If you’re in search of a truly special treat that celebrates the very best of autumn flavors, you can’t go wrong with Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze. Imagine tender chunks of tart Granny Smith apples mingling with toasty pecans and a fragrant mix of cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg—all embraced by a soft, moist cake. The crowning touch? A rich, buttery caramel glaze that soaks through every nook and cranny. This is the kind of dessert that not only fills your kitchen with the coziest smells but also practically demands you gather friends and family around the table for “just one more slice.”

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze are delightfully simple, but each one plays a starring role. The balance of sweet and tart, crunch and softness, warmth and fragrance is what makes this cake shine—don’t skip or swap unless you have to!

Butter (for baking dish): Greasing your pan ensures the cake comes out in one beautiful piece—no sticking!
Light brown sugar: This adds a subtle molasses flavor and keeps the cake extra moist.
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and a plush crumb texture.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb super tender and moist, even days after baking.
Eggs: These give the cake structure, richness, and help bind everything together.
Unbleached all-purpose flour: Provides the body for your cake—scoop and level for the best results.
Baking soda: Lifts the cake, making it light but not crumbly.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that warmly spiced note every apple cake craves.
Cardamom: A subtle, almost citrusy spice that makes the flavor extra memorable.
Freshly grated nutmeg: Freshly grated really is best here—just a little wakes up all the flavors.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and deepens all the other flavors.
Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out and gives lovely depth of flavor.
Granny Smith apples: Their tartness keeps the cake from being overly sweet, and their firm texture holds up beautifully when baked.
Pecans (larger chunks): They add an irresistible crunch and toasty richness—don’t chop them too finely!
Unsalted butter (for glaze): The base of your luscious caramel glaze.
Granulated sugar (for glaze): Blended with brown sugar to create a perfectly balanced caramel.
Light brown sugar (for glaze): Amplifies the caramel’s toffee-like notes.
Pinch of salt (for glaze): Just enough to make the flavors pop without being “salty caramel.”
Heavy cream (for glaze): Makes the caramel ridiculously silky and pourable.
9×13 baking dish: This trusty pan gives you plenty of slices to share—if you’re willing!

How to Make Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F. Take a moment to generously butter a 9-by-13-inch baking dish—this is your insurance policy for an easy cake release later. Trust me, when that caramel glaze goes on, you’ll want every slice to look as lovely as it tastes.

Step 2: Mix Sugars, Oil, and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vegetable oil. Use a hand mixer or sturdy whisk to beat everything together until the mixture looks creamy and well blended. Add the eggs, one at a time, and beat again until the mixture is smooth and fully combined.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients and Add to Wet Mixture

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, and salt. Gradually add these dry ingredients to your sugar-egg mixture, beating gently just until everything is incorporated—don’t overmix, or the cake can get tough. Stir in the vanilla extract here for an extra boost of flavor.

Step 4: Fold in Apples and Pecans

Peel and dice your Granny Smith apples into ½ inch pieces, then gently fold them into the batter along with the chunky pecans. The batter will look very thick and loaded with more filling than dough—that’s exactly what you want for a truly moist, apple-packed cake.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Scrape the thick, apple-studded batter into your prepared dish, smoothing the top just a little. Bake for 55-65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with just a few moist crumbs. The scent will be intoxicating! Let the cake cool for a few minutes in the pan while you make the caramel glaze.

Step 6: Prepare the Caramel Glaze

For the crown jewel of your Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat. Add both sugars and a pinch of salt, whisking until combined. After 2 minutes, pour in the heavy cream and whisk—let the mixture bubble for about 2 minutes, whisking constantly. Once thickened, take it off the heat; it’ll continue to enrich as it cools slightly. This sauce is pure gold!

Step 7: Assemble and Glaze the Cake

While the cake is still warm in the pan, use a skewer or toothpick to poke holes all over the top—this helps the caramel glaze sink deep into every bite. Pour the warm caramel glaze slowly and evenly over the entire surface. Let it soak in for a few minutes. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature and get ready to taste pure comfort!

How to Serve Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Garnishes

A simple sprinkle of extra chopped pecans over the glaze adds a lovely crunch and enhances the nutty aroma. For a pretty finish, you can also dust lightly with powdered sugar or add a very thin apple fan to each slice for a professional touch—so simple yet stunning!

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a generous dollop of vanilla ice cream or a swirl of lightly sweetened whipped cream. If you’re serving it for brunch or an afternoon treat, a hot cup of coffee or chai latte really highlights the warm spices and makes the flavor of Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze pop even more.

Creative Ways to Present

For individual servings, cut the cake into squares and plate each with a drizzle of extra caramel sauce and a scatter of toasted pecan pieces. During fall gatherings, pile slices on a vintage cake stand and ring them with thin apple slices. You can even serve small cubes speared on toothpicks for a unique dessert buffet. The natural beauty of Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze shines no matter how you display it!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze right in the baking dish, covered tightly with foil or plastic wrap. You can also transfer slices to an airtight container. It’ll stay delightfully moist at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors deepen over time, making each bite even better!

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze this cake for later! Let it cool completely, then either wrap the whole cake or individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying—just note that the caramel glaze may soak in a bit more, making the cake even moister.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds. For larger portions, a quick 10-minute stint in a 300°F oven will bring the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze back to that just-baked texture. If you love extra caramel, drizzle a little more sauce before serving!

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Yes, but Granny Smith apples are the best for Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze because their tartness balances the sweetness and they hold their shape during baking. If you use a sweeter apple, you may want to reduce the sugar slightly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Definitely! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. The cake may be a touch more delicate, but the texture and flavor still deliver all the cozy comfort you’re after.

Will walnuts work instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts can replace pecans if that’s what you have on hand or prefer, though pecans add an especially buttery richness that makes Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze so special.

Should I peel the apples?

Peeling the apples is important for this recipe. Leaving the skin on can make the cake texture a bit uneven, and you really want those tender, melt-in-your-mouth apple bits throughout.

Can I make the caramel glaze ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the glaze a day ahead and gently reheat it before pouring over the cake. Just warm it slowly over low heat, stirring often, until it’s pourable again. This makes assembly on party day even quicker.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a comforting show-stopper that’s as easy as it is impressive, this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is your answer. Every bite is loaded with cozy flavors and nostalgic charm—perfect for sharing, gifting, or quietly savoring with a cup of something hot. Give it a try and watch it become an instant favorite at your table!