The aroma of warm apples mingling with crunchy pecans wafts through the air as you prepare this delightful treat. Picture a slice of moist apple pecan cake with caramel glaze melting in your mouth—heavenly!
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make It Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
- How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
- What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This cake isn’t just a dessert; it’s a memory maker. Imagine serving it at family gatherings and watching faces light up with joy. It’s the kind of dish that deserves to be celebrated!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This scrumptious apple pecan cake is straightforward to prepare and perfect for novice bakers.
- The flavor combination of sweet apples and rich pecans dazzles the taste buds.
- Its stunning presentation makes it a showstopper for any gathering.
- Enjoy it warm or cold—this versatile cake fits any occasion.
I remember my grandma’s face lighting up when she first baked this cake; we couldn’t wait to dig in!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- All-Purpose Flour: A staple ingredient for cakes; sift it for a lighter texture.
- Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter beautifully; feel free to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
- Brown Sugar: Adds depth and moisture; don’t skip this for that caramel-like flavor.
- Baking Powder: Essential for leavening; ensure it’s fresh for the best rise.
- Cinnamon: A warm spice that complements apples perfectly; use freshly ground if possible.
- Salt: Balances sweetness; just a pinch goes a long way.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over saltiness; melt it slightly before mixing.
- Eggs: Room temperature eggs help create a fluffier batter; whisk them until frothy.
- Vanilla Extract: Enhances flavor depth; always choose pure vanilla for the best results.
- Apples (Granny Smith recommended): Tart apples add brightness; peel and chop them into bite-sized pieces.
- Pecans: Toasted pecans elevate texture and flavor; chop them roughly for delightful crunch in every bite.
- Heavy Cream (for caramel glaze): Adds richness to your sauce, making it silky smooth when heated gently.
- Brown Sugar (for caramel glaze): Deepens flavor in the glaze; stir continuously to avoid burning.
- Butter (for caramel glaze): Use unsalted butter for balancing sweetness in your glaze!
- Vanilla Extract (for caramel glaze): A splash at the end brings everything together deliciously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan. The smell of butter will make you feel right at home.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until well blended—think fluffy clouds!
Cream butter and sugars: In another bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. You want it to look like sunshine! Add eggs one at a time while beating well after each addition.
Add dry ingredients gradually: Slowly mix in the dry ingredients with buttermilk until combined. Avoid overmixing—floury lumps are fine! Gently fold in chopped apples and toasted pecans.
Pour batter into prepared pan: Spread evenly and smooth the top with a spatula. Pop that beauty into the preheated oven! Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cool & prepare caramel glaze: Once baked, let the cake cool in its pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Meanwhile, heat heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat—your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Combine ingredients for glaze: In another saucepan over medium heat, melt brown sugar with butter until bubbly. Pour in heated cream carefully while stirring continuously until smooth—a little patience goes a long way here!
Drizzle with love: Allow your glorious caramel glaze to cool slightly before drizzling generously over the cooled apple pecan cake. They say love is an ingredient too!
Slice & enjoy: Cut yourself a generous slice or two—trust me on this one! Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Now sit back and relish those compliments as everyone dives into their slices!
You Must Know
- The key to a perfect Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze lies in using fresh apples and toasting pecans.
- This boosts flavor and texture, making each bite a delightful experience.
- Don’t skip the glaze; it adds an irresistible sweetness that ties everything together beautifully.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preparing the ingredients: chop apples, toast pecans, and mix dry ingredients. Then, cream butter and sugar before adding eggs to create a fluffy base. Finally, fold in the apple-pecan mixture for flavors galore.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap pecans for walnuts or add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth. You can also use brown sugar instead of white for a richer flavor profile. Personalize it based on your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. For longer storage, refrigerate it for up to a week. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing; cold items can lead to uneven batter consistency.
- Always toast nuts before adding them; this enhances their flavor significantly.
- Finally, let the cake cool before glazing to ensure a smooth finish without melting the caramel.
The first time I made this Apple Pecan Cake was during a family gathering; my aunt declared it “the best thing since sliced bread,” which meant more than you can imagine!
FAQ
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Absolutely! Pears or berries can be great substitutes for apples.
How do I prevent my cake from sticking?
Grease your pan well and consider lining it with parchment paper.
What if I don’t have caramel sauce?
You can easily make homemade caramel with sugar and butter or skip it altogether!
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 10 slices
Description
Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is a deliciously moist dessert featuring sweet apples and crunchy pecans, all drizzled with a rich caramel glaze. Perfect for any celebration!
Ingredients
- All-Purpose Flour
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Baking Powder
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Unsalted Butter
- Eggs
- Vanilla Extract
- Granny Smith Apples
- Pecans
- Heavy Cream (for caramel glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until combined.
- In another bowl, cream softened butter with both sugars until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time.
- Gradually mix in dry ingredients alternating with buttermilk until just combined. Fold in chopped apples and toasted pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the caramel glaze: Heat heavy cream in one saucepan; melt brown sugar and butter in another until bubbly. Stir in heated cream until smooth.
- Allow the cake to cool for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack; drizzle with caramel glaze.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 47g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
