Apple Pecan Cake with Dreamy Caramel Glaze
This Apple Pecan Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tart Granny Smith apples and crunchy pecans, topped with a rich homemade caramel glaze. It's a delightful treat that captures the essence of autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1½ cups cooking oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3½ cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and finely chopped (about 3-4 apples)
- 1 cup pecans, finely chopped
For the Caramel Glaze:
- ¾ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks)
- 1 cup light brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
- Generously grease and flour a tube pan or two loaf pans to prevent sticking.
Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooking oil, granulated sugar, and eggs.
- Whisk until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Combine Dry Ingredients:
- In a separate bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, and salt.
Incorporate Dry into Wet Ingredients:
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Avoid overmixing to ensure a tender cake.
Add Flavorings and Mix-ins:
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Fold in the chopped apples and pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s), spreading it evenly.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Begin checking for doneness at around 50 minutes.
Prepare the Caramel Glaze:
- While the cake is baking, melt the unsalted butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Add the light brown sugar and whole milk, stirring constantly.
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring frequently, until the glaze thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the glaze to cool slightly; it will continue to thicken as it cools.
Glaze the Cake:
- Once the cake is done baking, allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes.
- Carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate.
- While the cake is still warm, pour the caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to drizzle down the sides.
Serve:
- Let the glazed cake cool completely before slicing.
- Serve and enjoy this delightful dessert.