There's nothing quite like the aroma of Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. This cake blends juicy apples, crunchy pecans, and warm spices, all topped with a luscious caramel glaze that adds a sweet, buttery finish. Whether you're baking for a cozy family gathering or bringing dessert to a festive dinner, this cake is sure to be a showstopper.

I first discovered this recipe on a hunt for something comforting and seasonal, and it has quickly become my go-to fall treat. Every time I bake it, it reminds me of cozy afternoons with loved ones, savoring every warm, delicious bite.

Why You'll Love This Apple Pecan Cake

Get ready to fall in love with a cake that perfectly captures the flavors of fall. This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is the perfect blend of ease, elegance, and downright deliciousness.

First off, this cake is incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any fancy techniques or equipment, making it accessible for bakers of any skill level. Just mix, bake, and drizzle the glaze for a stunning result that feels like a special-occasion dessert.

You'll also love how moist and flavorful this cake is. The apples keep it perfectly tender, while the pecans add a delightful crunch. Every bite is packed with warm spices, sweet apples, and nutty pecans, making it hard to stop at just one slice!

And let’s not forget the caramel glaze! This simple, homemade glaze adds a layer of indulgence with its rich, buttery flavor. It complements the cake beautifully, creating a dessert that feels both decadent and comforting.

Best of all, this cake is wonderfully versatile. It’s perfect on its own, but also pairs well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It can be a festive holiday dessert or a casual treat with your morning coffee.

Ingredients Notes

This Apple Pecan Cake is made with simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable flavor. Each component brings something special to the cake.

Apples: The star of this cake! Choose a firm, tart apple variety like Granny Smith, which holds its shape well during baking and balances the sweetness of the caramel glaze. Peel and dice the apples into small cubes to ensure they soften perfectly in the batter.
Pecans: These add a rich, nutty crunch that pairs beautifully with the apples. You can either chop them coarsely for a chunkier texture or finely for a more subtle crunch. Toasting the pecans lightly before adding them will bring out even more flavor.
All-purpose flour: This provides the base of the cake. If you’d like a slightly denser, more rustic texture, consider substituting half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour.
Spices: A combination of cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth to the cake. Feel free to adjust the spices to your taste or add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for even more depth.
Caramel glaze: This homemade glaze is made with butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. It’s easy to whip up on the stovetop and adds a gorgeous, glossy finish to the cake. Make sure the glaze has cooled slightly before pouring it over the cake to ensure it sets nicely.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe—just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish or bundt pan. It’s that easy!

How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Making this Apple Pecan Cake is a breeze, and the results are well worth the minimal effort! Here’s how to do it.

Preheat and prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan with butter or non-stick spray, and set it aside.
Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the dry ingredients—flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients—sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and oil. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the apples and pecans: Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough. Once everything is evenly distributed, pour the batter into your prepared pan.
Bake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it as ovens can vary, but your kitchen should smell amazing when it’s close to done!
Make the caramel glaze: While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then add brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and allow it to cool slightly before pouring over the cake.

This cake will take about an hour total, including prep and baking time. Once the glaze has set, it’s ready to serve!

Storage Options

This cake is just as delicious the next day, making it a great option to prepare in advance. Here are a few storage tips to keep it fresh and flavorful:

At room temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen over time, so it’s wonderful the next day!
In the fridge: If you prefer, you can store the cake in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out. Just bring it back to room temperature before serving, or give it a quick warm-up in the microwave.
Freezing: This cake freezes well for up to 3 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Let it thaw in the fridge overnight and add a fresh drizzle of caramel glaze before serving.

When reheating, a few seconds in the microwave will bring back that warm, soft texture, and the caramel glaze will get slightly gooey again. Delicious!

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adapt it to your taste or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas:

Apple varieties: Experiment with different types of apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor, or mix different types for added depth.
Nuts: Swap out pecans for walnuts if you prefer. Both add a lovely crunch, but walnuts have a slightly earthier flavor that complements the apples beautifully.
Spices: Feel free to increase the cinnamon or add a pinch of ground ginger for extra warmth. You could even use a pre-made apple pie spice blend for convenience.
Dairy-free option: To make the glaze dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and dairy-free butter. It’ll have a slight coconut flavor, but it’s delicious with the apples.
Glaze alternatives: While caramel is traditional, you could also try a cream cheese glaze or a simple dusting of powdered sugar for a lighter option.

Experimenting with this cake is half the fun! With such forgiving ingredients, you’re sure to find a version that’s just right for you.

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is more than just dessert—it’s a slice of comfort on a plate. Whether you’re sharing it with family or savoring a quiet moment with a warm cup of tea, each bite will remind you of the beauty of homemade goodness. Enjoy!