Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

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### **Instructions**

#### **Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prep the Pan**
1. Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or line it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the cake after baking.

#### **Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients**
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.

#### **Step 3: Cream the Butter and Sugar**
3. In a large bowl, use an electric mixer or stand mixer to beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. This will help ensure a soft and tender cake.

#### **Step 4: Add the Eggs and Vanilla**
4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then, mix in the vanilla extract.

#### **Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Buttermilk**
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in a dense cake.

#### **Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans**
6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

#### **Step 7: Bake the Cake**
7. Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake during the last few minutes to ensure it doesn’t over-brown.

#### **Step 8: Cool the Cake**
8. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

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### **Caramel Glaze**

#### **Step 9: Make the Caramel Glaze**
9. While the cake is cooling, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the brown sugar and stir to combine. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sugar to dissolve completely and the mixture to thicken slightly.

#### **Step 10: Add Cream and Vanilla**
10. Stir in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the glaze is smooth and glossy. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before drizzling over the cake.

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### **Step 11: Drizzle and Serve**
11. Once the cake has cooled completely, pour the caramel glaze over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides for a beautiful finish. You can add extra chopped pecans on top for garnish, if desired.

Slice the cake, serve, and enjoy!

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### **Tips for the Best Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze**

1. **Choose the Right Apples:** For the best texture and flavor, use apples that hold up well in baking, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They add the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness to the cake.
2. **Make it Extra Nutty:** If you’re a fan of nuts, feel free to add more pecans—either in the batter or sprinkled on top of the finished cake for extra crunch.
3. **Room Temperature Ingredients:** For the best results, make sure the butter, eggs, and buttermilk are at room temperature before mixing. This helps create a smoother batter and ensures even baking.
4. **Caramel Glaze Tips:** If the glaze thickens too much while cooling, simply warm it up slightly before drizzling over the cake.
5. **Serve with Whipped Cream or Ice Cream:** For an even more indulgent dessert, serve this cake with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

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### **Serving Suggestions**

– **With Whipped Cream:** A dollop of freshly whipped cream on top enhances the richness of the cake and adds a light, fluffy contrast.
– **With Ice Cream:** Pairing this cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream takes it to another level of indulgence.
– **For Special Occasions:** This cake makes a beautiful addition to any fall or holiday dessert spread. It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or a cozy family gathering.

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### **Storage and Freezing**

– **Storing Leftovers:** Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake can also be kept in the refrigerator if you prefer.
– **Freezing:** To freeze, wrap individual slices of cake tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature and drizzle with fresh caramel glaze.

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### **Why This Recipe Works**

This **Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze** is the perfect marriage of flavors and textures. The apples bring natural sweetness and moisture to the cake, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch. The homemade caramel glaze ties everything together with its buttery richness, turning a simple cake into an unforgettable dessert. With its moist crumb and irresistible flavor, this cake is sure to become a go-to fall treat in your household.

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### **The Bottom Line**

**Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze** is a dessert that combines the warmth of autumn with the indulgence of a decadent cake. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, holiday dinners, or simply as a special treat for yourself. With its moist, flavorful cake and luscious caramel topping, this dessert is sure to become a family favorite that everyone will crave. Try it today and experience the ultimate comfort food in cake form!