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Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.6 from 89 reviews
  • Author: Nora
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
  • Yield: 12 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This delightful Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a moist, flavorful dessert combining tender chunks of Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans baked into a tender cake. Topped with a rich, buttery caramel glaze, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and nutty flavors ideal for autumn gatherings or special occasions.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cooking oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces (approximately 3-4 apples)
  • 1 cup pecans, chopped small

Caramel Glaze

  • 3/4 cup butter (1 1/2 sticks)
  • 1 cup light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) to prepare for baking the cake evenly.
  2. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooking oil, granulated sugar, and eggs. Beat the mixture until it becomes nice and creamy, ensuring it’s well blended.
  3. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to distribute the leavening and spices evenly throughout the batter.
  4. Incorporate Dry into Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the large bowl with the wet ingredients. Mix well to achieve a consistent batter with no lumps.
  5. Add Flavorings and Mix-ins: Stir in the vanilla extract thoroughly, then gently fold in the chopped Granny Smith apples and chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Prepare Baking Pan: Generously grease and flour a tube pan (or two loaf pans as an alternative) to prevent sticking and allow for easy release after baking.
  7. Pour and Bake: Pour the cake batter into the prepared pan(s) and place in the preheated oven. Bake at 325°F for approximately 1 hour, starting the doneness check around 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick. The cake is done when the toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Make Caramel Glaze: While the cake bakes, melt the butter in a small pan over low heat. Stir in light brown sugar and whole milk, bringing it to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to a simmer and stir constantly for 10 minutes until the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Allow to cool slightly.
  9. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is baked and cooled slightly, pour the caramel glaze evenly over the top to add a luscious finishing touch.

Notes

  • Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and modifications made to the recipe.
  • Check doneness with a toothpick starting at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking, especially if using loaf pans instead of a tube pan.
  • Allow the caramel glaze to cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from soaking too deeply into the cake.
  • For best results, use Granny Smith apples for their tart flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
  • Calories: 764
  • Sugar: 56g
  • Sodium: 406mg
  • Fat: 47g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 36g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 82g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 6g
  • Cholesterol: 86mg