If fall had a flavor, this cake would be it. Sweet-tart apples, crunchy pecans, and a buttery caramel glaze come together to create a dessert that feels both rustic and elegant. Every bite is moist, nutty, and perfectly spiced—making it the kind of cake you’ll want to bake again and again.
Whether served for Sunday supper, Thanksgiving, or just because, this cake never fails to impress.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Cake
- Moist & Flavorful – Loaded with fresh apples that bake into soft, juicy bites.
- Perfectly Balanced – Cinnamon warmth, nutty pecans, and a caramel glaze that ties it all together.
- Crowd-Friendly – Bakes beautifully in a bundt/tube pan or even loaf pans for gifting.
- Simple but Stunning – No layers, no fuss—just one gorgeous cake topped with a glossy glaze.
🥘 Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups cooking oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 ½ cups Granny Smith apples (3–4 apples, peeled and chopped small)
- 1 cup pecans, chopped small
For the Caramel Glaze:
- ¾ cup butter (1 ½ sticks)
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- ¼ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
👩🍳 How to Make Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Step 1: Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a tube pan (or two loaf pans).
- In a large bowl, beat together the oil, sugar, and eggs until creamy.
- In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add to the wet mixture and stir until well combined.
- Mix in vanilla. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans until evenly distributed.
Step 2: Bake the Cake
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).
- Bake for about 1 hour (start checking at 50 minutes). A toothpick should come out clean or with just a few crumbs.
- Let cake cool slightly before glazing.
Step 3: Make the Caramel Glaze
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and milk. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Stir constantly for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in vanilla, and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Glaze the Cake
Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake, letting it drip down the sides.
💡 Tips for Success
- Best Apples – Use Granny Smith for tartness, but Honeycrisp or Fuji also work beautifully.
- Glaze Thickness – For a thicker glaze, simmer a bit longer. For a drizzle, add a splash more milk.
- Storage – Keep covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 5. Tastes even better on day 2!
- Serving Idea – Add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an over-the-top treat.
🍴 Final Thoughts
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect dessert when you want something cozy yet impressive. The combination of tender apples, crunchy pecans, and buttery caramel makes it unforgettable. Serve it at a holiday table, a family gathering, or even just with your afternoon coffee—it’s guaranteed to disappear fast!
