When it comes to delicious desserts, nothing beats the combination of apples, pecans, and caramel. Our Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect balance of moisture, warmth, and sweetness. Whether for a casual family gathering or a special dinner party, this cake is sure to impress with its rich texture and indulgent caramel glaze. Let’s dive into the steps to make this irresistible dessert.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups peeled, chopped apples (about 2 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Caramel Glaze:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper for easy removal of the cake.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the granulated sugar and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until incorporated.
- Fold in Apples and Pecans: Gently fold the chopped apples and pecans into the batter using a spatula, being careful not to overmix.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Make the Caramel Glaze: While the cake cools, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then add the heavy cream and vanilla extract. Stir constantly until the glaze is smooth and has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the Glaze: Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. You can add extra chopped pecans on top for added texture and flavor.
Conclusion
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a truly indulgent dessert, perfect for any occasion. Its balance of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and rich caramel glaze makes it a treat you won’t want to miss. Serve it as a centerpiece for a family gathering, or as an elegant finish to a dinner party. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, making it a versatile option for all types of events.
Storage Information
If you have leftovers (though that’s unlikely!), you can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To extend its freshness, you can also refrigerate the cake for up to a week. If you’d like to keep it longer, slice and freeze the cake for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw at room temperature or heat up a slice in the microwave for a warm, comforting treat!
