Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

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### Step-by-Step Instructions for Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze

#### 1. **Preheat the Oven**:
– Preheat your oven to **350°F (175°C)**. Grease and flour a **9-inch round cake pan** (or a similar size) or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.

#### 2. **Prepare the Dry Ingredients**:
– In a medium bowl, whisk together the **flour**, **baking powder**, **baking soda**, **cinnamon**, **nutmeg**, and **salt**. Set aside. The spices and leavening agents will help the cake rise and give it that warm, comforting flavor.

#### 3. **Cream the Butter and Sugar**:
– In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the **butter** and **granulated sugar** together until light and fluffy—about **2-3 minutes**. This process incorporates air into the batter, ensuring your cake will be light and soft.

#### 4. **Add the Eggs and Vanilla**:
– Add the **eggs**, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the **vanilla extract**. The eggs help bind the ingredients and give the cake its structure.

#### 5. **Incorporate the Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream**:
– Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the **sour cream**. Start and end with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined—be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

#### 6. **Fold in Apples and Pecans**:
– Gently fold in the chopped **apples** and **pecans** using a spatula. The apples will release moisture as the cake bakes, making it incredibly moist, while the pecans add a satisfying crunch.

#### 7. **Bake the Cake**:
– Pour the batter into your prepared cake pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for **45-50 minutes**, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean (or with a few moist crumbs).

– Let the cake cool in the pan for about **10 minutes**, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This ensures the cake has set and doesn’t fall apart when you glaze it.

#### 8. **Make the Caramel Glaze**:
– While the cake is cooling, prepare the **caramel glaze**. In a small saucepan, melt the **butter** over medium heat. Add the **brown sugar** and stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a simmer.

– Allow the mixture to simmer for **2-3 minutes**, then carefully add the **heavy cream**, stirring constantly. Bring it back to a simmer and cook for another **2-3 minutes**, or until the glaze thickens slightly. Stir in the **vanilla extract** and **salt**.

#### 9. **Glaze the Cake**:
– Once the cake has cooled completely, drizzle the warm **caramel glaze** over the top of the cake. You can let the glaze drip down the sides for a rustic look or pour it more evenly for a smoother finish.

– Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing. If you want a more intense caramel flavor, you can even pour on additional glaze or serve it on the side for dipping.

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

1. **Use Firm Apples**: For the best texture, use **firm apples** that hold their shape when baked, such as **Granny Smith**, **Honeycrisp**, or **Braeburn**. Softer apples can turn mushy and may not give the cake the desired structure.

2. **Chop the Apples and Pecans Evenly**: For consistent texture and flavor in every bite, chop the apples and pecans into roughly the same size pieces. This ensures an even distribution throughout the cake.

3. **Don’t Overmix the Batter**: Overmixing can cause the cake to be dense and tough. Once the dry ingredients are added, mix just until everything is incorporated.

4. **Allow the Cake to Cool Completely**: Before glazing, allow the cake to cool completely. This prevents the glaze from melting too much into the cake and ensures it stays beautifully glossy on top.

5. **Make Ahead**: This cake can be baked a day ahead of time, and the flavor will improve as it sits. Just store it in an airtight container and drizzle the caramel glaze on top just before serving.

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### Why This Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze is a Must-Try

The **Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze** is the ultimate fall dessert. The combination of tender, spiced apples and crunchy pecans creates a cake that’s both **comforting** and **satisfying**. The **caramel glaze** elevates this cake to a whole new level, adding a rich, buttery finish that’s irresistible.

Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or just craving something sweet, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. It’s easy to make, beautifully flavorful, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. With its combination of **moist cake**, **crunchy pecans**, and **sweet caramel**, every bite is a little piece of heaven.

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### Final Thoughts

There’s no better way to embrace the flavors of **fall** than with this indulgent **Apple Pecan Cake with Caramel Glaze**. With its tender texture, crunchy pecans, and heavenly caramel topping, it’s a cake that’s as beautiful to look at as it is delicious to eat.

So next time you’re in the mood for a sweet treat, bake this cake to enjoy the tastes of fall, and watch as everyone around you takes a bite and smiles with satisfaction. Happy baking!