Indulge in the warmth of fall with this deliciously moist and flavorful Apple Pecan Cake. Packed with tender apples, crunchy pecans, and a hint of cinnamon, this cake is the perfect dessert to enjoy with a cup of coffee or tea. The combination of sweet apples and nutty pecans creates a wonderfully textured cake, while the spices add a cozy aroma that fills your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or just craving a slice of comfort, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients
Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup chopped pecans
Topping:
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tbsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan or a bundt pan.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
- In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy using an electric mixer. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Applesauce
- Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract and applesauce until fully combined.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Pecans
- Gently fold in the diced apples and chopped pecans. The batter will be thick, but that’s what makes the cake moist and hearty.
Step 7: Pour into Pan
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan. Smooth the top with a spatula.
Step 8: Prepare Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the chopped pecans, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Sprinkle evenly over the cake batter.
Step 9: Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. If using a bundt pan, it may take slightly longer.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
- Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Optional: Dust with powdered sugar for a pretty finish, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat!