Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

A moist, warmly spiced cake that combines tender apple pieces, crunchy pecans, and a luscious caramel glaze—perfect for cozy gatherings, tea time, or any occasion craving a touch of autumnal comfort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this cake marries sweet apple, toasted pecan crunch, and buttery caramel. It’s rustic yet elegant, filling the house with inviting aroma and delivering a comforting, layered flavor in each bite. I find it’s the perfect treat whether for brunch or an afternoon pick-me-up.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour

• Baking powder

• Baking soda

• Salt

• Ground cinnamon (plus a pinch of nutmeg or allspice, optional)

• Granulated sugar and brown sugar

• Unsalted butter, softened

• Eggs

• Vanilla extract

• Sour cream or yogurt (for moisture)

• Apples (peeled, cored, and chopped; Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work well)

• Chopped pecans (toasted)

• For caramel glaze:

  • Unsalted butter

  • Brown sugar

  • Heavy cream or milk

  • Vanilla extract

  • Pinch of sea salt (optional)

directions

1. I preheat the oven and grease a 9-inch round pan (or 8×8‑inch square pan), lining the bottom with parchment for easy removal.

2. I whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a bowl.

3. In a larger bowl, I cream together butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Then I beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.

4. I mix in the sour cream (or yogurt) until everything is smooth.

5. I gently fold in the dry ingredients until just combined—being careful not to overmix.

6. I stir in chopped apples and toasted pecans, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

7. I pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached—about 40–50 minutes.

8. While the cake bakes, I prepare the caramel glaze by melting butter and brown sugar together, bringing it briefly to a simmer before stirring in cream, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until smooth and slightly thickened. I set it aside to cool.

9. Once the cake is warm but not hot, I drizzle or pour the caramel glaze evenly on top, letting it soak in slightly before slicing.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8–10 slices. Prep time is about 20 minutes, baking takes 40–50 minutes, and cooling-plus-glazing adds another –10 minutes—so the total time is roughly 1¼ hours.

Variations

• Apple variety swap: I use tart Granny Smith for bite contrast or sweet Fuji for a gentler flavor.

• Spiced upgrade: I add ½ tsp ground ginger or cardamom to deepen the spice profile.

• Nut-free version: I skip pecans and sprinkle the top with oats or seeds instead.

• Mini bundts or muffins: I bake in mini bundt or muffin tins—reducing baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

storage/reheating

I store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (longer in the fridge). The caramel glaze keeps it moist. I like to warm individual slices in a microwave for about 10–15 seconds before serving—or let it come to room temperature for softer texture.

FAQs

How do I prevent the cake from being dry?

I ensure proper measuring of flour and include a creamy element (sour cream or yogurt), then avoid overbaking by checking with a toothpick as it nears completion.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes—I reduce or omit the additional pinch of sea salt in the glaze to balance the flavors.

What if I don’t have sour cream?

I substitute Greek yogurt or even full-fat plain yogurt—it gives the same moisture and slight tang.

Can I freeze this cake?

Absolutely—I wrap slices tightly or freeze the whole cake (sans glaze) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. I thaw in the fridge overnight and drizzle fresh glaze before serving.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes—I swap in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. I gently fold it in and bake as directed—the cake still turns out tender and flavorful.

Conclusion

I find the Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze to be a heartwarming and delicious treat that combines the best of flaky textures, warm spices, and golden caramel goodness. It’s easy to make yet feels special, making it my go-to when I want to delight friends and family. Let me know if you’d like ideas for pairing it with drinks or turning it into a layered coffee cake!