Imagine a dessert that combines the warmth of freshly baked apples, the rich decadence of caramel, and the satisfying crunch of pecans - all in one irresistible cake. This Apple Caramel Pecan Cake isn't just a dessert; it's a culinary experience that transforms ordinary baking into an extraordinary moment of pure deliciousness. Whether you're looking to impress guests or treat yourself to a slice of heaven, this recipe promises to be your new go-to comfort food that will have everyone begging for seconds!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 45 mins
Total Time: 1 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 1 cup chopped pecans
- 1 cup caramel sauce
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan to prevent the cake from sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened unsalted butter and sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 3-4 minutes using an electric mixer on medium speed.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then, stir in the vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Fold in the chopped apples and chopped pecans gently using a spatula, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with the spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake as baking times may vary slightly based on your oven.
- Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool completely.
- While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel sauce if you are making it from scratch, or simply warm up the store-bought caramel sauce for easier drizzling.
- Once the cake has cooled, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the top. You can also sprinkle additional chopped pecans for garnish if desired.
- Slice the cake into squares and serve. This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Tips
- Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smoother mixing and better cake texture.
- Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender.
- Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Toast the pecans lightly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor.
- Check the cake's doneness by inserting a toothpick - it should come out clean with just a few moist crumbs.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before drizzling caramel to prevent it from becoming too runny.
- For an extra indulgent touch, warm the caramel sauce slightly before drizzling for a beautiful, glossy finish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
