There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze baking in the oven. This dessert is packed with tender apples, crunchy pecans, and warm spices, all topped with a homemade caramel glaze that takes it over the top.

The first time I made this cake, I was surprised by how quickly it disappeared at a family gathering. It’s now my go-to fall dessert, perfect for Thanksgiving or anytime you want to impress without too much fuss. Each bite has the perfect mix of cozy flavors and textures.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

If you’re looking for a dessert that’s as delicious as it is easy to make, this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze will hit the spot! Here’s why it’s about to become your new favorite:

First, this cake is packed with autumnal flavors. The combination of crisp apples, toasted pecans, and warm cinnamon fills every bite with comforting sweetness, making it perfect for fall and winter gatherings.

Another reason to love this recipe is the caramel glaze. This easy homemade caramel sauce adds a rich, buttery sweetness that pairs beautifully with the moist cake. Drizzle it generously over the top for a glossy, bakery-worthy finish.

This cake is also simple to make. There’s no need for a mixer – just a few bowls and a whisk. It’s a great recipe to bake with kids or when you want something homemade without a lot of hassle.

Finally, the cake stays incredibly moist thanks to the apples, so it can be made ahead and stored for several days. In fact, the flavors only get better with time.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze brings something special to the table. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why.

Apples – Fresh, crisp apples add natural sweetness and keep the cake moist. Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps are great options for their balance of tartness and firmness.
Pecans – Chopped pecans give the cake a delightful crunch and a rich, buttery flavor. Toasting them beforehand deepens their taste, but it’s optional.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg – These warm spices elevate the flavor of the cake and pair perfectly with apples and pecans. A hint of nutmeg goes a long way to add that classic “apple pie” aroma.
Vegetable Oil – Oil keeps the cake moist and tender, even after a few days. You can use melted butter for a richer flavor, but oil makes the texture beautifully light.
Brown Sugar – Brown sugar adds a caramel-like sweetness to the cake, complementing the apples and pecans perfectly. It also helps create a slightly denser, more flavorful crumb.
Eggs – Eggs bind the cake together and add richness. Use large eggs at room temperature for best results.

For the Caramel Glaze, you’ll need butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. This glaze is the star of the show, adding a luscious, glossy finish that makes the cake irresistible.

How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Creating this Apple Pecan Cake is as simple as it is satisfying. Follow these steps to make a dessert that’s sure to impress.

Prepare the Cake Batter – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. In a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Add Apples and Pecans – Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, being careful not to overmix. Then, fold in the chopped apples and pecans. This thick batter will be packed with fruit and nuts, which is exactly what gives the cake its fantastic flavor and texture.
Bake the Cake – Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly in the pan while you prepare the caramel glaze.
Make the Caramel Glaze – In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and brown sugar together, stirring constantly. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Glaze the Cake – While the cake is still warm, use a fork to poke a few holes across the top, then pour the caramel glaze evenly over it. The glaze will soak into the cake, adding moisture and sweetness in every bite.

This whole process takes about 1 hour, including baking and cooling time. Once finished, you’ll have a beautifully golden cake with a glossy caramel glaze that’s ready to serve.

Storage Options

This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze stores well and is even better the next day! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Room Temperature – Cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Refrigerate – For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving to bring back its tender texture.
Freeze – You can freeze this cake for up to 2 months. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When ready to eat, thaw a slice in the refrigerator overnight or on the counter for a couple of hours.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is how versatile it is. Here are a few ideas for making it your own:

Nut-Free Version – Substitute the pecans with raisins, dried cranberries, or simply omit them for a nut-free cake. The apples will still provide plenty of texture.
Maple Glaze – For a seasonal twist, make a maple glaze instead of caramel. Just substitute the caramel with maple syrup, butter, and powdered sugar for a delicious, fall-inspired topping.
Spiced Apple Cider Glaze – Swap out the caramel for an apple cider glaze by simmering apple cider with brown sugar and a pinch of cinnamon until thickened. This glaze gives the cake an extra boost of apple flavor.
Add a Cream Cheese Frosting – If you’re a fan of cream cheese, a light layer of cream cheese frosting on top of the caramel glaze is deliciously decadent.
Different Apples – Try different apple varieties, such as Fuji, Pink Lady, or Braeburn, for subtle changes in flavor. Mixing apple types can add complexity to the cake’s flavor profile.

Each of these variations adds a new dimension to the cake, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!

Enjoy the comforting flavors of this Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze with family and friends, or keep a slice for yourself as a well-deserved treat. Happy baking!