Moist Apple Pecan Cake with Homemade Caramel Glaze: A Fall Favorite Dessert Recipe

Ingredients

Cake:

• ½ cup vegetable oil
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
• 3-4 Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and diced, approx. 3½ cups)
• 1 cup pecans (chopped)

Caramel Glaze:

• ⅓ cup unsalted butter (1½ sticks)
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar
• ⅓ cup whole milk
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a tube pan or two loaf pans.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, and eggs until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and smooth the top.

Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using loaf pans, start checking for doneness at the 45-minute mark. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Prepare the Caramel Glaze:

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar and milk, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Remove the glaze from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the glaze to cool slightly before drizzling it over the cooled cake. Slice and serve this irresistible apple pecan cake with caramel glaze, perfect for fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.