There’s something truly comforting about the aroma of apples, cinnamon, and pecans baking in the oven. This Apple Pecan Cake is the perfect dessert for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a family gathering or simply craving a sweet homemade treat. With its moist texture, rich flavors, and a luscious brown sugar glaze, this cake is a must-try. In this recipe, we’ll walk you through every step to ensure a perfectly baked cake that will leave everyone asking for more.
Preparation Time:
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Cooling Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3/4 cup oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 1/2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 3-4 apples)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (163°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly and rises properly.
Step 2: Prepare the Cake Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, combine oil and sugar, whisking until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air into the batter.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and sea salt to evenly distribute the dry ingredients.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
- Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 3: Bake the Cake
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan.
- Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Once done, remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 15 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Step 4: Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Stir in the brown sugar and milk, whisking continuously until the sugar dissolves and the mixture starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Let the glaze cool slightly before pouring it over the warm cake.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the cake has absorbed the glaze and cooled slightly, slice it into generous pieces and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
This Apple Pecan Cake is an easy-to-make yet incredibly flavorful dessert that perfectly captures the essence of fall. The combination of tender apples, crunchy pecans, and a rich brown sugar glaze makes it an irresistible treat. Whether enjoyed as a cozy afternoon snack or the highlight of a special occasion, this cake is sure to impress. Try it today, and let the warm, spiced flavors bring comfort to your kitchen!