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Apple Pecan Cake

Apple Pecan Cake

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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

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