This Apple Pecan Cake is a moist, flavorful treat that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the nutty crunch of pecans. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, this cake is ideal for cozy evenings, festive gatherings, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth. With an easy-to-follow recipe and a heavenly aroma, this cake will quickly become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup (120ml) buttermilk
- 2 cups (2 medium) apples, peeled, cored, and finely diced
- 1 cup (120g) chopped pecans
For the Topping (Optional):
- 1/4 cup (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (100g) brown sugar
- 2 tbsp heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (60g) pecan halves
Instructions:
- Prepare the Oven and Pan:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) baking pan and line it with parchment paper for easy removal. - Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside. - Combine Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, beat the sugar, oil, and eggs until smooth. Add vanilla extract and buttermilk, mixing until well incorporated. - Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures:
Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing. - Add Apples and Pecans:
Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans to distribute them evenly throughout the batter. - Bake the Cake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. - Prepare the Topping (Optional):
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat and drizzle over the cooled cake. Garnish with pecan halves. - Serve and Enjoy:
Slice the cake and serve warm or at room temperature. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat!