Name: Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; 1 tsp baking soda; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp salt; 1 cup vegetable oil; 2 large eggs; 2 cups chopped apples (peeled); 1 cup chopped pecans; Caramel Glaze: ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup butter; 2 tbsp milk; ½ tsp vanilla extract

There’s something about the smell of apples and pecans baking together that instantly warms up any kitchen. This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a delightful, fall-inspired dessert with moist, tender cake and crunchy pecans in every bite. Topped with a silky caramel glaze, it’s a treat that captures all the best flavors of the season.

I discovered this cake one autumn when I had a surplus of apples from a local orchard trip. After a few attempts to perfect it, this recipe has now become a family favorite. Now, it’s the go-to dessert for holiday gatherings and cozy weekends alike.

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

Get ready to fall in love with a cake that tastes like the best parts of fall in every bite. This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is as delicious as it is easy to make.

First, this cake is packed with fresh apples and pecans, giving it an incredible texture. The apples make each bite juicy and tender, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch that’s simply irresistible.

Not only is it delicious, but this cake is also super easy to throw together. With no complicated steps or fancy equipment needed, it’s the perfect recipe for bakers of all levels. You’ll love how quickly it comes together, making it ideal for last-minute gatherings or when you’re craving something sweet.

The caramel glaze on top truly takes it to the next level. The rich, buttery caramel seeps into the cake, adding an extra layer of sweetness and a gorgeous glossy finish. This glaze has the perfect balance of sweetness, giving you a hint of decadence without overpowering the apple and pecan flavors.

Lastly, this cake is versatile. You can easily swap ingredients to suit your preferences or dietary needs, and it’s a fantastic base for experimenting with different spices and toppings. If you love a cozy, comforting dessert that’s easy to customize, this cake is for you!

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze lies in its simple ingredients, each chosen to bring out the best flavors and textures.

Apples: Fresh apples are key here, bringing both moisture and natural sweetness to the cake. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well when baked, but if you prefer a sweeter flavor, try Honeycrisp or Fuji apples.
Pecans: These add a beautiful nutty crunch and depth to the cake. Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor, though it’s not essential if you’re short on time.
Spices: A combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and a hint of allspice brings out the warmth of the apples and pecans, making each bite extra comforting and fragrant.
Brown Sugar: The use of brown sugar instead of regular white sugar gives this cake a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples beautifully. It also helps keep the cake moist.
Caramel Glaze: Made from butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream, this glaze is what transforms this cake into an indulgent treat. The caramel seeps into the cake slightly, keeping it extra soft and flavorful.

No special equipment is needed – just a mixing bowl, a spatula, and a cake pan. A skillet for the caramel glaze can be helpful but isn’t required.

How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Baking this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is easier than you might think. Let’s break it down step-by-step.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan. This ensures that your cake will come out cleanly without sticking to the pan.

Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and spices. This dry mixture will form the base of your cake. Be sure to sift or whisk the ingredients together well to distribute the spices evenly throughout the cake.

In a separate bowl, whisk together your eggs, brown sugar, oil, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth. Then, gently fold in the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.

Add your chopped apples and pecans into the batter. These ingredients will add texture, flavor, and moisture to your cake. Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then place it in the oven. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. Pour the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to seep into each delicious layer.

Your cake is now ready to enjoy! From start to finish, this recipe takes about an hour, making it an ideal dessert for busy days or spontaneous gatherings.

Storage Options

This Apple Pecan Cake stores beautifully, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert.

For short-term storage, keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days. If you live in a warmer climate, you may want to refrigerate it to keep it fresh.

To store it longer, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to a week. The caramel glaze will continue to add moisture to the cake, making it even more tender over time.

For freezing, slice the cake and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place the slices in a freezer-safe container or bag, and store them for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the cake in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.

Reheating is simple – just warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, and they’ll taste as fresh as when they were first baked.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how adaptable it is to your preferences.

Nut-Free Option: If you’re allergic to pecans or simply prefer a nut-free cake, swap the pecans for raisins, dried cranberries, or leave them out entirely. The cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend in place of the all-purpose flour. This cake is naturally moist and forgiving, so it works well with gluten-free flours.
Spice Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. Adding a touch of ground ginger or clove will deepen the warmth of the cake. Or, for a lighter flavor, you can reduce the cinnamon.
Alternative Sweeteners: You can substitute coconut sugar or maple syrup for the brown sugar in the cake if you prefer a more natural sweetener. Just note that maple syrup will make the cake a bit denser.
Different Glaze: If caramel isn’t your favorite, a simple powdered sugar glaze with a touch of vanilla or even a cream cheese frosting pairs wonderfully with this cake.

Experiment with these variations and see which ones become your favorite. However you choose to make it, this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a treat that’s sure to be a hit with family and friends.