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Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

A moist and flavorful apple cake packed with tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans, then topped with a rich homemade caramel glaze. This comforting dessert is perfect for fall gatherings, holidays, or cozy family dinners.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Baked Goods, Cake, Dessert, Fall Favorites, Holiday Treats
Cuisine: American
Calories: 540
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 cups cooking oil
  • 2 cups sugar
  • 4 eggs
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples peeled and chopped
  • 1 cup pecans chopped
  • 3/4 cup butter 1 1/2 sticks, for glaze
  • 1 cup light brown sugar for glaze
  • 1/4 cup milk for glaze
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract for glaze

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F and generously grease and flour a tube pan or two loaf pans.
  2. In a large bowl, beat together oil, sugar, and eggs until creamy.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture and mix well.
  4. Stir in vanilla extract, chopped apples, and pecans until evenly combined.
  5. Pour batter into prepared pan and bake about 1 hour, checking for doneness with a toothpick around 50 minutes.
  6. For the glaze, melt butter in a saucepan over low heat. Stir in brown sugar and milk.
  7. Bring mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring constantly.
  8. Remove glaze from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool slightly before pouring over cooled cake.

Notes

For added warmth, sprinkle extra cinnamon over the glaze. This cake tastes even better the next day.