Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is the ultimate cozy, flavor-packed treat that brings autumn warmth with a glossy caramel finish.
Tired of dry, bland cakes that crumble under flavor expectations? This apple-pecan cake delivers moist crumb, tender fruit, crunchy pecans, and a silky caramel glaze that feels indulgent without being fussy.
Hi, I’m Jack recipe developer, food enthusiast, and the heart behind Cooks Foody. I started this blog to share meals and desserts that blend global inspiration with simple, comforting flavors. This cake was born from my nostalgia for fall afternoons at my grandma’s house, combined with my love of baking easy yet impressive desserts.
In this post, we’ll dive into:
- Why this cake works so well
- Ingredient choices for top flavor
- Baking & assembly steps
- Pro tips, flavor tweaks, serving ideas, and FAQs
Why This Dessert Works Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- ✅ Uses simple, affordable ingredients like apples, pecans, and pantry staples
- ✅ Comes together in under an hour no chilling or complex prep
- ✅ Ideal for cozy dinners, potlucks, or family dessert moments
- ✅ Versatile allowing you to mix in spices or swap nuts to suit dietary preferences
Choosing the Right Ingredients Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
Best Ingredients for This Recipe
- Fresh tart apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) for balance
- Chopped pecans for crunch and nutty depth
- Pure vanilla extract and warm spices like cinnamon & nutmeg
- Real butter and caramel sauce for richness
Buying Tips
- Choose crisp, firm apples avoid mealy ones
- Use freshly shelled pecans if possible toast them lightly for better texture
- Use natural unsalted butter and high-quality brown sugar for depth
Substitutions
- Swap pecans with walnuts or almonds if preferred
- Use gluten‑free flour blend to make it GF-friendly
- Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version
Ingredients & Prep Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Cake Prep Essentials
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C)
- Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line with parchment
- Core, peel, and dice apples into ½-inch pieces
Flavor Beams (Mixing Ingredients)
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp cinnamon, ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
- 2 apples, diced
- ½ cup butter, softened
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
Stir apples and pecans into batter before baking.
Pantry Staples
- Flour, sugar, spices, baking powder/soda
- Milk or non‑dairy milk
- Vanilla extract, butter/oil
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Step-by-Step Baking Instructions Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze

Pre‑Baking Prep Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Preheat oven and prep pan
- Sift flour, spices, and salt together
- Dice apples, toast pecans
Mixing & Baking Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Cream butter and brown sugar until fluffy
- Add eggs one at a time, then vanilla
- Alternately mix in dry ingredients and milk
- Fold in apples and pecans gently
- Pour batter into pan and bake 40–45 minutes until golden
Doneness Check Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Insert toothpick it should come out with moist crumbs but not wet batter
- Cake should spring back slightly when pressed
Resting Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Cool in pan 10 minutes, then transfer to rack to cool fully before glazing
Pro Tips for Perfect Cake Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
Avoiding Dry Cake Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Don’t overmix stop when dry ingredients are just moistened
- Measure flour correctly spoon & level, don’t scoop
Tool Recommendations Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Mixing bowls, wooden spoon or electric mixer
- 9-inch round cake pan or square pan works too
Storage & Reheating Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Store covered at room temp for up to 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days
- Warm a slice slightly in microwave before serving for best texture
Flavor Variations Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
Variation Type | Description |
---|---|
Spice Boost | Increase cinnamon to 1½ tsp + add ¼ tsp cloves or ginger |
Paleo/Keto Style | Use almond flour, coconut sugar, and sugar‑free caramel |
Fruit Substitutions | Replace apples with pears or add chopped dates |
Nut-Free Option | Omit nuts, substitute extra oats or seeds |
Citrus Touch | Stir in orange zest and a splash of juice into batter |
Serving Suggestions Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
- Serve with warm caramel drizzle & scoop of vanilla ice cream
- Pair with chai latte, mulled cider, or smoky black tea
- Garnish with whipped cream and toasted pecan halves
- Slice into small squares for dessert bars at gatherings
FAQs Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes thaw and drain excess moisture before folding in.
How do I fix a dry cake?
Brush with simple syrup or serve with extra caramel and whipped cream.
Is this safe while pregnant?
Yes ingredients are shelf-stable and fully cooked.
Conclusion
If you’re craving a dessert that’s rustic, flavorful, and easy to make, this Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze is your next winner. It’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and deliciously simple.
Print
Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze 5 Star Fall Dessert Magic
- Total Time: 1 hr
- Yield: 8–10 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A moist apple‑pecan cake with warm spices and a rich caramel glaze perfect for autumn gatherings or cozy dessert nights.
Ingredients
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt
½ cup chopped pecans, toasted
2 apples, diced
½ cup brown sugar
½ cup butter, softened
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ cup milk
1 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.
2. Sift flour, spices, and salt together.
3. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy; add eggs and vanilla.
4. Alternate adding dry ingredients and milk.
5. Fold in apples and pecans.
6. Pour into pan and bake 40–45 minutes until golden.
7. Cool 10 minutes in pan, then transfer to rack.
8. Drizzle caramel glaze evenly when fully cool.
9. Slice and serve.
Notes
Optional: Add a pinch of sea salt on top of glaze for contrast.
Store at room temp up to 2 days or in fridge up to 5 days.
Reheat gently for a warm slice.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American/Autumn
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 50mg
Keywords: Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze, fall cake, moist apple cake