You know those desserts that practically announce the arrival of fall the second they emerge from the oven? Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze does exactly that, filling your kitchen with the coziest aromas and offering every bite as a celebration of rich pecans, tart apples, and warm spices. The crowning glory is that golden, buttery caramel glaze, which seeps into the cake as it cools. Whether you’re baking for a family gathering, a potluck, or just to treat yourself, this is the kind of inviting recipe guaranteed to win over a crowd.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze shines its own way, balancing sweetness, nuttiness, and spice for a cake that’s both homey and impressive. These classic pantry staples come together to create an irresistible dessert you’ll want to make on repeat.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation that gives your cake its structure and perfect crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the base and keeps the crumb moist and tender.
- Baking soda: Delivers that essential lift for a fluffy, soft cake.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors of the apples and spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting autumn spice to every bite.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds a sweet, slightly nutty undertone that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Large eggs: Binds everything together and helps the cake rise with a tender texture.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake unbelievably moist and rich, and it’s easy to blend in.
- Buttermilk: Lends a subtle tang and extra tenderness; don’t skip this one!
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances the natural sweetness.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith): Tart apples hold up well while providing little pops of juicy freshness throughout the cake.
- Chopped pecans: Add crunch, toasty flavor, and a rustic charm that’s hard to resist.
- Unsalted butter (for glaze): Forms the rich, creamy base of your dreamy caramel glaze.
- Packed light brown sugar (for glaze): Caramelizes into a silky, sweet topping—use dark brown sugar for extra depth if you like.
- Milk (for glaze): Makes the glaze pourable and luscious, perfect for soaking into the cake.
How to Make Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This simple prep work ensures your Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze slides out beautifully and gets that perfect golden edge.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Take a moment to appreciate those distinct autumnal spices—this mixture forms the backbone of your cake’s soft crumb and comforting flavor.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, vegetable oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until blended and creamy. This step brings moisture and flavor, setting your cake up for pure, melt-in-your-mouth softness.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Pour the wet mixture into the bowl of dry ingredients. Gently stir everything together, just until combined. It’s okay if the batter looks a bit lumpy—it’s better not to overmix for maximum tenderness.
Step 5: Add Apples and Pecans
Now the fun part: gently fold in your finely chopped apples and pecans. Every stir adds another layer of texture and flavor, making each slice of the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze truly irresistible.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, your kitchen will fill with that signature, mouthwatering scent of fall.
Step 7: Prepare the Caramel Glaze
As soon as the cake goes into the oven, it’s time to make magic on the stovetop. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter, then stir in light brown sugar and milk. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly for a velvety, rich sauce. Take it off the heat and let it cool just slightly—it should be pourable but still warm.
Step 8: Glaze the Hot Cake
When your cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour that warm caramel glaze right on top. It will soak into the cake, pooling in the nooks and crannies and creating a glossy, decadent finish. Let everything cool before cutting into generous slices.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Garnishes
Dress up each slice with a scattering of extra toasted pecans, a light dusting of powdered sugar, or even a dollop of whipped cream. For an extra flourish, a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt on the caramel glaze makes every bite pop with flavor.
Side Dishes
Pairing Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze with a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes comfort to a whole new level. It’s also lovely with spiced chai or hot apple cider, perfect for cool nights and cozy gatherings.
Creative Ways to Present
Try cutting the cake into bite-sized squares for an autumn dessert platter or layering it parfait-style in mason jars with whipped cream and extra apples. For brunch, serve warm slabs with a drizzle of fresh caramel alongside your favorite hot beverages.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze tightly covered at room temperature for up to two days, or in the refrigerator if your kitchen runs warm. The caramel glaze helps keep the cake moist and delicious even after a day or two.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without glaze for best results) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Thaw overnight in the fridge; if you left the glaze off before freezing, simply pour freshly made caramel over the thawed cake before serving.
Reheating
For that fresh-from-the-oven feel, warm slices in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds. If the caramel glaze looks a little firm, this quick heat will bring back its luscious pour and make the apples pop all over again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a lovely tartness and hold their shape, you can use Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji apples for sweeter or softer results. Mix and match for your ideal flavor blend.
Is it possible to make Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze nut-free?
Yes, you can simply omit the pecans or substitute them with your favorite seeds such as pumpkin or sunflower seeds for crunch without nuts. The cake will still taste incredible and be allergy-friendly!
What if I don’t have buttermilk on hand?
A quick kitchen hack: For each 1/4 cup buttermilk, combine just under 1/4 cup regular milk with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for five minutes and you’re good to go!
Can I make the caramel glaze in advance?
Definitely! Prepare the caramel glaze, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to three days. Warm it gently on the stovetop or microwave until pourable before drizzling over your freshly baked cake.
How do I know when the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is done baking?
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean (just a few crumbs are fine), your cake is ready. The top should look golden and feel springy to the touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so special about baking Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze—it’s a sweet way to bring friends and family together, and every slice feels like a cozy treat. I hope you’ll give it a try and make it your new fall tradition (or anytime you’re craving comfort). Happy baking!
Print
Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Pecan Cake topped with a luscious Caramel Glaze. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day!
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, buttermilk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Combine Batter: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make Caramel Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, and milk in a saucepan until smooth.
- Glaze: Pour the warm glaze over the hot cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- Cool and Serve: Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- You can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- This cake is delicious served warm or at room temperature.
- For a deeper caramel flavor, use dark brown sugar in the glaze.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
