Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

There’s nothing quite like the combination of fresh, tart Granny Smith apples paired with the sweet crunch of pecans, all enveloped in a moist, tender cake. Add a rich, buttery caramel glaze, and you have a dessert that will have your friends and family coming back for more. This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is truly a celebration of fall flavors, yet it’s perfect for any time of the year when you’re craving something sweet, spiced, and utterly indulgent.

Why This Apple Pecan Cake Stands Out

What makes this cake so special is its rustic charm. The chopped apples provide a delightful texture, and the pecans bring a nutty richness that complements the caramel glaze perfectly. Each bite offers a balance of sweetness from the cake and a deep, buttery richness from the glaze, making it irresistible.

The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need fancy equipment or special techniques—just simple ingredients that come together in a magical way. The aroma that fills your kitchen as this cake bakes is simply heavenly, and the end result is even better.

Ingredients for Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

For the Cake:

1 1/2 cups cooking oil (vegetable or canola oil works well)
2 cups sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp cinnamon (for a warm, subtle spice)
1 tsp salt
2 tsps vanilla extract (pure vanilla for the best flavor)
3 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples (approximately 3-4 apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces)
1 cup pecans, chopped small (you can toast them beforehand for added flavor)

For the Caramel Glaze:

3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks, unsalted)
1 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup milk (whole milk for a richer glaze)
1 tsp vanilla extract

How to Make the Apple Pecan Cake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). This lower temperature ensures that your cake bakes evenly and stays moist.

Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking oil, sugar, and eggs. Beat them together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and fully combined. This will be the base of your cake, giving it richness and moisture.

In a separate, medium-sized bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. This step ensures that all the dry ingredients are well-distributed, preventing any clumps in your cake batter.

Now, slowly add the dry mixture into the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix well until everything is fully incorporated. You should have a thick, smooth batter at this point.

Next, stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavors. After mixing that in, gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans. These add delightful bursts of flavor and texture to the cake. Make sure the apples and pecans are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 3: Pour the Batter Into the Pan

Generously grease and flour a tube pan or two loaf pans. The key here is to ensure that your cake releases easily after baking, so don’t be shy with the greasing and flouring!

Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), spreading it out evenly. The batter will be thick, but that’s what helps give the cake its dense, moist texture.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 325°F for about 1 hour. Check the cake at around the 50-minute mark by inserting a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is ready. If you're using loaf pans, the baking time might vary slightly, so be sure to keep an eye on it.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.

Making the Caramel Glaze

While your cake cools, it’s time to make the caramel glaze. This glaze is what takes the cake from delicious to downright decadent.

Step 1: Melt the Butter

In a small saucepan, melt 3/4 cup butter over low heat. Keep the heat low to prevent the butter from burning.

Step 2: Create the Caramel

Once the butter has melted, stir in 1 cup of light brown sugar and 1/4 cup of milk. Stir constantly as you bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and continue stirring for about 10 minutes. This will allow the sugar to dissolve fully, creating a smooth, glossy caramel.

Step 3: Add the Vanilla and Cool

After the caramel has simmered and thickened slightly, remove it from the heat. Stir in 1 tsp of vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a depth of flavor that enhances the sweetness of the caramel.

Let the glaze cool for a few minutes, but not too long. You want it to thicken slightly, but still be pourable.

Finishing the Cake

Once the caramel glaze has cooled a bit, pour it generously over the cooled cake. The glaze will seep into the nooks and crannies of the cake, infusing each bite with its rich, buttery sweetness.

If you want, you can garnish the top with additional pecan pieces or even a sprinkle of cinnamon for a decorative touch.

Tips for Success

Choosing the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples are ideal for this recipe because their tartness balances out the sweetness of the cake and caramel. However, you can also use other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a slightly sweeter flavor.
Toasting the Pecans: For an extra layer of flavor, you can toast the pecans before adding them to the batter. Simply place them on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, until fragrant.
Don’t Overmix: When adding the apples and pecans, be careful not to overmix the batter. This will help keep the cake tender and prevent it from becoming dense.
Storing the Cake: This cake stores beautifully. Keep it covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate it for up to a week. The flavors often improve the next day as the cake absorbs more of the caramel glaze.

A Slice of Comfort in Every Bite

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect combination of moist cake, sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and decadent caramel. Whether you’re serving it at a fall gathering, a holiday celebration, or just treating yourself to a comforting dessert, this cake is sure to impress.

Each bite is a delightful contrast of textures—soft, spiced cake, juicy apples, and the sticky, sweet caramel glaze that brings it all together. So go ahead, make this cake, and get ready for rave reviews!