Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This cake offers a harmonious blend of flavors and textures:

Seasonal Flavors: The combination of apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves brings the essence of fall into every bite.
Moist and Tender: The addition of sour cream ensures a moist and tender crumb, while the chopped apples add natural sweetness.
Crunchy Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that complements the soft cake.
Decadent Caramel Glaze: The homemade caramel glaze seeps into the cake, adding richness and a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Cake

1½ cups cooking oil
2 cups granulated sugar
4 large eggs
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped
1 cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Glaze

¾ cup unsalted butter
1 cup light brown sugar
¼ cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease and flour a 10-12 cup Bundt pan.
Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat together the oil and granulated sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until just combined.
Add Apples and Pecans: Fold in the chopped apples and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared Bundt pan. Bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the Caramel Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the caramel glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Glaze the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate. Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes

Variations

Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make this cake gluten-free.
Nut-Free: Omit the pecans for a nut-free version.
Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter and milk in the glaze with dairy-free alternatives.
Spiced Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds.

FAQs

How can I make this cake gluten-free?

Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use other tart apples like Honeycrisp or Braeburn.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Yes, peeling the apples ensures a smoother texture in the cake.

Can I prepare the cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance and store it covered at room temperature.

How do I prevent the apples from sinking to the bottom?

Toss the chopped apples in a little flour before adding them to the batter.

Can I freeze this cake?

Yes, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Simmer the glaze for a few extra minutes to reduce and thicken it.

Can I use a store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought caramel sauce as a shortcut.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out clean when the cake is done.

Can I add raisins to the cake?

Yes, you can add raisins along with the apples and pecans for added texture and sweetness.

Conclusion

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a delightful dessert that combines the warmth of spiced apples, the crunch of pecans, and the richness of a homemade caramel glaze. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a comforting treat, this cake is sure to satisfy your sweet cravings.

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze