APPLE PECAN CAKE WITH CARAMEL GLAZE

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the warm flavors of spiced apples and toasted pecans with a luscious caramel glaze that seeps into every bite. Perfect for autumn gatherings or a cozy dessert any time of year, this cake is moist, flavorful, and sure to impress.

The cake begins with a batter rich in cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, giving it a warm, spiced aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes. Fresh apples and chopped pecans are folded into the mix, adding texture and natural sweetness that balance beautifully with the tender cake. Once it’s baked to a golden perfection, the cake is finished with a buttery caramel glaze that’s poured over the top while still warm. As the glaze soaks in, it adds a layer of indulgent flavor that takes each slice to the next level.

Allow it to cool before serving to let the flavors meld, and enjoy it as is or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This cake is an inviting treat that’s as enjoyable to bake as it is to share, making it a perfect addition to any dessert lineup.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pecan Cake:

Seasonal Flavors: The combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings out all the warm, comforting flavors of fall.
Incredible Texture: This cake is tender and moist, with the added crunch of pecans and the juicy softness of fresh apples.
Caramel Glaze: The rich caramel glaze seeps into the cake, adding a gooey, sweet layer that takes it to the next level.
Easy to Make: No complicated techniques here—just simple, straightforward steps for a delicious, homemade dessert.

Key Ingredients:

For the Cake

Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for baking because their tart flavor and firm texture hold up well. However, feel free to use your favorite baking apple, like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, for added sweetness.
Pecans: Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter can enhance their nutty flavor and add an extra layer of crunch.
Spices: Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves provide warmth and depth to the cake. Adjust these spices to your taste if you prefer a stronger or milder spice profile.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and a slight tang to the cake, balancing the sweetness and creating a tender crumb.

For the Caramel Glaze

Brown Sugar: Packed light brown sugar is best for the glaze, as it adds a deep, caramel-like flavor.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream makes the glaze rich and smooth. Avoid using milk as a substitute, as it won’t yield the same creamy texture.
Vanilla Extract: The vanilla adds a hint of warmth and enhances the caramel flavor beautifully.

Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below

How to Make Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze:

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare Dry Ingredients

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside for later.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Beat the Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. This step helps create a tender, airy texture in the cake.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

Incorporate Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully mixed before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Incorporate Sour Cream and Dry Ingredients

Add Sour Cream: Mix in the sour cream until well combined.
Add Dry Ingredients Gradually: Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture, blending until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the cake dense.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Add Apples and Pecans: Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 8: Prepare the Caramel Glaze

Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly until it comes to a boil. Let it boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Step 9: Glaze the Cake

Add the Caramel Glaze: While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or fork to poke holes all over the top. Pour the caramel glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes for extra flavor.

Step 10: Cool and Serve

Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool completely before slicing. Serve as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an added treat!

Serving Suggestions:

This cake is delicious on its own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate it:

Ice Cream: Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds a light, airy contrast to the dense, moist cake.
Garnish with Extra Pecans: Sprinkle extra toasted pecans on top for added crunch and visual appeal.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips:

Room Temperature: Store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The caramel glaze helps keep it moist, so it actually gets better after the first day!
Refrigeration: If you want to keep it longer, refrigerate for up to a week. Just note that refrigerating can make the caramel glaze a bit firmer.
Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead: The caramel glaze can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat it gently before pouring over the cake.

Variations:

Walnut Swap: Swap pecans for walnuts for a slightly different nutty flavor.
Spice Mix-Up: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice for a unique spice blend.
Glaze Options: Try a cream cheese glaze instead of caramel for a tangy twist.
Apple Choices: Use a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji for a more complex apple flavor.

Conclusion:

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect dessert to share with family and friends during the fall season. It’s full of warm spices, fresh apples, and has a buttery caramel glaze that melts right into the cake, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and elegant. Enjoy every bite, and don’t be surprised if this becomes a new seasonal favorite!