Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Introduction

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a moist, flavorful dessert perfect for any occasion. Packed with tart apples, crunchy pecans, and topped with a rich caramel glaze, this cake balances sweetness and texture beautifully.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups cooking oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces (about 3-4 apples)
• 1 cup pecans, chopped small

Caramel Glaze:

• ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a tube pan or two loaf pans generously.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking oil, sugar, and eggs. Mix until smooth and creamy.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring well.
4. Step 4: Stir in the vanilla extract, then fold in the chopped apples and pecans evenly.
5. Step 5: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.
6. Step 6: Bake at 325°F for about 1 hour. Test doneness around 50 minutes using a toothpick — if it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
7. Step 7: While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel glaze. Melt butter in a small pan over low heat.
8. Step 8: Stir in the brown sugar and milk. Bring the mixture to a low boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
9. Step 9: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the glaze to cool slightly.
10. Step 10: Once the cake is baked and cooled a bit, pour the caramel glaze over the top evenly.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, toast the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter.
• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, but you can try Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter result.
• If you prefer, drizzle the caramel glaze just before serving to retain its gooey texture.
• Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves to the dry ingredients for warm spice notes.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to a week. If refrigerated, allow the cake to come to room temperature before serving. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds to bring back warmth and soften the glaze.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other nuts instead of pecans?

Yes, walnuts or almonds work well as substitutes and will add their own unique flavor and crunch to the cake.

Is it okay to use a different type of pan?

Absolutely. The original recipe uses a tube pan, but two loaf pans work fine too. Just check for doneness earlier, as loaf pans may bake slightly faster.

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 88 reviews

• Author: lilan
• Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x

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Description

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a moist, flavorful dessert featuring tender chunks of tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans baked into a spiced, tender crumb. Topped with a rich, buttery caramel glaze, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart flavors, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake

• 1 ½ cups cooking oil
• 2 cups sugar
• 4 eggs
• 3 cups all purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp salt
• 2 tsps vanilla extract
• 3 ½ cups Granny Smith apples (approximately 3–4 apples), peeled and chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup pecans, chopped small

Caramel Glaze

• ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)
• 1 cup light brown sugar
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the cake evenly.
2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups cooking oil, 2 cups sugar, and 4 eggs. Beat the mixture until it becomes smooth and creamy, ensuring the sugar is well incorporated.
3. Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices.
4. Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix well to form a consistent batter without lumps.
5. Add Flavor and Mix-Ins: Stir in 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, then fold in the 3 ½ cups of chopped Granny Smith apples and 1 cup chopped pecans until evenly dispersed.
6. Prepare Bakeware: Generously grease and flour a tube pan. Alternatively, you may use two loaf pans. This prevents sticking and helps the cake release easily after baking.
7. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s). Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F (163°C) for about 1 hour. Start checking at 50 minutes with a toothpick—you’ll know the cake is done when it comes out clean.
8. Make the Caramel Glaze: While the cake bakes, melt ¾ cup butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in 1 cup light brown sugar and ¼ cup milk. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
9. Simmer the Glaze: Let the caramel mixture boil gently for 10 minutes, stirring continuously to achieve a smooth, thick consistency. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
10. Cool the Glaze: Allow the caramel glaze to cool slightly until it thickens enough to pour without running off the cake excessively.
11. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled but is still slightly warm, pour the caramel glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a luscious finish.

Notes

• Check the cake at 50 minutes to avoid over-baking, especially if using loaf pans which might bake faster than a tube pan.
• Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness that complements the sweetness of the caramel glaze.
• Chop pecans finely to distribute their crunch evenly throughout the cake.
• Ensure the caramel glaze simmers gently to prevent burning and bitterness.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, let it cool a bit longer before pouring on the cake.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple pecan cake, caramel glaze cake, apple dessert, pecan cake, fall cake recipe, moist apple cake