There's nothing quite like the heavenly aroma of Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze wafting through your kitchen. This decadent dessert features moist, spiced cake loaded with tender apple pieces and crunchy pecans, all crowned with a luscious, buttery caramel glaze that’s truly irresistible.

I first discovered this gem of a recipe while experimenting with fall flavors for a holiday gathering. Needless to say, it was love at first bite, and now, it’s become a staple dessert that family and friends request year after year.
Why You'll Love This Apple Pecan Cake
Get ready to savor a cake that’s sure to become your new favorite. This Apple Pecan Cake doesn’t just taste incredible; it has so many benefits that make it hard to resist.
First and foremost, the flavors are out of this world. The combination of sweet apples, crunchy pecans, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg creates a comforting, autumnal experience that tastes like a hug in cake form.
It’s also wonderfully easy to make. With no complicated steps or tricky techniques, this cake comes together quickly, making it perfect for both novice bakers and seasoned pros who want a no-fuss dessert.
One of the best things about this cake is how versatile it is. Whether you want to serve it as a show-stopping dessert at a holiday dinner or simply enjoy a slice with your morning coffee, it always delivers. Plus, it stays moist for days, making it ideal for preparing in advance.
Finally, let’s talk about that caramel glaze. It's the crowning glory, adding a decadent touch that soaks into the cake and provides a delightful contrast to the nutty, spiced base. Trust me – it’s the kind of cake that leaves everyone begging for the recipe.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Pecan Cake lies in the harmony of its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here's what makes each component special.
- Apples: Choose a firm, tart variety like Granny Smith for the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. The tartness pairs beautifully with the rich caramel glaze. If you prefer a sweeter cake, Honeycrisp or Fuji are excellent options too.
- Pecans: Toasting the pecans before folding them into the batter enhances their natural nuttiness and adds a deeper flavor. Don’t skip this step – it makes a huge difference!
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg are essential for that warm, cozy flavor. Freshly grated nutmeg provides an especially fragrant and spicy aroma, so if you have it, use it.
- All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, all-purpose flour gives just the right structure. For a slightly lighter texture, you can substitute half with cake flour.
- Caramel Glaze: Made with butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream, this simple glaze adds a luscious, buttery finish to the cake. If you want an extra-salty twist, add a pinch of flaky sea salt.
Special Equipment: To make this cake, you’ll need a 9x13-inch baking dish or a bundt pan. An electric mixer also comes in handy for combining ingredients efficiently.
How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake

Creating this delightful Apple Pecan Cake is straightforward and enjoyable. Let me walk you through it step by step.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish well. If you’re using a bundt pan, be sure to coat it thoroughly to prevent sticking.
In a large bowl, mix your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisking them together ensures an even distribution of spices throughout the cake.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add in your eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. This step incorporates air, giving the cake a nice lift. Stir in the vanilla extract and fold in your chopped apples and toasted pecans.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet, mixing just until combined. Overmixing can make the cake dense, so be gentle here. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, prepare your caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add brown sugar and stir until it dissolves, then pour in the heavy cream. Let the mixture bubble gently for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat. Drizzle the warm caramel over the cooled cake, letting it soak into the top.
The cake should cool for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the glaze to set. Slice, serve, and enjoy every decadent bite!
Storage Options
Storing this Apple Pecan Cake is a breeze, and it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
- Room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Be sure to cover it well to keep it moist.
- Refrigerator: For longer storage, wrap the cake tightly and refrigerate it for up to 5 days. The cold temperature helps the cake stay fresh, though you might want to warm up individual slices for a softer texture.
- Freezing: You can also freeze this cake. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. It’ll keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw slices in the refrigerator overnight and warm gently before serving.
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for about 10 seconds or until warm. The caramel glaze will melt slightly, giving you that fresh-baked experience all over again.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the joys of this Apple Pecan Cake is how adaptable it is. Here are some variations to try:
- Nut-Free Version: If you’re avoiding nuts, simply omit the pecans. You can add extra apples or a handful of raisins for added texture.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. The cake will still be moist and flavorful, though the texture may be slightly different.
- Dairy-Free Substitution: Replace the butter with a plant-based alternative and use coconut cream in place of heavy cream for the caramel glaze. The cake will have a subtle tropical undertone.
- Fruit Swaps: Try using chopped pears or even mixed berries for a different flavor profile. Adjust the spices accordingly to complement your chosen fruit.
- Spiced Rum Glaze: For an adult twist, add a tablespoon of spiced rum to the caramel glaze. It adds a rich, warm depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apples.
Don’t be afraid to make this recipe your own. With so many ways to customize it, you’re sure to discover a version that becomes a household favorite.
Enjoy experimenting and baking up a storm – this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is bound to bring warmth and smiles to any occasion!
PrintApple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze recipe is an indulgent dessert filled with the warmth of apples and pecans, and topped with a buttery caramel glaze that brings all the fall flavors together. Ideal for cozy gatherings or as a sweet treat to impress your guests, this cake is sure to be a hit.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Apples (peeled and chopped)
- Chopped pecans
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Vegetable oil
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Ingredients for caramel glaze (butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, salt)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a cake pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- Prepare the batter: In another bowl, beat together the sugars, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually add the dry ingredients, mixing until combined.
- Fold in apples and chopped pecans. Pour batter into the prepared cake pan.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
- Make caramel glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter, stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, add vanilla, and pour over the warm cake.
Notes
- Substitute walnuts for pecans if preferred.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 220mg
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