Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze – A Southern-Style Apple Cake Recipe

Hi there, food lover! 👋 Ready to enjoy a true Southern classic?

Few desserts capture the warmth and hospitality of traditional Southern baking quite like an Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze. This is the kind of cake that feels right at home on a wooden table surrounded by family, laughter, and steaming cups of coffee. Moist, tender, and generously filled with fresh apples and crunchy pecans, it’s a recipe that has been lovingly passed down through generations, especially during fall gatherings and holiday celebrations.

Southern-style apple cakes are known for their simplicity and richness. Instead of fancy layers or frosting, they rely on wholesome ingredients, gentle spices, and slow baking to create deep, comforting flavors. The apples melt into the batter, keeping the cake moist for days, while the pecans add that unmistakable Southern crunch. And then comes the caramel glaze—warm, buttery, and poured generously over the cake so it seeps into every nook and cranny 🍯✨.

This is a cake meant to be shared. It’s just as perfect for Sunday supper dessert as it is for potlucks, bake sales, or cozy evenings at home. Easy to make, forgiving, and incredibly satisfying, this apple pecan cake is proof that traditional recipes never go out of style. Take your time, bake with care, and enjoy every comforting bite.

Ingredients:

For the Apple Pecan Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs, room temperature
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3 cups peeled and diced apples
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Caramel Glaze:

• ½ cup unsalted butter
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Directions:

1. Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
3. Add vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until fully combined and smooth.
4. Fold in diced apples and chopped pecans until evenly distributed.
5. Pour batter into prepared pan and smooth the top.
6. Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow cake to cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then turn out onto a serving plate.

Prepare the Caramel Glaze:
8. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
9. Stir in brown sugar and milk, bringing mixture to a gentle boil.
10. Boil for 2 minutes, stirring constantly, then remove from heat.
11. Stir in vanilla extract.
12. Spoon warm caramel glaze over the slightly warm cake, letting it soak in.

Notes:

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for best balance.
• This cake stays moist for several days when covered.
• Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Nutritional Information:

⏰ Prep Time: 20 minutes | 🔥 Baking Time: 1 hour 10 minutes | ⏳ Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
⚡ Calories per serving: ~480 | 🍽️ Servings: 12

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Bon appétit and happy cooking!