Oh my goodness, let me tell you about this apple pecan cake with caramel glaze! It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! The moment you take a bite, you’re greeted with a moist, rich cake that’s bursting with the sweet and slightly tart flavor of fresh apples, perfectly paired with crunchy pecans that give it that delightful texture. And can we talk about the caramel glaze? Wow! It drapes over the cake like a warm, golden blanket, adding that extra layer of decadence that takes it over the top. This cake is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a casual get-together or a special occasion. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be coming back for seconds and thirds!

Ingredients List

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples (I love using Granny Smith for that perfect tartness!)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (toast them lightly for extra flavor!)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (yes, that’s right—double the vanilla for double the yum!)

Make sure to use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and texture. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can swap out the pecans for walnuts or almonds, or even toss in some raisins for a delightful twist!

How to Prepare the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Prepping the Oven and Baking Pan

First things first—let’s get that oven preheating to 350°F (175°C). This is super important because it ensures our cake bakes evenly and rises just right! While that’s warming up, grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and grease it with a little butter or cooking spray. Then, sprinkle some flour inside and tap it around to coat the bottom and sides. This little trick helps the cake slide out easily once it’s baked. Trust me, you don’t want to lose any of that deliciousness!

Mixing the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. Make sure to break up any clumps of brown sugar and get everything nicely combined! This step is crucial for ensuring that the leavening agents are evenly distributed throughout the flour, which helps your cake rise beautifully. You want every bite to be just as perfect as the last!

Combining Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, it’s time to beat those eggs! Add in the vegetable oil and vanilla extract, whisking them together until it’s all smooth and well combined. This is where the magic happens—mixing these wet ingredients properly is key to achieving that rich texture we’re after. You want to make sure the oil is completely blended in because it helps keep the cake moist and tender. So go ahead, give it a good whisk!

Merging Wet and Dry Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring the wet and dry mixtures together! Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the flour mix and gently combine them until just mixed. Be careful not to overmix; we want a tender cake, not a tough one! Once you see no more dry flour, fold in those beautiful apples and chopped pecans. This step adds fantastic flavor and texture, so make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. It’s going to be so good!

Baking the Cake

Pour the cake batter into your prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop it into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 35-40 minutes. To check for doneness, stick a toothpick in the center—if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, you’re golden! Once it’s baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time helps set the cake and makes it easier to handle!

Preparing the Caramel Glaze

While your cake is cooling, let’s whip up that luscious caramel glaze! In a medium saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once it’s melted, stir in the packed brown sugar and heavy cream. Keep stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Let it boil without stirring for about 3-5 minutes—that’s where the magic of caramel comes together! Just keep an eye on it to avoid crystallization; if you see any sugar crystals forming, you can swirl the pan gently to incorporate them back in. When it’s done, remove it from the heat and stir in that extra teaspoon of vanilla extract!

Drizzling the Glaze

Finally, let’s add that beautiful caramel glaze to our cooled cake! Use a spoon or a small ladle to drizzle the warm glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides. For an extra touch, save a few chopped pecans to sprinkle on top of the glaze—it not only looks fabulous but adds a lovely crunch! Now step back and admire your handiwork before diving in!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each slice of this delightful apple pecan cake with caramel glaze. Each serving contains approximately:

• Calories: 350
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Cholesterol: 40mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Sugar: 25g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients used. Enjoy this delicious treat while keeping these numbers in mind!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s incredibly moist and rich, making every bite a delightful experience!
• The combination of sweet apples and crunchy pecans creates a perfect flavor balance.
• The caramel glaze elevates the cake to a whole new level of indulgence.
• It’s easy to prepare, even if you’re not a baking pro—great for all skill levels!
• This cake is perfect for any occasion, from casual family dinners to festive gatherings.
• Leftovers? No problem! It stays delicious for days (if it lasts that long!).

Tips for Success

To ensure your apple pecan cake with caramel glaze turns out absolutely perfect, there are a few key tips I swear by! First, always use fresh, high-quality ingredients—this makes a world of difference in flavor and texture. When it comes to apples, I recommend using tart varieties like Granny Smith, which balance the sweetness of the cake beautifully. Also, don’t skip toasting the pecans; it enhances their flavor and adds a lovely crunch!

Baking times can vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes and do the toothpick test early if you’re unsure. If you find you have leftover cake, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days—though I doubt it’ll last that long! For longer storage, pop it in the fridge or freeze slices individually. Just make sure to wrap them tightly!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to change up this apple pecan cake with caramel glaze! For a different nutty flavor, try swapping the pecans for walnuts or even hazelnuts. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger along with the cinnamon for a spicier kick. If you want a little extra sweetness, toss in some raisins or dried cranberries—what a lovely surprise they add!

Feeling festive? Consider adding some pumpkin puree for a seasonal twist or even a splash of bourbon to the caramel glaze for a grown-up touch. The possibilities are endless, so have fun experimenting!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

To keep your apple pecan cake with caramel glaze fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, pop it in the refrigerator, where it’ll last about a week. For freezing, wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay good for up to two months!

When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight. You can warm it up in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds for that fresh-out-of-the-oven feel. Just make sure not to overheat it, or the glaze might get too gooey!

What’s Next?

I’d love to hear from you! After you’ve tried this apple pecan cake with caramel glaze, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you. Don’t forget to rate the recipe, too! Your feedback helps me create even more delicious treats for all of us to enjoy!

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze: A Sweet Delight!

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• Author: Julia marin
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A rich and moist apple pecan cake topped with a luscious caramel glaze.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, beat eggs and mix in oil and vanilla extract.
4. Combine the wet and dry ingredients until just mixed. Fold in apples and pecans.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. While the cake cools, prepare the caramel glaze. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Add brown sugar and heavy cream to the melted butter, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a boil.
9. Boil for 3-5 minutes without stirring, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
10. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake before serving.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
• Feel free to add raisins or dried cranberries for added texture.
• For a decorative touch, reserve some pecans to sprinkle on top of the glaze.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 25g
• Sodium: 150mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 40mg

Keywords: apple pecan cake, caramel glaze, dessert recipe