There’s something undeniably cozy about a slice of Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze nestled on your dessert plate. This cake brings together the tender sweetness of crisp apples with the nutty crunch of toasted pecans, all swirled into a buttery, spiced batter. As you take that first bite, you’ll notice delicate notes of cinnamon, warming nutmeg, and a hint of cloves that dance on your palate—each one doing a little happy jig. With its golden crust giving way to a moist, tender crumb studded with apple morsels and pecan bits, this cake feels like a warm hug on a chilly afternoon.
When you drizzle that glossy caramel glaze over the still-warm cake, it seeps into every crevice, adding lush, gooey sweetness that elevates the entire experience. The glaze is rich and buttery, carrying subtle traces of vanilla that perfectly complement the orchard-fresh apples. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family gathering or simply treating yourself to a slice with afternoon tea, this cake delivers layers of flavor and texture that are impossible to resist. Trust me, once you’ve savored its comforting sweetness and aromatic spices, it will become your go-to fall—and really any season—dessert.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN APPLE PECAN CAKE WITH CARAMEL GLAZE
Every ingredient in this cake plays a starring role, from the foundation of flour and sugar to the fragrant spices and luscious glaze components. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each one matters to the overall flavor and texture.
- All-Purpose Flour
The backbone of our cake, all-purpose flour provides structure to the batter. It ensures the cake holds together while still delivering a soft, tender crumb that feels light in every bite.
- Baking Soda
An essential leavening agent, baking soda helps the cake rise beautifully. It reacts with the acidic notes in the batter—particularly from the brown sugar and apples—to give you a perfectly aerated texture.
- Salt
A pinch of salt balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors. It prevents the cake from tasting flat, sharpening the spices and deepening the caramel notes.
- Ground Cinnamon
This classic spice brings warmth and a touch of sweetness to the batter. Cinnamon’s familiar aroma is one of the reasons this cake feels so inviting and seasonal.
- Ground Nutmeg
Nutmeg adds a subtle earthy and slightly sweet undertone. Its aromatic profile pairs perfectly with cinnamon and cloves, creating that signature spiced-cake experience.
- Ground Cloves
Just a hint of cloves introduces a touch of bold, warm spice that rounds out the flavor profile. It works in harmony with the other spices, giving the cake depth.
- Unsalted Butter (Cake Batter)
Creamy and rich, the softened unsalted butter creates a light, fluffy base when creamed with sugar. It also contributes to the cake’s tender crumb and rich mouthfeel.
- Granulated Sugar
This is the primary sweetener in the cake. It helps with the creaming process—incorporating air into the butter—and also balances the tartness of the apples.
- Large Eggs
Eggs bind the ingredients, add moisture, and provide structure. They also contribute to the cake’s golden color and help achieve that perfect lift in the oven.
- Vanilla Extract (Cake Batter)
A dash of vanilla extract enhances all the other flavors, delivering a subtle sweetness and rounding out the spiced apple notes.
- Apples, Peeled and Chopped
Fresh apples bring juicy bursts of fruity sweetness and a tender texture that contrasts beautifully with the cake’s crumb. They also release natural moisture, keeping the cake soft.
- Pecans, Chopped
Toasted pecans add a satisfying crunch and a nutty richness. Their earthy, buttery flavor pairs wonderfully with apple and caramel.
- Unsalted Butter (Caramel Glaze)
The base for our glaze, this butter melts down to create a lusciously smooth caramel when combined with sugar and cream.
- Light Brown Sugar
With its hints of molasses, brown sugar gives the glaze a deeper, more complex sweetness and a slightly chewy texture.
- Heavy Cream
Cream enriches the glaze, giving it a silky consistency that’s easy to drizzle over the cake and sets with a lovely sheen.
- Vanilla Extract (Caramel Glaze)
A touch of vanilla rounds out the caramel’s sweetness, adding a fragrant note that elevates the glaze from ordinary to simply irresistible.
HOW TO MAKE APPLE PECAN CAKE WITH CARAMEL GLAZE
Before diving into the step-by-step instructions, take a moment to gather all your ingredients and preheat your oven. This recipe flows seamlessly once everything is at hand. You’ll start with the dry mix, move on to the creaming process, gently fold in apples and pecans, and finish with a dreamy caramel glaze that transforms the cake into a showstopper.
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures the cake will release effortlessly after baking.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This step evenly distributes the spices and leavening agent throughout the flour, preventing clumps.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3–4 minutes on medium speed.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This gradual incorporation helps stabilize the batter and creates a uniform texture.
