soft and delicious.
• Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake. It will keep for up to 5 days in an airtight container. To enjoy, let slices come to room temperature or warm them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds.
• Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and warm gently before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This Apple Pecan Cake is highly adaptable, so feel free to get creative! Here are some fun variations:

• Different Nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or hazelnuts for a different flavor profile. Or, if you’re nut-free, try adding shredded coconut for texture.
• Fruit Swaps: While apples are classic, pears or even diced peaches work well in this cake. Just make sure to choose firm, ripe fruit for the best texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. The cake may be slightly denser but still delicious.
• Spice It Up: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cardamom to give the cake a more complex, spiced flavor.
• Healthier Version: Substitute half of the sugar with coconut sugar or honey for a more natural sweetness. You can also use whole wheat flour, though the texture may be more rustic.

No matter how you choose to customize it, this cake is sure to impress. Happy baking!

Print