Apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is the perfect combination of sweet, spiced, and nutty flavors. This moist cake is loaded with tender chunks of Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans, creating a delightful texture. The rich caramel glaze drizzled over the top takes it to a whole new level, making it a show-stopper for any occasion. Whether it’s fall baking or a holiday treat, this cake is sure to impress!
Ingredients
For the Cake
- 1 ½ cups (360 ml) vegetable oil
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups (360 g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups (about 3-4 medium) Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces
- 1 cup (120 g) pecans, finely chopped
For the Caramel Glaze
- ¾ cup (170 g) butter (1 ½ sticks)
- 1 cup (220 g) light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (60 ml) milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter
Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a tube pan or two 9-inch cake pans generously to prevent sticking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and eggs. Beat them together until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. This forms the base of your cake batter.
In a separate medium-sized bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until well incorporated. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure an even batter.
Once the batter is smooth, stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the chopped apples and pecans. Gently fold them into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
2. Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan(s), spreading it evenly with a spatula. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 1 hour at 325°F (165°C). If you’re using two cake pans, start checking for doneness around the 50-minute mark.
To test if the cake is done, insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the cake dry.
Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely before adding the glaze.
3. Make the Caramel Glaze
While the cake is cooling, start preparing the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Once fully melted, stir in the light brown sugar and milk. Increase the heat slightly and bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring continuously.
Let the mixture simmer gently for about 10 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The glaze will begin to thicken as it cooks. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the glaze to cool slightly, so it thickens further but is still pourable.
4. Glaze the Cake
Once the caramel glaze has cooled and thickened to a pourable consistency, carefully drizzle it over the cooled cake. Make sure to cover the top and let the glaze run down the sides for a beautiful presentation.
5. Serve and Enjoy
Your apple pecan cake is ready to serve! Slice the cake and enjoy the combination of tender apples, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel glaze. This cake is perfect for holidays, special occasions, or as an everyday treat.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Servings: 12 slices
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fiber: 3 g
- Sugar: 60 g
Prep Time, Cooking Time, and Total Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
This apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is a true delight for any dessert lover. The juicy apples and crunchy pecans pair perfectly with the sweet, buttery caramel glaze, creating a cake that’s both indulgent and heartwarming. Perfect for any gathering, this cake will surely be a hit!