How to Make Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze: A Sweet Fall Favorite You’ll Love

Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Have you ever wondered if there’s a cake that captures everything you love about fall in just one bite—sweet apples, buttery pecans, and a silky caramel glaze? If that sounds like a dream dessert, you’re in for a treat. The Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is exactly that—a rich, moist, and perfectly spiced cake that combines the cozy taste of baked apples with the crunch of toasted pecans and the sweetness of caramel.

This recipe is surprisingly simple, but the results are impressive enough for any holiday gathering, potluck, or cozy family night. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this cake will make you feel like a pro.

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Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

How to Make Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze: A Sweet Fall Favorite You’ll Love


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  • Author: nakisha
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1012 servings 1x

Description

This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is a warm, comforting dessert that blends the sweet flavor of apples, the crunch of pecans, and a buttery caramel glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy family dessert night, this moist and flavorful cake is easy to make yet feels special enough for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted for extra flavor)
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

For the Caramel Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
  4. Add Apples and Pecans: Fold in chopped apples and pecans with a spatula until evenly distributed.
  5. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Make the Caramel Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil for 3 minutes while stirring. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and salt. Let cool slightly.
  8. Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the slightly cooled cake. Sprinkle with extra pecans if desired.
  9. Serve: Slice and serve warm or at room temperature with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture. Toasting the pecans before adding them enhances their flavor. The cake stays moist for days and can be made ahead for gatherings. For a lighter option, substitute half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 50 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baked
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 34g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 55mg

The Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is a moist, flavorful dessert that celebrates the warmth of fall flavors. With every slice, you get the natural sweetness of fresh apples, the nutty richness of pecans, and a drizzle of homemade caramel that ties everything together. It’s one of those desserts that tastes like it took hours, but really doesn’t.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 45–50 minutes
Cooling and glazing time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 1½ hours
Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
Servings: 10–12 slices

This recipe doesn’t just taste amazing—it also fills your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of apples, cinnamon, and brown sugar. It’s perfect for any season but especially cozy during fall and winter.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze:

For the Cake:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – You can substitute with 1:1 gluten-free flour if needed.
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon baking powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional for warmth)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1 cup vegetable oil – Can substitute with melted butter or applesauce for a lighter option.
  • 3 large eggs – Room temperature for best texture.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 cups peeled, finely chopped apples – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great.
  • 1 cup chopped pecans – Toast lightly for extra flavor.
  • ½ cup sour cream – Keeps the cake moist. You can use Greek yogurt as a substitute.

For the Caramel Glaze:

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup heavy cream – You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter glaze.
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan for a more elegant look. If you’re using parchment paper, line the bottom for easy removal.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures that your leavening agents are evenly distributed for a consistent texture.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, and vanilla extract until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and slightly thick.

Step 4: Add Apples and Pecans

Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans using a spatula. This helps distribute the chunks evenly throughout the batter. If you prefer, you can coat the apples in a tablespoon of flour before adding them—this keeps them from sinking to the bottom.

Step 5: Combine and Mix

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown and slightly crisp.

Let the cake cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack.

How to Make the Caramel Glaze

While your cake cools, it’s time to make the rich, buttery caramel glaze.

  1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
  2. Add Sugar and Cream: Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
  3. Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  5. Cool Slightly: Allow the glaze to cool for a few minutes—it will thicken as it cools.

Assembly and Presentation

Once your cake is cooled slightly but still warm, drizzle the caramel glaze evenly over the top. The glaze will soak into the cake slightly, making it extra moist and flavorful.

For presentation:

  • Sprinkle extra chopped pecans over the top for a beautiful finish.
  • Add a light dusting of cinnamon for a rustic touch.
  • Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Tip: If using a bundt pan, pour half of the glaze over the warm cake while it’s still in the pan, then pour the rest after unmolding for that glossy, caramel-draped look.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

To Store:

  • Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
  • The caramel glaze will thicken in the fridge, but you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back the gooey texture.

To Freeze:

  • You can freeze the cake (without glaze) for up to 3 months.
  • Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the caramel glaze just before serving.

Make-Ahead Option:

  • Bake the cake a day ahead and prepare the glaze fresh before serving. This makes hosting and entertaining much easier.

Recipe Variations

There are plenty of ways to make this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze your own. Here are a few creative twists:

  1. Apple Walnut Cake: Substitute pecans with chopped walnuts for a heartier crunch.
  2. Spiced Apple Cake: Add extra spices like ginger, cloves, or cardamom for a stronger fall flavor.
  3. Apple Cranberry Cake: Fold in dried cranberries for a sweet-tart contrast.
  4. Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace the caramel glaze with a tangy cream cheese frosting for a classic twist.
  5. Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  6. Vegan Version: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use coconut milk for the glaze.

Tips for Success

  • Choose firm apples that hold their shape when baked, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter to enhance their flavor.
  • Don’t overmix the batter—this keeps the cake light and tender.
  • Cool slightly before glazing so the caramel doesn’t slide off.

Health Benefits

While this dessert is indulgent, it still includes some wholesome ingredients:

  • Apples add natural sweetness, fiber, and antioxidants.
  • Pecans provide healthy fats, protein, and essential vitamins.
  • Using vegetable oil or applesauce keeps the cake moist without needing too much butter.

Enjoying this dessert in moderation can be part of a balanced, comforting meal—especially when shared with loved ones.

FAQs

1. What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples are ideal because they balance sweetness and tartness and hold their texture during baking.

2. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce instead of making my own?
Yes, you can use a high-quality caramel sauce to save time. Warm it slightly before drizzling to make it easier to pour.

3. Why is my cake dense or heavy?
Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can cause a dense cake. Measure ingredients accurately and mix just until combined.

4. Can I make this cake without nuts?
Absolutely. Simply omit the pecans for a nut-free version. You can add extra apple chunks or dried fruit for texture.

5. How do I keep the caramel glaze smooth and shiny?
Make sure the butter and sugar fully dissolve before removing from heat, and stir constantly while simmering to prevent crystallization.

6. Can I make cupcakes instead of a full cake?
Yes! Pour the batter into lined muffin tins and bake for 20–25 minutes. Drizzle the caramel glaze on top once cooled.

Conclusion

The Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is more than just a dessert—it’s comfort in every slice. With its moist crumb, tender apple pieces, nutty crunch, and smooth caramel drizzle, it’s a recipe that never fails to impress.

Whether you’re baking it for a fall gathering, a family dinner, or simply to enjoy a sweet treat with your coffee, this cake delivers cozy flavor and timeless appeal. So preheat your oven, grab your apples and pecans, and get ready to create a dessert that will make everyone ask for seconds.

It’s the perfect balance of sweet, spiced, and nutty—a true homemade favorite that tastes like fall in every bite.

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