Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

There are certain desserts that feel like a warm hug on a cool autumn day. They bring the coziness of the season right into your kitchen, filling the air with sweet, spiced aromas and the promise of something special. Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is one of those timeless recipes that combines fresh fruit, crunchy nuts, and a luscious glaze that makes every bite irresistible. This cake isn’t just a dessert—it’s a tradition waiting to happen.

If you’ve never made it before, prepare yourself for a treat. This recipe brings together juicy Granny Smith apples, rich pecans, and a caramel glaze that soaks into the cake just enough to make it moist, tender, and almost melt-in-your-mouth. Whether you serve it as the finale to a holiday meal, enjoy it with coffee for breakfast, or surprise guests with a homemade masterpiece, this cake is going to be a star in your recipe collection.

Let’s walk through why this recipe works so well, what you’ll need, and how to make it foolproof at home.

Why This Apple Pecan Cake Works So Perfectly

Every element of this cake plays an important role, making it a well-balanced dessert:

The Apples – Granny Smith apples are tart, firm, and hold their shape beautifully when baked. They bring brightness to balance the sweetness of the cake and glaze.

The Pecans – Chopped pecans give the cake a wonderful crunch, adding richness and nutty depth. They also pair perfectly with apples and caramel.

The Caramel Glaze – The buttery glaze isn’t just poured on top—it seeps into the cake, keeping it moist and infusing every bite with flavor.

The Texture – This cake is dense but soft, with chunks of apple and crunchy pecans giving it that irresistible contrast.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels both rustic and elegant—homestyle enough for a potluck but fancy enough to serve at a dinner party.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what goes into this incredible cake:

For the Cake:

3 ½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and chopped

4 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups sugar

1 cup vegetable oil

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Glaze:

½ cup butter

¼ cup milk

1 cup brown sugar

Step-By-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

Peel and chop your Granny Smith apples into small chunks. Don’t make them too tiny—larger pieces keep their texture and create bursts of flavor in the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, sugar, oil, and vanilla until smooth. The sugar helps break down the eggs, creating a fluffy base.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. The cinnamon gives warmth and enhances the apples beautifully.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Slowly add the dry mixture into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the apples and chopped pecans—don’t overmix. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased Bundt pan or tube pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Caramel Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the brown sugar and milk, stirring constantly. Let it boil for about 2 minutes, then remove from heat.

Step 7: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled for about 10–15 minutes, drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the top. It will seep into the cracks, making the cake moist and flavorful.

Tips + Tricks for Recipe Success

Use Fresh Apples – Avoid using apples that are mealy or overripe. Firm Granny Smiths work best, but Honeycrisp or Fuji can be substituted for a sweeter flavor.

Don’t Skip the Pecans – The nuts balance the sweetness and add texture. You can lightly toast them before adding for even more flavor.

Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined. Overmixing leads to a dense, tough cake.

Grease the Pan Well – Bundt cakes can stick easily. Grease with butter or nonstick spray, and dust lightly with flour.

Glaze While Warm – Pour the caramel glaze when the cake is still warm so it soaks in beautifully.

Variations to Try

Apple Walnut Cake – Swap pecans for walnuts for a slightly different flavor.

Spiced Apple Cake – Add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice to the batter for more fall spice.

Salted Caramel Twist – Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the caramel glaze for a salty-sweet contrast.

Apple Cupcakes – Use the same batter for cupcakes and drizzle glaze over each one individually.

How to Serve This Cake

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is so versatile. Here are some serving ideas:

With Coffee or Tea – A cozy afternoon snack or breakfast treat.

Holiday Dessert Table – Perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any family gathering.

A la Mode – Serve warm slices with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

With Whipped Cream – A dollop of fresh whipped cream balances the richness.

Gift Idea – Bake in a loaf pan, glaze, and wrap for a thoughtful homemade gift.

Storing & Freezing

Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Refrigerator – Keeps well for up to a week when chilled.

Freezer – Wrap tightly in plastic and foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then glaze before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s easy to make – no complicated steps.

It’s loaded with apples – juicy, fresh, and flavorful.

The caramel glaze is addictive – you might just lick the spoon.

It’s perfect for fall baking – cozy, warm, and seasonal.

It’s a crowd-pleaser – everyone asks for seconds.

This is the kind of cake that disappears fast at gatherings. Guests always ask for the recipe, and once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself baking it over and over again.

Final Thoughts

Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the ultimate fall dessert—moist, flavorful, and unforgettable. The apples bring freshness, the pecans add crunch, and the caramel glaze ties it all together in the most delicious way. Whether you bake it for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s the perfect recipe to celebrate the season.

If you’re looking for a new dessert tradition, this is it. Once you taste that first bite, you’ll understand why this cake is worth keeping in your recipe box forever.

So, don’t lose this recipe—bookmark it, print it, or pin it, because you’ll be making it again and again.

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