Let me tell you, there’s nothing quite like a slice of apple pecan cake with caramel glaze to brighten your day! This cake is a true celebration of flavors, with moist, tender crumbs that melt in your mouth and a rich, buttery caramel glaze that adds that perfect touch of sweetness. I remember the first time I made this for a family gathering; the aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through the house was simply irresistible! It was gone in a flash, and everyone went back for seconds! Trust me, this apple pecan cake is not just a dessert, it’s a warm hug on a plate that you won’t want to miss!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – This forms the base of our cake, giving it that delightful structure.
- 1 cup granulated sugar – For that sweet flavor that balances beautifully with the apples.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar – Adds a rich, caramel-like depth to the cake.
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened – This is the magic ingredient that keeps our cake moist and flavorful.
- 3 large eggs – They help bind everything together and add richness.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – A splash of this elevates the flavor profile to new heights!
- 1 teaspoon baking powder – This is our leavening agent, making the cake rise perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda – Works in tandem with the baking powder for that fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Just a pinch enhances all the flavors beautifully.
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples – The star of the show! Choose your favorite variety for the best flavor.
- 1 cup chopped pecans – They add a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
How to Prepare the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Preheat and Prepare
First things first, let’s get that oven preheated to a warm 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a good greasing and flouring. This step is crucial to ensure our cake comes out perfectly without sticking. You want to make sure every slice is ready to serve!
Make the Batter
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious batter! In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until it’s light and fluffy – about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is key for that moist texture we love! Then, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to ensure they’re fully incorporated. Don’t forget to stir in the vanilla extract; it adds such a lovely depth of flavor that will make your cake sing! Trust me, you’ll want to mix until everything is well-combined and smooth.
Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Give it a quick whisk to thoroughly mix everything together. Then, gradually add this dry mixture into the wet batter, folding it in gently. Take your time with this step; you want to avoid overmixing. Just blend until you see the flour disappear to keep that cake light and fluffy!
Fold in Apples and Pecans
Here comes the fun part! Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans. This step is super important because you want to keep the batter’s airy texture. Just use a spatula and fold carefully until the apples and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter. You’ll see those lovely chunks peeking through, and it’s going to taste divine!
Bake the Cake
Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Now, slide that beauty into the preheated oven and let it bake for about 45 to 50 minutes. To check if it’s done, insert a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean or with just a few crumbs. Once it’s ready, take it out and let it cool in the pan for a bit before transferring it to a wire rack. This cooling time is essential before we drizzle on that luscious caramel glaze!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each slice of this delightful apple pecan cake with caramel glaze. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, 15g of fat, 4g of protein, and 50g of carbohydrates. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Let me tell you why this apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is a must-try! It’s quick and easy to whip up, making it perfect for those last-minute gatherings. The rich caramel glaze elevates the flavor, while the moist and satisfying texture will have everyone coming back for seconds. Plus, it’s vegetarian-friendly, so everyone can enjoy a slice of this deliciousness! You won’t regret making this cake!
Tips for Success
To make your apple pecan cake with caramel glaze absolutely perfect, start by ensuring your butter is softened to room temperature—this helps create that light, fluffy batter we all love! When choosing apples, go for a mix of sweet and tart varieties to enhance the flavor; my favorites are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp! Also, don’t skip the cooling step; letting the cake cool completely before glazing ensures that the caramel doesn’t slide right off. Lastly, feel free to get creative with spices; a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg can elevate the taste even more. You’ve got this!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your leftover apple pecan cake with caramel glaze fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you need to keep it longer, pop it in the fridge, where it’ll stay good for about a week. When you’re ready to enjoy another slice, simply warm it up in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. This will bring back that lovely moist texture without drying it out. Enjoy every sweet bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions? I’ve got answers! If you’re wondering, can I use different nuts? Absolutely! Feel free to swap out pecans for walnuts or even almonds for a different twist. Now, if you’re interested in making this cake gluten-free, how can I make this cake gluten-free? Just substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and you should be good to go! Lastly, if you find yourself asking, what should I do if the cake is too dry? Don’t worry! You can add a bit of applesauce or a drizzle of caramel glaze on top to bring back that moisture. Happy baking!
For more delicious apple recipes, check out this rustic apple pie recipe that is sure to impress!
Additionally, if you’re curious about the health benefits of apples, you can read more about it here.
Lastly, for tips on baking with nuts, visit this BBC Good Food guide for some great insights!
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Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze: 5 Reasons to Indulge
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious apple pecan cake topped with a rich caramel glaze.
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together.
- Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Stir in vanilla extract.
- In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.
- Fold in chopped apples and pecans.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cake cool before adding caramel glaze.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Can substitute walnuts for pecans if desired.
- For a more intense flavor, use a mix of apple varieties.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: apple pecan cake, caramel glaze, dessert, baking
