This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect blend of warm spices, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans, all enveloped in a moist, buttery cake. The rich caramel glaze drizzled over the top adds an irresistible sweetness that complements the nutty texture and fruity depth of the cake. Whether served at a holiday gathering, afternoon tea, or simply as a comforting dessert, this cake is guaranteed to impress with its melt-in-your-mouth softness and aromatic flavors.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt for extra moisture)
- 2 cups finely diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Glaze:
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat the Oven: Set to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch cake pan or bundt pan.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugars: In another bowl, beat softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Incorporate Sour Cream: Stir in sour cream or Greek yogurt for an extra moist texture.
- Combine the Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently to combine.
- Fold in Apples and Pecans: Mix in diced apples and chopped pecans to distribute evenly.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Step 3: Prepare the Caramel Glaze
- Melt the Butter: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add Brown Sugar and Cream: Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking until combined.
- Simmer Until Thickened: Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove from heat and mix in vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
Step 4: Glaze and Serve
- Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake.
- Garnish with extra chopped pecans for added crunch.
- Slice and enjoy your decadent, caramel-drizzled masterpiece!
Tips for the Best Apple Pecan Cake:
- For deeper flavor, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container—it tastes even better the next day!
- Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a heavenly dessert.
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect combination of sweet, nutty, and rich flavors. Would you like to add any additional toppings or variations? 🍏🍰✨