There’s something truly magical about the combination of apples, nuts, and caramel that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia to any kitchen. This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is one such comforting dessert that has a unique ability to transform an ordinary day into a special occasion. Whether it’s a chilly autumn afternoon or a family gathering, the enticing aroma wafting through your home will make everyone feel welcome and hungry for a slice.

Reasons to Try It

Why You’ll Love This Dish

There are countless reasons to whip up this scrumptious cake. For starters, it’s incredibly easy to make, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros. The buttery richness of the cake paired with the sweet crunch of pecans and the tangy flavor of fresh apples creates a delightful balance that’s absolutely irresistible. This dessert is not only budget-friendly but also an excellent way to use up those apples sitting in your fruit bowl. Serve it warm with a dollop of whipped cream, and you’ve got the perfect treat for any occasion, from a cozy weeknight dinner to a festive holiday gathering.

"I made this cake for a family gathering, and it was a smashing hit! Everyone couldn’t get enough of the caramel glaze!" – A Happy Baker

How This Recipe Comes Together

Step-by-Step Overview

Creating this Apple Pecan Cake is an engaging and straightforward experience. Start by gathering your ingredients, which include all-purpose flour, sugar, eggs, and, of course, the star players—apples and pecans. Once you’ve prepped everything, the baking process involves mixing, folding, and baking until golden brown. As the cake bakes, you’ll prepare a luscious caramel glaze to drizzle on top, elevating the cake to another level of indulgence.

Gather These Items

To make this delightful cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Glaze:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Cooking Method

Now that you have your ingredients prepped, here’s how to make the cake step by step:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
3. In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy.
4. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Gracefully alternate adding the flour mixture and sour cream into the butter mixture, starting and ending with the flour mixture. Mix gently until just combined.
6. Carefully fold in the chopped apples and pecans.
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
8. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
9. While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel glaze: melt the butter and brown sugar together in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until smooth and bubbly.
10. Remove from the heat and stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt. Allow it to cool slightly.
11. Once the cake has cooled for 10 minutes, drizzle the caramel glaze over the top. Let the glaze set a bit before serving.