Fall’s Coziest Rustic Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

A warm slice of rustic apple pecan cake with caramel glaze offers pure comfort on chilly autumn afternoons.

Sweet apples nestled in a tender, nutty batter create a delightful harmony of flavors.

Crunchy pecans add depth and texture to every delectable bite.

The golden-brown cake emerges from the oven with an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen.

Drizzled with rich, amber caramel glaze, this dessert transforms simple ingredients into a memorable treat.

Each forkful promises a perfect balance of warmth and sweetness.

Bake this cake and watch as smiles spread around the table.

Smart Tweaks for Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Gently toast the pecans in a dry skillet before adding them to the batter to enhance their nutty flavor and create a deeper, more robust taste profile.
• Prepare the cake batter and refrigerate overnight, then bake fresh in the morning for maximum convenience and minimal morning stress.
• Swap regular flour with a gluten-free all-purpose blend and add a teaspoon of xanthan gum to maintain the cake's tender texture and ensure perfect results for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Replace butter with coconut oil or vegetable oil, use almond milk instead of heavy cream in the caramel glaze, and select a plant-based margarine to create a delicious dairy-free version of this decadent dessert.
• Experiment with additional warm spices like ground nutmeg or a pinch of cardamom to elevate the cake's complexity and create a more nuanced flavor profile that complements the apples and pecans.

Ways to Serve Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Cozy Coffee Companion: Serve warm slices alongside a steaming mug of cinnamon-spiced coffee for a comforting autumn-inspired treat that enhances the cake's rich flavors.
• Elegant Dessert Plating: Garnish each slice with a sprinkle of toasted pecans, a dollop of fresh whipped cream, and a light dusting of ground cinnamon for an impressive presentation that delights the senses.
• Ice Cream Indulgence: Top a warm slice with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, allowing the cold, creamy texture to contrast beautifully with the cake's warm, spiced notes and creating a decadent dessert experience.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Present the cake as a stunning centerpiece for a weekend brunch, paired with fresh apple slices and a light drizzle of additional caramel sauce to wow your guests and complement the morning's spread.

Store and Plan Ahead with Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• Store the apple pecan cake in an airtight container inside the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain its moisture and prevent it from absorbing other food odors.
• When served at room temperature, the cake's flavors become more vibrant and the caramel glaze remains wonderfully soft. Remove the cake from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before serving to enhance its taste and texture.
• Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. The cake can be stored frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving to restore its original delicious quality.
• If the caramel glaze hardens after refrigeration, gently warm it in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or place the container in a bowl of warm water. Stir until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency before drizzling over the cake slices.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Just ensure they are firm and slightly tart for the best texture and flavor.

• Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure to use a blend that contains xanthan gum for better texture.

• How do I know if my pecans are fresh?

Fresh pecans should have a crisp texture and nutty aroma. Check for any rancid smell or discoloration. Store them in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maintain freshness.

• Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

You can slightly reduce the sugar, but it might affect the cake’s texture and caramelization. For best results, use the recommended amount or reduce by no more than 25%.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Calories: 415 kcal

Servings: 9

What You Need for Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and tender crumb for the cake's foundation.
• Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, airy texture.
• Baking Soda: Activates other ingredients and ensures even browning.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic flavor that complements apples.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor complexity and balances sweetness.

• Unsalted Butter: Creates rich, creamy base and adds moisture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar: Sweetens and helps create a soft, tender cake texture.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and provide structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and rounds out the cake's flavor profile.

• Apples, Pecans: Introduce delightful texture, natural sweetness, and nutty crunch to the cake, with apples providing moisture and pecans adding earthy undertones.

Tools to Make Apple Pecan Cake

• Electric mixer: Essential for creaming butter and sugar, and mixing batter smoothly.
• Large mixing bowl: Needed for combining wet ingredients and mixing cake batter.
• Medium bowl: Used for whisking dry ingredients together.
• 9-inch round cake pan: Perfect size for baking this delicious apple pecan cake.
• Whisk: Great for blending dry ingredients and ensuring even distribution.
• Saucepan: Required for making the rich caramel glaze.
• Wire rack: Helps cake cool evenly after baking.
• Toothpick: Useful for checking cake doneness.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Bake Apple Pecan Cake

• Fire Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350F and get your cake pan ready by giving it a light coating of grease or tucking in a parchment paper liner.

• Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a bowl and blend the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt until they’re perfectly combined.

• Whip Butter and Sugar

Cream the butter and sugar together until they become fluffy and cloud-like, transforming into a light and airy mixture.

• Incorporate Eggs and Flavor

Crack in the eggs one by one, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Splash in some vanilla for an extra flavor punch.

• Fold in Fruits and Nuts

Gently combine the dry ingredients with your butter mixture, then tenderly fold in the chopped apples and crunchy pecans. Mix until just combined – no overmixing allowed!

• Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake rest in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack.

• Create Caramel

In a saucepan, melt butter and brown sugar. Bring to a boil, then whisk in cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Let it simmer and thicken for a few minutes.

• Drizzle and Serve

Once the cake has cooled, shower it with the warm caramel glaze, letting it cascade beautifully down the sides.