Best-Ever Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze – Sweet, Nutty & Irresistible

Indulging in a slice of Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is like embracing a warm hug on a chilly day. The delightful combination of sweet apples and crunchy pecans creates a harmonious blend that tantalizes your taste buds. Topped with a luscious caramel glaze, this dessert not only pleases the palate but also adds an inviting visual appeal that makes it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Moreover, this charming cake is incredibly versatile; it can be served as a dessert or a delightful brunch treat. With each bite, you experience the moist texture and rich flavor, accompanied by the delightful crunch of pecans. Whether you’re an experienced baker or a novice, this recipe for Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze will inspire you to whip up a masterpiece that everyone will adore.
Ingredients for Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze:

To create a delightful Apple Pecan Cake enhanced with a rich caramel glaze, gather the following ingredients:
Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
---|---|---|
All-purpose flour | 2 cups | Levelled for accuracy |
Granulated sugar | 1 ½ cups | White sugar |
Chopped pecans | 1 cup | Fresh, unsalted preferred |
Shredded apples | 1 cup | About 2 medium-sized apples |
Vegetable oil | ½ cup | Neutral-flavored oil |
Sour cream | ½ cup | Full-fat for richness |
Large eggs | 3 | Room temperature |
Vanilla extract | 1 teaspoon | Pure vanilla for best flavor |
Baking powder | 1 teaspoon | |
Baking soda | 1 teaspoon | |
Salt | ½ teaspoon | |
Ground cinnamon | ½ teaspoon | Freshly ground if possible |
This combination of ingredients not only ensures a moist and flavorful cake but also offers delightful textures from the pecans and apples. If you enjoy desserts featuring fruit, be sure to check out this Blueberry Peach Cheesecake, which beautifully balances flavors and is perfect for gatherings.
Combining these ingredients thoughtfully will result in a scrumptious cake adorned with a silky caramel glaze that will surely impress your guests. Enjoy baking and tasting this delicious treat!
How to Prepare Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze:
Step | Instructions | Tips |
---|
1 | Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). | Grease and flour your cake pan to prevent sticking. |
2 | In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, ½ tsp ground cinnamon, and ½ tsp salt. Set aside. | Whisk well to evenly distribute leavening agents. |
3 | In a separate bowl, beat 1½ cups sugar with ½ cup vegetable oil until smooth. | Use a hand or stand mixer for even blending. |
4 | Add ½ cup sour cream, 3 large eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla extract to the sugar-oil mixture. Mix until combined. | Eggs at room temperature blend better. |
5 | Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. | Avoid overmixing to keep the cake tender. |
6 | Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans and 1 cup shredded apples. | Shred apples just before adding to retain moisture. |
7 | Pour batter into the prepared cake pan. | Use a spatula to spread evenly. |
8 | Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. | Check at 45 minutes to avoid overbaking. |
9 | Let cake cool before adding glaze. | Cooling prevents glaze from soaking in too quickly. |
10 | Prepare a rich caramel glaze and drizzle over the cooled cake. | For extra shine, pour glaze while slightly warm. |
This cake is perfect for gatherings, just like the Almond Caramel Layer Cake.
Finally, let the glaze set before serving. Enjoy a slice of your homemade apple pecan delight!

Baking Tips for Perfect Flavor:
To achieve the best flavor in your Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze, start with fresh ingredients. Use tart apples for a delightful contrast to the sweetness of the cake and glaze. Toasting pecans before adding them enhances their nutty flavor, making it even more irresistible. Ensuring your eggs are at room temperature allows for better mixing, creating a light and fluffy texture.
For the caramel glaze, keep the process steady. Watch your sugar closely while making it to prevent burning. A great resource for perfecting caramel is this detailed guide on making caramel. If you want to balance flavors further, serve your cake alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This not only complements the rich caramel but also brightens the overall taste experience.
Additionally, consider pairing your cake with a refreshing drink, like a pineapple cucumber mint juice, to offset the sweetness. Remember, baking is all about enhancing flavors harmoniously, making each bite of your apple pecan creation a delightful treat!
Storage Tips for Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze:
Storage Method | How to Store | Shelf Life | Tips |
---|
Room Temperature | Cool cake completely, wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. | Up to 4 days | Keep in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. |
Refrigerator | Wrap cake or place in an airtight container after cooling. | About 1 week | Bring to room temperature before serving for best flavor. |
Freezer | Slice into portions, place in airtight container or freezer bag. | Up to 3 months | Thaw at room temperature or reheat slightly in oven. |
Variation Idea | Try our Almond Caramel Layer Cake for a flavor twist. | — | Discover great ideas like Coffee Cheesecake for more dessert inspiration. |
Nutritional Information:
Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is not just delicious; it also offers a balanced nutritional profile. A typical slice contains approximately 320 calories, providing essential vitamins from apples and healthy fats from pecans. The addition of caramel enhances its sweetness but may increase sugar content. If you’re seeking a lighter dessert, consider exploring our No-Bake Cheesecake recipe for a guilt-free indulgence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
What makes Apple Pecan Cake special?
The charm of Apple Pecan Cake, topped with a luscious caramel glaze, lies in its delightful combination of flavors and textures. The moist cake, infused with fresh apples and crunchy pecans, creates a rich taste experience that’s hard to resist.
Can I substitute other nuts in the cake?
Absolutely! While the pecans add a fantastic crunch and flavor, feel free to substitute walnuts or almonds based on your preference. Each nut variation will impart a unique twist to your Apple Pecan Cake.
How should I store leftover cake?
To preserve its freshness, store any leftover Apple Pecan Cake in an airtight container. It can be kept at room temperature for a few days or refrigerated for longer shelf life.
Is this cake suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well! Slice the cake and wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap before placing them in a freezer bag. Just be sure to thaw them at room temperature when ready to enjoy.

Best-Ever Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze – Sweet, Nutty & Irresistible
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze – moist, nutty, and sweet with a buttery caramel finish. Perfect fall dessert!
Ingredients
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
1 cup shredded apples (about 2 medium)
½ cup vegetable oil
½ cup sour cream
3 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Caramel glaze (prepared separately)
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
-
In a bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
-
In another bowl, beat sugar and oil until smooth.
-
Add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla; mix well.
-
Gradually mix in dry ingredients until combined.
-
Fold in chopped pecans and shredded apples.
-
Pour batter into pan and bake for 45–50 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
-
Cool completely, then drizzle with caramel glaze before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, toast pecans before adding them to the batter.
Use freshly shredded apples to keep the cake moist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Keywords: Apple pecan cake, caramel glaze cake, moist apple cake, pecan dessert recipe, fall baking ideas, nutty apple cake, sweet caramel cake, apple cake with pecans