Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

Ingredients:

For the cake:

1. 2 cups all-purpose flour.
2. 1 teaspoon of baking powder.
3. 1 teaspoon of baking soda.
4. 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
5. ½ teaspoon salt.
6. ¾ cup unsalted butter, softened
7. 1 cup granulated sugar.
8. 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
9. Three huge eggs.
10. 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
11. 1 cup buttermilk.
12. 2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
13. 1 cup chopped pecans.

For the caramel glaze:

• 1 cup brown sugar (packaged
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
• Pinch of salt.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the cake batter.

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175° C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan or two 9-inch round cake pans.
• In a larger basin, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside.
• In a large mixing mixer, beat the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy (approximately 3-4 minutes).

2. Combine eggs and buttermilk:

• Beat in the eggs one at a time, incorporating thoroughly after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
• Gradually combine the dry ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and finishing with the flour combination. Mix until just mixed.

3. Fold in the apples and pecans:

• Gently fold in the diced apples and pecans until evenly distributed throughout the batter.

4. Bake the cake.

• Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan(s) and distribute evenly.
• Bake in a preheated oven for 30-35 minutes for round pans and 40-45 minutes for 9×13-inch pans, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

5. Cool the cake:

• Once baked, remove from the oven and allow to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. Then transfer to a wire rack and let cool fully.

6. Prepare the Caramel Glaze.

• In a medium saucepan, melt the brown sugar and butter over medium heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
• Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and bring to a moderate boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer and stir regularly for about 2-3 minutes, or until somewhat thicker.
• Remove from the heat and mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.

7. Glaze the cake.

• Drizzle the warm caramel glaze over the cake after it has completely cooled. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing.

8. Serve.

• Slice and serve the cake warm or room temperature. Enjoy it on its own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a special treat!

Tips:

• Keep leftover cake in an airtight jar at room temperature for up to three days. The caramel glaze may melt with time, but it will still taste excellent.
• Make Ahead: You can prepare the cake up to one day ahead of time. The flavors blend beautifully overnight!
• Apples: For a richer flavor, combine sweet and tart apples.

Enjoy the Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze! It’s an ideal dessert for fall events or whenever you want a tasty treat.