There's nothing quite like a warm, fragrant Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze to welcome the cozy vibes of fall. This cake combines tender, juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and a buttery caramel glaze that ties everything together with a deliciously decadent finish. Whether you’re serving it for a family dessert, a holiday gathering, or just a special weeknight treat, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
I first discovered this recipe while trying to use up some extra apples from an autumn apple-picking adventure. It quickly became a seasonal staple in our home, delighting everyone with its rich flavors and satisfying texture.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze
Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite fall dessert. This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is more than just delicious – it's a dessert experience that will bring everyone to the table!
First, it’s incredibly easy to make. No complicated techniques here! Just a simple batter, a few mix-ins, and a homemade caramel glaze that’s simpler than you’d think. Even if you’re not a frequent baker, you’ll find this cake very approachable.
This recipe is also a great way to use up fresh apples. The apples add natural sweetness and moisture, keeping the cake soft and tender. If you have extra apples around or a mix of varieties from the orchard, this cake will be even better.
Plus, that caramel glaze is irresistible! It seeps into the top of the cake, infusing every bite with a buttery caramel flavor that pairs perfectly with the nutty pecans and juicy apples. You can even drizzle extra glaze over each slice for an extra-special treat.
Finally, this cake is versatile enough for any occasion. Serve it warm for dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it the next day with a hot cup of coffee. It’s just as delightful on a casual Sunday as it is for a holiday gathering.
Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Each one adds a unique layer of flavor and texture, making this cake truly special.
Apples are the star of this cake. Choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for the best flavor. Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith apples work beautifully, as they hold up well in baking and add a subtle balance of sweetness and tang.
Pecans add a lovely crunch and nutty richness. Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them to the batter enhances their flavor even more, making them an irresistible addition. If you prefer walnuts, they work well too, though pecans provide a bit more sweetness.
The spices – cinnamon and nutmeg – give this cake its warm, fall-inspired flavor. These spices pair perfectly with the apples and pecans, creating that nostalgic, cozy aroma that fills your kitchen as the cake bakes.
Brown sugar adds depth to the cake, with its molasses undertones providing a richer sweetness than white sugar. Combined with the caramel glaze, it gives the cake a balanced sweetness that isn’t overpowering.
For the caramel glaze, you’ll need butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. This combination creates a rich, buttery glaze that’s quick and easy to make. The glaze hardens slightly as it cools, creating a beautiful layer that soaks into the cake and provides an extra pop of flavor.
You won’t need any special equipment – just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a baking pan. A spatula will help you fold in the apples and pecans without overmixing the batter, ensuring a tender texture.
How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Creating this cozy Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a breeze. Let’s walk through the steps to make this delicious dessert.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and preparing your baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. This will prevent the cake from sticking, so you can easily transfer it to a serving plate once it’s baked.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Whisk them together to ensure an even distribution of spices and leavening.
In a separate bowl, mix together your wet ingredients – eggs, brown sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adding the brown sugar to the wet ingredients helps create a moist, flavorful cake.
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans to the batter, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the cake tough, so stir just until everything is evenly incorporated.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it into an even layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
While the cake cools, make the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and heavy cream, whisking constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the caramel glaze generously over the top. The glaze will soak into the cake and form a sweet, glossy coating that’s simply irresistible. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.
Storage Options
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze keeps well for several days, making it a great make-ahead dessert.
For short-term storage, cover the cake loosely with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days this way.
If you want to store it for a bit longer, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate it. The cake will keep well in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just note that the caramel glaze may harden slightly in the fridge – a quick zap in the microwave will soften it up.
You can also freeze this cake! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw a slice at room temperature and warm it gently in the microwave.
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy it warm, or bake the entire cake at 325°F for about 10 minutes to revive that fresh-from-the-oven flavor.
Variations and Substitutions
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is incredibly adaptable, so feel free to get creative!
Try different nuts if pecans aren’t your favorite. Walnuts or almonds are great alternatives and provide a slightly different flavor profile that’s equally delicious.
For a different flavor twist, add a handful of shredded coconut to the batter. The coconut adds a subtle sweetness and a bit of extra texture that pairs wonderfully with the apples and nuts.
Make it gluten-free by swapping the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. This substitution works well and ensures everyone can enjoy a slice.
If you want to reduce the sugar, try using half brown sugar and half applesauce in the batter. This keeps the cake moist and adds a hint of natural apple sweetness without the added sugar.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with the glaze! Add a pinch of sea salt to create a salted caramel effect, or a dash of cinnamon for extra warmth.
With so many ways to make this cake your own, you’ll find yourself returning to this recipe time and time again. Enjoy!
PrintApple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Recipe
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze recipe is a deliciously moist cake filled with chunks of fresh apples, crunchy pecans, and topped with a sweet, buttery caramel glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or holiday dinners, this cake is sure to be a crowd-pleaser with its comforting flavors and enticing aroma.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
-
For the Cake:
- All-purpose flour
- Baking soda
- Salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Butter
- Sugar
- Eggs
- Vanilla extract
- Apples (peeled and chopped)
- Pecans (chopped)
-
For the Caramel Glaze:
- Butter
- Brown sugar
- Heavy cream
- Vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat the oven and grease a baking pan. In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, cream butter and sugar, then add eggs and vanilla. Fold in the dry ingredients, followed by apples and pecans.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool in the pan.
- Make the Caramel Glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter and add brown sugar and heavy cream. Stir and cook until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Stir in vanilla.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cooled cake, spreading evenly.
Notes
- For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped pecans over the glaze.
- This cake stores well covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 220mg
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