5. Stir in the vanilla extract until it’s fully blended, infusing the batter with a warm, sweet fragrance.
6. Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, mixing on low speed just until the flour disappears into the batter. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender.
7. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans with a spatula until they’re evenly distributed. This gentle motion prevents the fruit and nuts from sinking to the bottom.
8. Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to smooth the top into an even layer.
9. Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
10. Meanwhile, prepare the caramel glaze: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it’s foaming slightly.
11. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then allow it to boil for 1–2 minutes, stirring to prevent scorching.
12. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, whisking until the glaze is smooth and glossy.
13. Let the glaze cool slightly, stirring occasionally, until it thickens just enough to be pourable but not runny.
14. Once the cake is baked and has cooled slightly for about 10 minutes, slowly pour the warm caramel glaze evenly over the top, letting it drip into every nook.
15. Allow the glaze to set for a few more minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature with your favorite ice cream or whipped cream.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR APPLE PECAN CAKE WITH CARAMEL GLAZE
A cake this rich and flavorful deserves some thoughtful pairings and presentations. Whether you’re hosting a festive brunch or a cozy coffee date, these serving ideas will help you showcase the cake’s best qualities.
- With Vanilla Ice Cream
A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream creates a delightful contrast: the cold, smooth texture perfectly balances the warm, gooey cake and its caramel drizzle. Place a generous scoop on top of a slice just before serving.
- Dust with Powdered Sugar
A light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of elegance and a hint of extra sweetness. Use a fine-mesh sieve to sprinkle evenly over the cake right before guests arrive.
- Garnish with Toasted Pecans
Take your presentation up a notch by scattering a few additional toasted pecan halves or pieces on top. The crunchy garnish doubles down on the nutty flavor and adds a decorative flair.
- Serve with Spiced Whipped Cream
Whip heavy cream with a pinch of cinnamon and a drizzle of maple syrup for a lightly sweetened, spiced whipped cream. Dollop it beside or atop each slice for an indulgent finish.
HOW TO STORE APPLE PECAN CAKE WITH CARAMEL GLAZE
Proper storage keeps your Apple Pecan Cake tasting just as fresh as the moment you sliced into it. Whether you’re stashing leftovers for later in the week or planning ahead for a party, these tips will help maintain its moist texture and rich flavor.
- Room Temperature
If you plan to enjoy the cake within two days, store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Make sure it’s completely cooled and the glaze has set to avoid any condensation inside the container.
- Refrigeration
For longer storage of up to four days, place the cake in a refrigerator-safe container or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Chilled slices will firm up the glaze, so bring them back to room temperature or warm gently before serving.
- Freezing Individual Slices
Wrap each slice in plastic wrap, then place in a zip-top freezer bag. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then let slices come to room temperature or warm in a low oven (around 300°F) for 10 minutes.
- Glaze-On vs. Glaze-Off
If you think you’ll be storing the cake longer or freezing, consider applying the caramel glaze just before serving. This prevents the glaze from becoming overly firm in the fridge or freezer and keeps it glossy and luscious.
CONCLUSION
This Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is more than just a dessert—it’s an experience. From the first moment you stir in those fragrant, spiced dry ingredients to the final drizzle of warm, buttery caramel, you’ve created a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The tender crumb studded with juicy apple pieces and crunchy pecan bits is elevated by the sweet, silky glaze that pools in every crack and corner. Pair it with a scoop of ice cream, a cup of tea, or your favorite coffee, and watch it bring smiles around your table. Don’t forget that this recipe carries the warmth and nostalgia of homemade baking; it’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or simply an indulgent weekend treat.
Feel free to print this article or save it to your favorite recipe collection so you can come back to it whenever the craving strikes. Below, you’ll find a FAQ section for any lingering questions you might have. If you try this recipe or need help with any of the steps, I’d love to hear from you—drop a comment, ask a question, or share your feedback. Happy baking!
Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
Description
This moist and flavorful cake combines tender apples and crunchy pecans, all topped with a rich caramel glaze that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to combine.
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In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition for a smooth consistency.
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Stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients into the creamed mixture, mixing just until incorporated.
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Fold in the chopped apples and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
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Meanwhile, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Add the brown sugar and cream; bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
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Boil for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
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Allow the glaze to cool slightly, stirring occasionally, until it reaches a pourable consistency.
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Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, pour the warm caramel glaze evenly over the top.
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Let the glaze set before slicing and serving the cake.
Note
- This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
- For an extra kick, add a tablespoon of bourbon to the caramel glaze.
