- Butter : ⅓ cup
- Light brown sugar : ½ cup
- Milk : ½ cup
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): 1 teaspoon
Step-by-Step Preparation Guide
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) . Grease and flour a bundt pan or line it with parchment paper for easy release.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- ¾ cup cooking oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
Whisk or use an electric mixer to blend these ingredients until smooth and well combined. The mixture should be light and slightly thickened, signaling that the eggs and sugar have been properly incorporated.
Step 3: Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a separate medium-sized bowl, sift together:
- 3 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
Sifting ensures that the dry ingredients are aerated and free of lumps, which helps the cake bake evenly and rise beautifully.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense instead of fluffy.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Pecans
Gently fold in:
- 3½ cups diced Granny Smith apples (peeled and cut into small pieces)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
These additions bring natural sweetness, texture, and depth of flavor to the cake.
Step 6: Pour Into Pan and Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50–60 minutes , or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel glaze.
Step 7: Make the Caramel Glaze
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt:
- ⅓ cup butter
Once melted, stir in:
- ½ cup light brown sugar
- ½ cup milk
Bring the mixture to a simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens slightly (about 5 minutes). Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract .
Step 8: Cool and Glaze
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely. Once cooled, drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides for added visual appeal.
Tips for Success
- Use Tart Apples : Granny Smith apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
- Chop Pecans Coarsely : Larger pieces add crunch and texture, while smaller bits distribute flavor evenly.
- Don’t Overbake : Check the cake after 50 minutes to prevent drying—it should be moist and tender.
- Warm Glaze : Drizzling warm caramel enhances its gooey, decadent qualities.
Variations to Try
- Spiced Up : Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.
- Vegan Option : Replace eggs with flaxseed meal mixed with water (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water per egg) and use plant-based butter for the glaze.
- Nut-Free Version : Substitute pecans with shredded coconut or omit them entirely.
- Chocolate Twist : Swirl melted dark chocolate into the caramel glaze for a richer finish.
Conclusion
This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a celebration of autumnal flavors and comforting textures. From the zesty tang of Granny Smith apples to the nutty crunch of pecans and the sticky-sweet allure of caramel, each element works harmoniously to create a dessert that’s both indulgent and satisfying.
So gather your ingredients, preheat the oven, and get ready to impress anyone lucky enough to share a slice. Whether enjoyed warm with a scoop of ice cream or served elegantly at room temperature, this cake promises to deliver joy with every bite!
Happy baking—and happy eating! 🍴✨
