Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze – A Cozy Fall Favorite
When the air turns crisp and apples are at their sweetest, it’s time to bring out the ultimate comfort dessert — Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apple cake loaded with crunchy pecans, then drenched in a rich, buttery caramel glaze that soaks into every bite. This is the kind of cake that makes your kitchen smell like autumn and your family gather around for seconds.
Perfect for potlucks, Thanksgiving tables, or an afternoon treat with coffee, this apple pecan cake blends rustic charm with irresistible sweetness. It’s simple to make, requires no fancy equipment, and tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
Let’s bake a masterpiece that captures the heart of fall in every slice.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pecan Cake
- Incredibly moist and flavorful: Fresh apples keep the crumb tender and juicy.
- Nutty crunch in every bite: Toasted pecans balance the sweetness perfectly.
- Rich caramel glaze: A buttery topping that turns this cake from simple to sensational.
- Perfect make-ahead dessert: The flavor deepens as it sits overnight.
- One-bowl friendly: Easy cleanup, no mixer needed!
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup chopped pecans (toasted if desired)
For the Caramel Glaze:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup brown sugar (light or dark)
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth and creamy. - Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, stirring just until combined. - Fold in Apples and Pecans:
Gently fold in chopped apples and pecans. The batter will be thick — that’s perfect! - Pour and Bake:
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. - Cool the Cake:
Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before adding the glaze. - Make the Caramel Glaze:
In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat, add vanilla and salt, and whisk until smooth. - Glaze the Cake:
Pour the warm caramel glaze evenly over the slightly cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides. The glaze will set as it cools, creating a glossy finish.
Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan or bundt pan.
- Whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a large bowl, whisk oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet ingredients; stir just until combined.
- Fold in chopped apples and pecans.
- Pour batter into pan and bake 45–55 minutes until toothpick comes out clean.
- Cool cake for 15 minutes before glazing.
- In a saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar and cream; cook 2–3 minutes.
- Remove from heat, add vanilla and salt, and pour warm glaze over cake.
Notes
Pro Tips for the Perfect Apple Pecan Cake
- Use firm apples: Granny Smith apples provide the perfect tart balance to the sweet caramel.
- Toast your pecans: A quick toast in the oven brings out their natural oils and deepens their flavor.
- Don’t overmix: Stir until the flour disappears; overmixing makes the cake dense.
- Warm glaze: Pour the caramel while it’s still warm for smooth spreading.
Delicious Variations
- Add spice: Try adding ground cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Switch the nuts: Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts make great alternatives.
- Glaze twist: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the caramel for a grown-up twist.
- Apple-pie style: Mix a handful of raisins into the batter for extra fall flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. It’s also perfect with coffee for breakfast (we won’t tell!). For extra flair, top with whipped cream and a drizzle of leftover caramel.
This cake is ideal for entertaining — it slices beautifully, serves a crowd, and looks stunning on any dessert table.
How to Store and Freeze
- Room temperature: Store covered for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keeps fresh for up to a week.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and warm before serving for that fresh-baked flavor.
Fun Fact: Caramel and Apples – A Classic Duo
The pairing of caramel and apples dates back to the 1950s when Kraft introduced caramel candies as an easy treat to melt over apples. Since then, this iconic flavor combo has become a fall favorite in everything from pies to cakes — and this recipe pays delicious homage to that sweet legacy.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is everything you love about fall — the warmth of cinnamon, the crunch of pecans, and the comforting sweetness of caramel. It’s one of those timeless desserts that tastes like home and happiness in every bite.
Whether you bake it for a holiday celebration or just because you crave something cozy, this cake never disappoints. Make it once, and it will become your go-to autumn dessert tradition for years to come.
