Ah, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite desserts that never fails to impress, the **Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze**. This cake brings back such delightful memories of cozy fall afternoons spent baking with my grandmother. Anytime I walk into the kitchen with the scent of apples and cinnamon wafting through the air, it feels like a warm hug! The crunch of the pecans and the rich caramel glaze? Pure comfort in every bite.
What I love most about this cake is how it strikes a perfect balance between sweetness and a hint of tartness from the apples. It’s not just a treat; it’s a celebration of those crisp autumn days and is perfect for any gathering or simply for enjoying over a good cup of coffee at home. So, roll up your sleeves and get ready to bake this scrumptious delight that will fill your kitchen with an intoxicating aroma!
What’s in Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze?
Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this delicious cake so special!
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of the cake, giving it a light and fluffy texture. I never skip on using a good quality brand here for the best results.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to create that beautiful rise in our cake, giving it a lovely airy feel.
Salt: Just a pinch enhances all the flavors, making your cake taste even more delicious than it already will.
Unsalted butter: This is crucial for the cake’s richness. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature for easy creaming with the sugar.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with the cake’s overall structure.
Eggs: These help bind everything together and add moisture to the cake.
Vanilla extract: A splash of this heavenly flavor is essential for rounding out the sweetness brilliantly.
Sour cream: It adds moisture and keeps the cake tender. Trust me; this is where the magic happens!
Peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith apples are my go-to for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cake perfectly.
Pecans: Chopped pecans add that wonderful crunch and richness, making each bite even more delightful.
For the Caramel Glaze:
Unsalted butter: Yes, we’re going for that rich, buttery flavor again!
Brown sugar: The star of the show here! This gives our glaze its beautiful deep, caramel flavor.
Heavy cream: This makes the glaze dreamy and smooth, really elevating the cake.
Vanilla extract and a pinch of salt: Just as before, these enhance the flavors in our glaze, leaving you craving for more!
Is Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze Good for You?
Now, while we’re not claiming this is a superfood, there are definitely some lovely aspects to the ingredients we’re using:
Apples: Loaded with fiber and vitamin C, they add a healthy element to our cake. Plus, those lovely antioxidants can do wonders for your health.
Pecans: They’re not just tasty; they’re full of healthy fats and protein. So you can feel a little less guilty indulging in this treat!
However, let’s be real – this is cake after all. The sugar and butter content means it’s best enjoyed in moderation. Perfect for special occasions or when you need a little sweet pick-me-up!
Ingredients
– For the Cake:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 cup peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
– 1 cup pecans, chopped
– For the Caramel Glaze:
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter
– 1 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/4 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt
**Serves:** 8-10 slices of deliciousness.
How to Make Apple Pecan Cake With Caramel Glaze?
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a bundt pan – this step is key to ensuring your cake pops out easily!
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This is going to be our dry mix; set it aside for now.
3. In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. This is where the magic begins, so don’t rush it!
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract and sour cream until everything is perfectly combined.
5. Gradually mix in the dry ingredient mixture until just blended. Pro tip: don’t overmix; we want that fluffy texture!
6. Fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans. You’ll want to make sure they’re evenly distributed for that delicious crunch in every bite.
7. Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan, smoothing the top gently.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The smell will be heavenly!
9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. While the cake cools, prepare the caramel glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Cook while stirring continuously for about 2-3 minutes.
11. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled cake.
12. Garnish with additional chopped pecans if desired, then slice and serve!
Sweet Tidbits for Your Baking Adventure
– This cake is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy family dinners and can be served warm or at room temperature.
– Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Trust me, though, it won’t last that long!
– Feel free to experiment with other nuts or try a different icing if you’re feeling adventurous!
I hope you give this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze a try. It’s one of those recipes that is sure to become a family favorite, just like it is in mine! Don’t forget to share your baking experience – I’d love to hear how yours turns out! Happy baking!
