This apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is the ultimate cozy dessert, perfect for fall or any time you’re craving warm, spiced flavors. The cake is packed with tender apple chunks and crunchy pecans, while the caramel glaze adds a luscious, buttery sweetness that’ll have everyone going back for seconds.

I first made this cake on a chilly autumn day, and it instantly became a family favorite. The rich aroma of cinnamon and caramel filled the kitchen, and from the first bite, we were all hooked. Whether you’re baking for a holiday gathering or simply want a homemade treat, this cake is a delicious way to bring everyone together.

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

This apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is a recipe that’s sure to become a regular in your dessert rotation. Here’s why it stands out.

Incredibly Moist and Tender: Thanks to the natural juiciness of the apples, this cake stays moist and tender for days. Each bite has the perfect balance of fluffy cake and soft apple pieces.
Warm, Comforting Flavors: Cinnamon and nutmeg give the cake a cozy, spiced aroma that pairs perfectly with the caramel glaze. The combination of flavors feels like a warm hug on a cool day.
Perfectly Balanced Sweetness: The cake itself isn’t overly sweet, so the buttery caramel glaze adds just the right touch without overwhelming the flavors.
Easy to Make: Don’t let the layers of flavor fool you—this cake is simple to prepare with basic pantry ingredients and comes together in just a few steps.

Ready to bring a taste of comfort into your home? Let’s gather the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this apple pecan cake with caramel glaze plays an important role in creating its delicious flavor and texture. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need.

Apples: Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor. The apples add moisture and a natural sweetness to the cake. Dice them into small pieces to ensure they soften and blend perfectly into the batter.
Pecans: The pecans add a delightful crunch and a rich, nutty flavor that complements the apples beautifully. Lightly toast them before adding to the batter to bring out their depth of flavor.
All-Purpose Flour and Baking Powder: The combination of flour and baking powder provides the structure for the cake, allowing it to rise and hold the juicy apple pieces.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These spices create the signature warm, spiced flavor of the cake. Cinnamon is the star, while a hint of nutmeg adds complexity and enhances the autumn-inspired taste.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar not only sweetens the cake but also brings a subtle molasses flavor that pairs perfectly with the caramel glaze.
Butter and Eggs: The butter gives the cake a rich flavor, while the eggs help bind it together. Be sure both are at room temperature for the best mixing and consistency.
Caramel Glaze: Made with just butter, brown sugar, cream, and vanilla, this caramel glaze is the finishing touch that adds a rich, buttery sweetness to every bite.

A 9x13-inch baking pan works best for this recipe, as it allows the cake to bake evenly and makes slicing easy.

How To Make This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

This apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is simple to make, but it looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this delicious dessert.

Prepare the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan. You can also line the bottom with parchment paper for easier removal.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This helps to evenly distribute the leavening agents and spices throughout the batter.
Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step aerates the butter, which helps create a soft, tender crumb in the finished cake.
Add the Eggs and Apples: Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing just until incorporated. Then, fold in the diced apples and toasted pecans. The batter will be quite thick, but that’s what gives the cake its hearty texture.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, mixing gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before adding the caramel glaze.
Make the Caramel Glaze: While the cake is cooling, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the brown sugar and heavy cream, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm caramel glaze over the slightly cooled cake, spreading it evenly. The glaze will soak into the cake a bit, adding a delicious caramel flavor throughout. Let the cake cool completely before slicing.

And there you have it—an irresistible apple pecan cake with caramel glaze that’s ready to enjoy!

Storage Options

This apple pecan cake with caramel glaze stores well, so you can enjoy it over several days or save some for later.

Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within 1-2 days, you can keep it covered at room temperature. The caramel glaze will keep it moist and flavorful.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Just let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.
Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or for a few hours at room temperature.

Variations and Substitutions

This apple pecan cake with caramel glaze is versatile, so feel free to customize it to your taste. Here are some ideas.

Walnuts Instead of Pecans: Swap the pecans for walnuts, which also add a delicious nutty flavor and texture. Lightly toast them to bring out their natural oils and enhance the flavor.
Spiced Caramel Glaze: For extra warmth, add a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of ginger to the caramel glaze. It’ll give the cake a more complex spiced flavor.
Apple-Cranberry Twist: For a festive touch, add a handful of dried cranberries to the batter. The tart cranberries pair beautifully with the sweet apples and caramel.
Whole Wheat Flour: Swap half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a heartier texture and slight nutty flavor. It’s a subtle change that enhances the cake without sacrificing tenderness.
Maple Caramel Glaze: Replace half of the brown sugar in the glaze with pure maple syrup. This adds a unique twist and a deeper caramel flavor that pairs wonderfully with the apple and pecan notes.

With these easy variations, you can make this apple pecan cake uniquely yours. The combination of moist cake, crunchy nuts, and gooey caramel is a treat you’ll look forward to again and again!