Delight in the flavors of autumn with this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze, featuring fresh Granny Smith apples, crunchy pecans, and a luscious homemade caramel sauce. This cake is moist, rich, and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a holiday gathering or a cozy treat with a cup of coffee.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich & Moist – Made with fresh apples and oil for a soft texture.
Crunchy & Nutty – Loaded with pecans for added crunch.
Decadent Caramel Glaze – A sweet, buttery sauce that takes this cake to the next level.
Perfect for Fall – Warm flavors of cinnamon, apples, and caramel make this a seasonal favorite.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake:

3½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon cinnamon
2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon salt
3 teaspoons vanilla extract
1½ cups cooking oil
1 cup pecans, chopped

For the Caramel Glaze:

¾ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup whole milk
1 cup light brown sugar

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cake

Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a bundt or 9×13-inch cake pan.
Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and both sugars.
Add Wet Ingredients – Beat in eggs, oil, and vanilla until fully combined.
Fold in Apples & Pecans – Gently stir in the chopped apples and pecans.
Bake – Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60-75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let cool slightly before adding the glaze.

Step 2: Make the Caramel Glaze

Melt Butter – In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Add Sugar & Milk – Stir in brown sugar and milk, then bring to a gentle boil. Cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly.
Drizzle Over Cake – Remove from heat and pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake. Let set before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Walnut Swap – Use walnuts instead of pecans for a different nutty flavor.
Spiced Version – Add nutmeg or cloves for a deeper fall spice.
Gluten-Free – Substitute with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Extra Apple Flavor – Use half applesauce instead of oil for a fruitier taste.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration – Store covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Freezing – Freeze cake slices wrapped in plastic wrap for up to 3 months.
Reheating – Warm individual slices in the microwave for 20 seconds for a fresh-baked taste.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples work well too.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.

How do I prevent my cake from sticking?

Grease your pan thoroughly or use parchment paper in a rectangular pan.

Can I make this in muffin form?

Yes! Bake in muffin tins at 350°F for about 20-25 minutes.

What can I use instead of whole milk in the glaze?

Heavy cream or half-and-half will work as a substitute.

How do I know when the cake is done?

A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean or with a few crumbs.

Can I reduce the sugar?

Yes! You can cut the granulated sugar by ½ cup without affecting texture too much.

Can I make the glaze thicker?

Simmer the caramel sauce a little longer for a thicker consistency.

Can I skip the nuts?

Of course! The cake will still be delicious without them.

What should I serve with this cake?

It pairs wonderfully with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Conclusion

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a truly decadent dessert filled with warm fall flavors. With its tender crumb, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel topping, it’s a show-stopping treat for any occasion. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy the perfect blend of apples, nuts, and sweet caramel in every bite!

Apple Pecan Cake

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Author: asma
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the ultimate fall dessert, packed with fresh Granny Smith apples, crunchy pecans, and warm cinnamon spice. Topped with a rich, buttery caramel glaze, this cake is moist, flavorful, and perfect for holidays, family gatherings, or a cozy treat!

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Batter:

Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan.
In a large mixing bowl, beat together eggs, oil, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined.
In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until combined.
Fold in the chopped apples and pecans.

2. Bake the Cake:

Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan.
Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

3. Make the Caramel Glaze:

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat.

4. Glaze & Serve:

Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake.
Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.
Serve & enjoy!

Notes

For extra crunch, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
Make it ahead: This cake stores well for up to 3 days at room temperature or 5 days in the fridge.
Freezing: Wrap slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestion: Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an indulgent treat.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert, Fall Recipes
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American