Indulge in the perfect harmony of flavors with this delightful Apple Pecan Cake. Combining juicy, tender apples with crunchy, toasted pecans, this easy-to-make cake offers a comforting dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re looking for a cozy treat to celebrate autumn or a sweet snack any time of year, the Apple Pecan Cake delivers a beautiful balance of sweetness, texture, and wholesome goodness that will keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple but Special: Made with everyday ingredients, this Apple Pecan Cake feels gourmet without the fuss.
Perfect Texture Combination: The soft cake paired with crunchy pecans and tender apple chunks creates an irresistible mouthfeel.
Seasonal Favorite: Apples and pecans capture the essence of fall but taste amazing all year round.
Versatile for All Occasions: Great for breakfasts, desserts, or even afternoon tea gatherings.
Easy to Customize: Adapt with spices, nuts, or toppings to suit your mood and pantry.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to the success of this Apple Pecan Cake. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the sweetness and moisture of apples to the rich crunch of pecans, and the warmth imparted by cinnamon and vanilla.

Apples: Fresh, crisp apples add juicy sweetness and natural moisture to the cake.
Pecans: Toasted pecans provide a satisfying crunch and deepen the flavor profile.
Flour: All-purpose flour forms the cake’s tender, soft base.
Sugar: Brown sugar brings a subtle molasses note that enhances the cake’s richness.
Butter: Unsalted butter gives the cake a creamy texture and buttery flavor.
Eggs: Eggs bind the ingredients and help create a light yet moist crumb.
Spices: Ground cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg add warmth and depth to the cake.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly and stays fluffy.
Vanilla Extract: Vanilla enhances all the flavors with its sweet, aromatic essence.

Variations for Apple Pecan Cake

This Apple Pecan Cake is incredibly adaptable. Whether you want to tweak it for a dietary preference or just mix things up, these easy variations let you personalize the recipe your way.

Gluten-Free Twist: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend for a celiac-friendly treat.
Maple Syrup Sweetness: Replace some or all of the sugar with pure maple syrup for natural sweetness and added flavor.
Extra Spice: Add ground cloves or ginger to boost the warming spice profile.
Nut Swap: Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds if preferred or to change the crunch.
Vegan Version: Use flax eggs or applesauce in place of eggs and plant-based butter for a vegan-friendly cake.

Why Apple Pecan Cake Is Your New Favorite Treat

How to Make Apple Pecan Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Pecans

Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into bite-sized pieces. Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then set aside to cool.

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Cream together softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in vanilla extract for that classic warm aroma.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.

Step 4: Fold Ingredients Together

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, gently mixing without overworking the batter to keep it light. Fold in the diced apples and toasted pecans evenly.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pour batter into a greased cake pan and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before serving.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Pecan Cake

Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tang.
Don’t Skip Toasting Pecans: Toasting releases their natural oils and amplifies their flavor.
Keep Batter Light: Mix gently and just enough to combine to avoid a dense cake.
Test for Doneness: Use a toothpick and check multiple spots to ensure the center is fully baked.
Let It Cool Properly: Cooling prevents crumbling and improves slicing.

How to Serve Apple Pecan Cake

Garnishes

Top slices with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.

Side Dishes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or alongside a cup of spiced chai or coffee to enhance the cozy experience.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Apple Pecan Cake into mini cupcakes for parties or layer it with cream cheese frosting to create a stunning layered dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Apple Pecan Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five days to maintain freshness.

Freezing

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Warm slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a low oven to revive the cake’s soft texture and flavors.

FAQs

Can I use other types of nuts instead of pecans?

Absolutely! Walnuts, almonds, or hazelnuts work wonderfully and offer different flavor profiles and crunch levels.

What kind of apples are best for Apple Pecan Cake?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji are ideal because they hold their shape well and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Is this Apple Pecan Cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes, by swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend, you can enjoy this cake gluten-free without sacrificing texture or taste.

How long does Apple Pecan Cake keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for up to five days in the fridge.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce and use a plant-based butter to make the recipe vegan-friendly.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pecan Cake is a delightful celebration of flavors and textures that feels both comforting and heroic in simplicity. It’s the kind of treat that brings warmth to your kitchen and smiles to your table. Whether for family gatherings, a sweet weekday surprise, or a cozy self-indulgence, you simply must try this recipe and see how it quickly becomes your new favorite treat.

Apple Pecan Cake

Print Recipe

Enjoy a comforting and flavorful Apple Pecan Cake that perfectly combines juicy apples, crunchy toasted pecans, warm spices, and a moist tender crumb. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for autumn or any time of the year, offering a delightful balance of sweet, nutty, and spiced flavors that make it a versatile treat for breakfasts, desserts, or afternoon tea.

Author: Mary
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 65-70 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with gluten-free flour blend substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Produce

2 cups fresh, crisp apples (peeled, cored, and diced)

Nuts

1 cup toasted pecans

Dairy & Eggs

1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened)
2 large eggs

Baking & Pantry

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for variation)
1 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Apples and Pecans: Peel, core, and dice the fresh apples into bite-sized pieces. Toast the pecans lightly in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then set aside to cool.
Mix Wet Ingredients: Cream together the softened butter and brown sugar until fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse a warm, aromatic flavor.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agents.
Fold Ingredients Together: Gradually add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing gently to combine without overworking the batter, ensuring a light texture. Fold in the diced apples and toasted pecans evenly throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool before serving.

Notes

Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and balance of sweetness and tartness.
Don’t skip toasting the pecans as it releases natural oils and enhances their flavor.
Mix the batter gently and just enough to combine to keep the cake light and fluffy.
Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick in several spots to confirm the cake is fully baked.
Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to prevent crumbling and to improve texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (approx. 1/10th of cake)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 20 g
Sodium: 180 mg
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 36 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 4 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: Apple Pecan Cake, Autumn Dessert, Spiced Cake, Gluten-Free Cake, Easy Cake Recipe, Nut Cake