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
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, sour cream, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Add Apples and Pecans: Fold in chopped apples and pecans with a spatula until evenly distributed.
- Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir just until combined; do not overmix.
- 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.
- 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.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the slightly cooled cake. Sprinkle with extra pecans if desired.
- 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