Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe

There's nothing quite like the aroma of a freshly baked Apple Pecan Cake wafting through your kitchen, especially when it's crowned with a luxurious caramel glaze. This decadent cake brings together warm, spiced apples and the crunch of toasted pecans, making every bite a celebration of fall flavors. It's the perfect treat for special occasions, casual family gatherings, or when you simply want to spoil yourself with a slice of indulgence.

I discovered this recipe while searching for a way to use up an abundance of apples from a local orchard. One bite of this rich, moist cake, and it instantly became a favorite in our household. Ready to fall in love? Let’s dive into this sweet adventure!

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

Get ready to be smitten by this incredible Apple Pecan Cake. It has all the makings of a show-stopping dessert while being wonderfully approachable for any baker.

First off, it's incredibly moist and flavorful. The combination of grated apples and brown sugar ensures a cake that's perfectly tender with every bite. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a cozy warmth that makes this dessert hard to resist, especially as the weather cools down.

The pecans provide a delightful crunch, perfectly balancing the soft texture of the apples. Toasted pecans scattered throughout the batter elevate the cake's flavor and make each slice extra special.

Best of all, this cake is topped with a homemade caramel glaze that’s absolutely drool-worthy. The glaze seeps into the cake, adding a luscious layer of sweetness that will have everyone reaching for a second slice.

Whether you’re serving this for a holiday feast or a simple afternoon tea, this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is sure to impress. Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that make this dessert unforgettable!

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Pecan Cake lies in the quality of its ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating the rich and complex flavors that make this dessert a standout.

• Apples: For the best flavor and texture, use a crisp, slightly tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. The grated apples melt into the cake as it bakes, adding moisture and a lovely apple essence. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can also finely dice half of the apples instead of grating.
• Pecans: Toasted pecans bring an earthy crunch that pairs beautifully with the sweetness of the cake. For an extra burst of flavor, toast the pecans in a dry skillet for a few minutes before chopping them.
• Brown sugar: This cake uses brown sugar instead of granulated sugar, lending a deeper caramel-like flavor and keeping the crumb moist. Use dark brown sugar if you want an even richer taste.
• Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are the stars of the show, providing that warm, cozy feeling. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking, or even add a pinch of ground cloves for extra depth.
• Caramel Glaze: This simple glaze comes together with just a few ingredients, including butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. It’s crucial to let it cool slightly before pouring over the cake, allowing it to set into a glossy, irresistible finish.

You'll also need basic equipment like a 9x13-inch baking pan, a large mixing bowl, and a hand mixer or stand mixer for easy batter preparation.

How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Creating this mouthwatering Apple Pecan Cake is a simple and satisfying process. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a stunning dessert in no time!

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking. Set the pan aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of salt, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Set the dry ingredients aside.

Step 3: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat 1 cup of softened unsalted butter and 1 ½ cups of packed brown sugar until light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Add 3 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract.

Step 4: Combine and Add Apples and Pecans
Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients, being careful not to overmix. Gently fold in 2 cups of grated apples and 1 cup of chopped toasted pecans. The batter will be thick and loaded with goodies!

Step 5: Bake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Glaze
In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 cup of packed brown sugar and ¼ cup of heavy cream, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

The total time, including baking and cooling, will run around 1 hour and 20 minutes. But trust me, the results are worth every minute!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (though it's unlikely!), this Apple Pecan Cake stores beautifully.

• Room Temperature: Cover the cake with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Refrigeration: To keep the cake fresh for a longer time, refrigerate it for up to a week. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can also freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and enjoy!

To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to warm it slightly and soften the caramel glaze.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to experiment with different flavors and textures!

• Nut Options: Swap pecans for walnuts or omit the nuts entirely if you have allergies or preferences. You can even try adding chopped hazelnuts for a unique twist.
• Fruit Variations: While apples are classic, pears or shredded zucchini work beautifully in this cake, providing moisture and a delicate flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Just be sure the mix includes xanthan gum for proper structure.
• Caramel Alternatives: If you’re not a fan of caramel glaze, a simple powdered sugar icing or a dollop of whipped cream also pairs wonderfully with the cake.

Don’t be afraid to play around with this recipe to make it your own. Whether you stick to the original or try something new, this Apple Pecan Cake will undoubtedly become a staple in your dessert rotation. Enjoy!

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