Description
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a moist, spiced cake filled with chunks of fresh apples and crunchy pecans, topped with a buttery caramel glaze. It’s a show-stopping dessert perfect for fall gatherings or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 3 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 cups)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a Bundt pan.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, cream the softened butter and sugar together until light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans.
2. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes (for a 9×13-inch pan) or 50-55 minutes (for a Bundt pan), 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 to cool completely.
3. Make the Caramel Glaze:
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a boil and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the glaze cool for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
4. Glaze the Cake:
- Pour the caramel glaze evenly over the cooled cake.
- Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Apple Choice: Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a contrast in sweetness, or sweet apples like Honeycrisp for a more sugary flavor.
- Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: The cake (without glaze) freezes well. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and add glaze before serving.