Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

If you’re looking for a dessert that captures the essence of fall, you’ve come to the right place! This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a family favorite in my home. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans creates a delightful texture and flavor that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or just want to treat yourself after a busy week, this cake is the perfect way to savor those autumn vibes.

What makes this recipe even better is its versatility. It’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for special occasions. Guests will rave about it, and your kitchen will smell heavenly while it’s baking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, you can whip up this cake without any fuss.
• Family-friendly: Everyone loves the sweet taste of apples combined with the crunch of pecans. It’s sure to please both kids and adults.
• Make-ahead convenience: Bake it in advance and store it for later. It tastes even better the next day!
• Decadent caramel glaze: This homemade glaze takes the cake to another level, making it an irresistible treat for your sweet tooth.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is part of the fun! You’ll find that they are simple and wholesome, ensuring you create a delicious cake that everyone will love.

For the Cake

• 1½ cups of cooking oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3½ cups Granny Smith apples (peeled and finely chopped, approximately 3-4 apples)
• 1 cup pecans (finely chopped)

For the Caramel Glaze

• ¾ cups unsalted butter (1½ sticks)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable! Here are some fun ways to customize your Apple Pecan Cake:

• Add spices: Feel free to sprinkle in some nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth in flavor.
• Try different nuts: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if you prefer a different crunch.
• Mix in other fruits: Diced pears or dried cranberries can add a lovely twist to the cake’s flavor profile.
• Make it gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for those sensitive to gluten.

How to Make Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Preheating ensures that your cake bakes evenly, giving you that perfect rise and golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking oil, granulated sugar, and eggs. Beat them together until smooth and well blended. This mixture creates a moist base for our cake!

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing dry ingredients separately ensures everything gets evenly distributed throughout your batter.

Step 4: Combine Everything Together

Gradually add the dry mixture into your wet ingredients while stirring gently. It’s okay if there are a few lumps; overmixing can lead to a dense cake! Then fold in those finely chopped apples and pecans, which will add wonderful flavor and texture.

Step 5: Bake Your Cake

Pour the batter into a greased cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake in your preheated oven for about 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be absolutely divine!

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Glaze

While your cake cools, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring it to a gentle boil while stirring constantly until it thickens slightly—about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 7: Glaze Your Cake

Once your cake has cooled completely, drizzle that luscious caramel glaze over the top. Let it soak in for just a moment before slicing up this delightful treat.

Enjoy every bite of this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze! It’s sure to become a beloved staple in your home as it has in mine.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Baking this delicious Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a wonderful way to celebrate the flavors of fall, and these tips will help you achieve the best results!

• Use fresh apples: Fresh Granny Smith apples give the cake a perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.

• Toast the pecans: Lightly toasting the pecans before adding them to the batter intensifies their flavor and adds a delightful crunch to your cake.

• Don’t overmix: When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until incorporated. Overmixing can lead to a dense cake rather than a light and fluffy texture.

• Check doneness with a toothpick: Ovens can vary in temperature. Insert a toothpick into the center of your cake; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, your cake is done!

• Let it cool before glazing: Allowing the cake to cool completely before adding the caramel glaze ensures that it sets beautifully and doesn’t slide off.

How to Serve Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Presenting your Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze can make all the difference when it comes to impressing family and friends. Here are some delightful ideas for serving this scrumptious dessert!

Garnishes

• Whipped coconut cream: A dollop of whipped coconut cream adds a light, creamy contrast to the rich cake and enhances its flavor profile.

• Chopped fresh apples: Scatter some finely chopped apples on top for an extra touch of freshness and color that mirrors the ingredients in your cake.

Side Dishes

• Vanilla ice cream: The creamy richness of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm spices in the cake, making each bite even more indulgent.

• Caramel sauce: Serve extra caramel sauce on the side for drizzling. This allows guests to customize their servings according to their sweetness preference.

• Cinnamon-spiced coffee: A cup of warm cinnamon-spiced coffee pairs wonderfully with this cake, creating a cozy atmosphere while enhancing its autumn flavors.

• Fruit salad: A light fruit salad made with seasonal fruits provides a refreshing contrast, balancing out the richness of the cake and offering a burst of freshness.

Enjoy your baking adventure with this delightful recipe! Each bite will surely remind you of cozy autumn afternoons and sweet gatherings with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is not just delicious; it’s also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week or save it for special occasions.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the cake to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• For longer freshness, refrigerate the cake, where it will last up to a week.

Freezing

• Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap.
• Place the wrapped cake in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Place slices of the cake on a baking sheet.
• Warm in the oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Enjoy with a drizzle of caramel glaze if desired!

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about making an Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze.

Can I use other types of apples for the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze?

Yes! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tartness, you can also experiment with Honeycrisp or Fuji apples for a sweeter flavor profile.

How do I make the caramel glaze for my Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze less thick?

If your caramel glaze is too thick, simply add a tablespoon of whole milk at a time while gently heating until you reach your desired consistency.

How long does the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze last?

The cake can last up to a week in the refrigerator when stored properly. For best flavor, enjoy it within 3 days!

Can I add more nuts to my Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze?

Absolutely! Feel free to increase the amount of pecans or even mix in walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is truly a celebration of fall flavors. It combines the sweetness of apples and caramel with crunchy pecans for a delightful dessert that’s sure to impress. I hope you find joy in making this recipe and that it brings warmth and happiness into your kitchen. Happy baking!