Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

why make this recipe

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a warm, comforting dessert that combines tender cake, tart-sweet apples, and toasty pecans finished with a glossy caramel drizzle. It’s simple enough for a weeknight bake but special enough for holiday gatherings. If you enjoy cozy fall flavors and a mix of textures—soft crumb, juicy apple pieces, and crunchy nuts—this cake delivers.

introduction

This cake is built on straightforward pantry staples and seasonal apples, yielding a moist bundt cake studded with fruit and nuts. The caramel glaze adds a sweet, slightly sticky finish that makes each slice feel indulgent without requiring advanced baking skills. Whether you’re baking for family, guests, or just to satisfy a craving, this recipe produces reliably delicious results.

how to make Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Follow the simple steps below to assemble and bake the cake. Measure ingredients accurately, don’t overmix the batter, and be sure to test for doneness with a toothpick.

Ingredients :

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup caramel sauce

Directions :

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the apples and pecans.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.
5. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
6. Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.
7. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.
   
   

how to serve Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Serve slices warm or at room temperature. For an extra-special touch, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream and an extra drizzle of warm caramel. If you’d like a crunchy, portable accompaniment, try pairing small slices with sweet handheld treats like apple pie egg rolls to echo the apple-and-spice theme.

how to store Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days; bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. You can also freeze individual slices (without glaze) wrapped tightly for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add fresh caramel before serving.

tips to make Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

• Use firm, tart apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) to prevent the cake from becoming overly sweet or mushy.
• Dice apples into uniform pieces so they distribute evenly through the batter.
• Toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet for 3–4 minutes to enhance their flavor before folding them into the batter.
• Mix batter until just combined to keep the cake tender; overmixing develops gluten and can make the cake dense.
• If your bundt pan has intricate details, spray with baking spray that contains flour or generously grease and flour to ensure easy release.

variation (if any)

• Swap pecans for walnuts or toasted almonds.
• Add 1/2 cup raisins or dried cranberries for extra chew and flavor.
• Stir in 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg or a pinch of cloves for a spicier profile.
• For a spiced glaze, mix a little sea salt and cinnamon into the caramel before drizzling.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pan instead of a bundt pan?
A: Yes — a 9×13-inch pan can work; reduce the baking time slightly and check for doneness earlier (around 35–45 minutes).

Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but thin-skinned apples can be left unpeeled if you prefer extra texture and color.

Q: Can I make this cake dairy-free?
A: The recipe is naturally dairy-free if your caramel sauce is dairy-free; check labels or make a dairy-free caramel.

Conclusion

For an alternative take or a visual guide, you can consult the original Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze recipe at That Oven Feelin for inspiration and plating ideas.

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

A warm, comforting dessert combining tender cake, tart-sweet apples, and toasty pecans finished with a glossy caramel drizzle, perfect for holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 1 hour hr

Total Time 1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings: 10 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the cake

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups peeled and diced apples Firm, tart apples are recommended.
• 1 cup chopped pecans Toast lightly for enhanced flavor.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 0.5 cup caramel sauce For drizzling before serving.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan.
2. In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. In another bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, and vanilla. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
4. Fold in the apples and pecans.
5. Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and smooth the top.

Baking

1. Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
2. Let cool for 10 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack.

Finishing Touch

1. Drizzle with caramel sauce before serving.

Notes

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The cake can also be frozen in individual slices for up to 2 months.