If you’re wondering why you should whip up this delectable Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze, it’s simple: it’s a sweet, nutty masterpiece that combines the goodness of apples and nuts in every bite. Picture this: a moist, fluffy cake bursting with tender apple pieces and crunchy pecans, topped off with a luscious caramel glaze that creates an irresistible finish.
This recipe is perfect for a variety of occasions, whether it’s a cozy family gathering, a festive holiday potluck, or simply treating yourself after a long week. The warm flavors and delightful textures are sure to impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice.
Baking this cake fills your home with the fragrant aroma of cinnamon and vanilla, which is truly a comforting experience. Not only does this recipe taste amazing, but it also showcases the versatility of apples and nuts in your baking. Plus, it’s not overly complicated to make! Dive deep into the kitchen adventure, and you’ll find this cake to be a favorite in no time.
Table of Contents
How to Make Apple Pecan Cake
Making this Apple Pecan Cake is a delightful journey that involves simple steps and easily accessible ingredients. Let me walk you through the process so you can create this cake in your own kitchen!
Ingredients
You’ll need the following ingredients to make this scrumptious cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup shredded apples (about 2 medium)
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Caramel glaze (prepared separately)
Step-by-Step Directions
Preheat the Oven: The first step is to preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden color.
Prepare the Cake Pan: Greasing and flouring the cake pan is essential. It prevents the cake from sticking and helps achieve a beautiful presentation. You can use cooking spray or simply rub a bit of butter into the pan, followed by a dusting of flour.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine your flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt. Whisk them together to make sure everything is well-blended. This step allows the leavening agents to distribute evenly, which leads to a good rise.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until smooth. This is where the magic begins! Then add in the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix well. The sour cream adds moisture and richness to the cake, while the sugar and oil provide that delightful sweetness.
Combine Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined. You want to be careful not to over-mix, as this can lead to a tough cake.
Fold in the Good Stuff: Now for the fun part! Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded apples. The apples will bring moisture and natural sweetness, while the pecans add a delicious crunch.
Pour and Bake: Pour the cake batter into your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Bake for 45–50 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This is where the kitchen starts to smell heavenly!
Cool and Glaze: Once baked, let the cake cool completely in the pan. After it’s cooled, drizzle the caramel glaze over the top. This is the finishing touch that makes every bite delightful.
How to Serve Apple Pecan Cake
Serving this marvelous Apple Pecan Cake is just as fun as making it! You can present it in various ways to suit the occasion. Here are some tips on serving:
Presentation: For a stunning display, place the cake on a beautiful cake stand and let the caramel glaze cascade down the sides. It gives an elegant touch that’s perfect for special gatherings.
Pair with Whipped Cream: For an extra indulgent treat, serve slices of the cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream on top. The creaminess of the whipped topping balances perfectly with the moist cake.
Coffee Companion: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea. The rich flavors of the cake make it a delightful afternoon snack or dessert option.
Warm It Up: Warm a slice in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds before serving. This way, the caramel becomes wonderfully gooey, enhancing the overall experience.
How to Store Apple Pecan Cake
Storing your Apple Pecan Cake properly ensures it stays fresh and delicious for days. Here’s how you can do it:
Room Temperature: If you plan to eat the cake within a couple of days, simply cover it with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container at room temperature. It will retain its moisture and flavor beautifully.
Refrigeration: If you won’t finish the cake in a few days, consider refrigerating it. Just make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. The cold will preserve its moisture, although some people prefer cake at room temperature.
Freezing: Want to enjoy the cake later? You can freeze it! Wrap slices in plastic wrap and then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. It’s best to consume frozen cake within three months. When you’re ready to eat it, simply let it thaw in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours.
Tips to Make Apple Pecan Cake
Every recipe can have a few extra tricks and tips to enhance the outcome. Here are some suggestions for making your Apple Pecan Cake even better:
Choose the Right Apples: Different apples offer different flavors. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake. Sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji are also excellent choices if you prefer a sweeter profile.
To Toast Pecans: For an added depth of flavor, toast your pecans before adding them to the batter. Simply place them in a dry skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently until they are fragrant. This brings out their natural oils and enhances their crunch.
Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is a classic here, don’t hesitate to experiment! A pinch of nutmeg or allspice can add new layers of flavor that are particularly nice in fall.
Check Your Oven Temperature: Oven temperatures can fluctuate. If you find your cakes don’t rise or bake evenly, consider using an oven thermometer. This will help you know the actual inside temperature and ensure perfect baking results.
Healthy Notes About Apple Pecan Cake
Your taste buds will be thrilled by this cake, and you can feel good about some of the ingredients, too!
Apples are Nutritious: With their high fiber content, apples can help support digestive health. They also provide Vitamin C, which is important for immune function. Plus, the natural sugars in apples give a pleasant sweetness without being overpowering.
Pecans are Heart-Healthy: Pecans are loaded with healthy fats, particularly monounsaturated fats, which can benefit heart health. They are also a good source of antioxidants and can help lower cholesterol levels.
Sour Cream Gives Creamy Goodness: Using sour cream adds moisture to the cake, and it also contains probiotics, which can aid in gut health.
During the baking process, you’re combining nutritious ingredients into a delightful treat. While enjoying cake is part of life, finding ways to incorporate healthier elements always adds to the joy of baking!
Variations
While the traditional Apple Pecan Cake is absolutely delightful, feel free to get creative and try out some variations!
Apple Cinnamon Swirl: For a fun twist, add cinnamon sugar swirls to the cake. After pouring the batter into the pan, sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar on top before swirling it with a knife.
Add Dried Fruits: Consider adding dried cranberries or raisins for an additional layer of chewy texture and sweetness.
Nut Alternatives: If you want to switch things up, walnuts or almonds can be used in place of pecans. Each nut has its unique flavor and can change the cake’s profile altogether.
Gluten-Free Option: For a gluten-free twist, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure that your baking powder and any additional ingredients are also gluten-free.
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FAQs
1. Can I use other nuts besides pecans?
Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts would work wonderfully in this cake. Just choose your favorite!
2. How do I know when the cake is done baking?
A toothpick inserted into the center of the cake should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached, but no wet batter. Depending on your oven, it may take a little longer or shorter than the recommended time.
3. Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the cake a day or two in advance. Just store it properly, as mentioned earlier. The flavors may even deepen and improve after a day!
Baking an Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a guaranteed way to bring smiles into your home. With its beautiful flavor combination and delightful textures, it’s much more than just dessert; it’s an experience to share and make memories over. So grab those apples and pecans, roll up your sleeves, and let’s start baking this delightful cake!

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Ingredients
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup chopped pecans Can toast for enhanced flavor.
- 1 cup shredded apples About 2 medium apples.
- 0.5 cups vegetable oil
- 0.5 cups sour cream
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 batch Caramel glaze Prepared separately.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour the cake pan to prevent sticking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, beat the granulated sugar and vegetable oil together until smooth. Add the sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract, and mix well.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped pecans and shredded apples.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan.
Baking
- Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool completely in the pan.
Glazing
- Once the cake is cool, drizzle the caramel glaze over the top.