Craving a dessert that’s warm, comforting, and bursting with flavor? Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is your perfect choice. Packed with juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and topped with a luscious caramel glaze, it’s a dessert that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether for a family gathering or a cozy evening treat, this cake is sure to impress.
Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze: A Delightful Treat for Every Occasion
Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Medium12
servings40
minutes300
kcalDiscover the ultimate recipe for Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze! Packed with juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and topped with a rich caramel glaze, this dessert is perfect for any occasion. Easy to make and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredients of apple pecan cake with caramel glaze
- for the cake
• 3 1/2 cups peeled and chopped Granny Smith apples
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp baking soda• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted for the caramel glaze
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup chopped pecansFor the Caramel Glaze
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp sea salt
• Optional: 1/2 tsp caramel extract for enhanced flavor
Directions of apple pecan cake recipe
- prepare the cake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or bundt pan.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, melted butter, sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, and salt. Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients gradually, mixing them to the well combination.
- Fold in the chopped apples and pecans. Avoid overmixing to keep the cake fluffy.
- Pour the batter into the suitable pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Remove from the oven and let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
- Step 3: Make the Caramel Glaze
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter and stir in heavy cream and powdered sugar. Bring to a gentle boil and whisk continuously until smooth. Add vanilla extract and sea salt.
- Adjust consistency as needed by adding more cream for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.
- Step 4: Assemble and Serve
- Once the cake is completely cooled, drizzle the caramel glaze generously over the top. For extra flair, sprinkle with chopped pecans or a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Notes
Chef’s Tips for Apple pecan cake with caramel glaze
• Apple Variety: While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, feel free to use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter twist.
• Perfect Glaze: Cook the glaze to 240°F for a thicker consistency or 225°F for a lighter drizzle.
• Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Caramel Glaze Variations
• Sea Salt Caramel Glaze: Add flaky sea salt for a sophisticated salty-sweet balance.
• Vanilla Bean Caramel Glaze: Infuse the glaze with scraped vanilla bean for extra depth.
• Bourbon Caramel Glaze: Stir in a splash of bourbon for a rich, indulgent touch.
• Cinnamon Caramel Glaze: Add a teaspoon of ground cinnamon for a cozy, spiced flavor.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
• Calories: 350
• Protein: 4g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 15g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 30g
FAQs about apple pecan cake with caramel glaze
1. Can I use a different type of sugar in the cake?
Yes, you can substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar, brown sugar, or a sugar substitute like erythritol for a slightly different flavor profile. Keep in mind that brown sugar will add more moisture and a caramel-like flavor to the cake.
2. Can I make this cake dairy-free?
Yes, you can replace the butter with dairy-free alternatives like coconut oil, vegan butter, or neutral-flavored vegetable oil. For the caramel glaze, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
3. What other nuts work well in this recipe?
Apart from pecans, you can use walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts. If you want to skip nuts entirely, you can add dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy texture.
4. Can I add spices to the cake batter?
Absolutely! For a warm and spiced flavor, add 1–2 teaspoons of cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg, or a pinch of ground cloves to the dry ingredients.
5. How do I keep the cake moist?
To retain moisture, avoid overbaking the cake. Check it with a toothpick at the 45-minute mark. Wrapping the cake in plastic wrap while slightly warm also helps lock in moisture.
6. Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the caramel glaze in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a saucepan or microwave, adding a splash of cream to loosen the consistency if needed.
7. What’s the best way to peel and chop apples for this recipe?
To make peeling and chopping easy, use a vegetable peeler for the apples and an apple corer to remove the seeds. Then, chop the apples into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly in the batter.
8. Can I reduce the sweetness of the apple pecan cake with caramel glaze?
Yes, you can reduce the sugar in the cake by up to 1/4 cup without compromising its structure. Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness further.
9. How do I prevent the pecans from sinking to the bottom of the cake?
To keep the pecans evenly distributed, toss them in a small amount of flour before folding them into the batter. This helps prevent sinking during baking.
10. Can I use pre-made caramel sauce for the glaze?
Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought caramel sauce. Heat it gently and stir in a splash of cream or butter to enhance the flavor and achieve the desired consistency.
11. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If you’ve glazed the cake, place wax paper between the slices to prevent sticking.
12. Can I add fruit to the batter of apple pecan cake with caramel glaze?
Yes, you can add dried fruits like raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates for extra sweetness and texture. Be sure to soak dried fruits in warm water for 10 minutes to plump them up before adding.
13. Can this recipe be made into cupcakes?
Yes, you can pour the batter into cupcake liners and bake at 350°F (180°C) for about 20–25 minutes. Adjust the baking time as cupcakes bake faster than a whole cake.
14. What can I use instead of eggs?
To make this recipe egg-free, you can use substitutes like unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup per egg), mashed bananas, or a flaxseed egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water per egg).
15. How can I make the cake festive for holidays?
For a festive touch, you can add dried cranberries, orange zest, or a dash of rum extract to the batter. Decorate the glazed cake with sugared cranberries, caramel drizzle, or edible gold flakes for a holiday-worthy presentation.
16. What if my glaze turns out too thick or too thin?
If the glaze is too thick, add more heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is achieved. If it’s too thin, whisk in a bit more powdered sugar. Always adjust over low heat to maintain a smooth texture.
17. Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this recipe is completely vegetarian-friendly. If you’re looking for a vegan version, substitute the dairy and eggs with plant-based alternatives.
18. Can I make this cake in a loaf pan?
Yes, you can use loaf pans instead of a bundt or rectangular pan. Divide the batter evenly if using two loaf pans, and bake at the same temperature, checking for doneness around 40–45 minutes.
19. Can I double the recipe?
Certainly! If you’re baking for a large crowd, simply double all the ingredients. Use two pans or a larger one and increase the baking time slightly, checking for doneness with a toothpick.
20. Why does my cake sink in the middle?
This can happen if the batter is overmixed, causing too much air to be incorporated, or if the oven door is opened too early during baking. Be sure to follow the instructions and avoid opening the oven until the cake is nearly done.
Make this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze your go-to dessert this season. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and guaranteed to delight everyone at the table!
