Irresistible Autumn Cake Recipe: Delight in Apple Pecan Goodness

Discover the magic of fall with our Irresistible Autumn Cake Recipe that highlights the delightful flavors of apple pecan goodness. Perfectly embodying the cozy essence of autumn, this cake will be a favorite for your family gatherings and seasonal celebrations alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Irresistible Autumn Cake is a symphony of flavors and textures, combining the sweetness of apples with the rich nuttiness of pecans. This cake not only celebrates the finest ingredients of the season but also offers a moist, delectable experience with every bite. Whether for a festive family dinner or a simple afternoon treat, this cake is an ideal choice.

This recipe is particularly wonderful because of its versatility. It can be enjoyed as a dessert, paired beautifully with a cup of tea or coffee, or even served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly indulgent experience.

Context/Background

The apple pecan cake is a beloved classic that traces its roots back to American home baking traditions, where the bounty of autumn harvests was often celebrated with comforting desserts. The combination of apples and pecans is iconic to Southern baking, where these ingredients are cherished for their robust flavors and natural sweetness.

Technically, this cake is a variant of traditional spice cakes, often featuring spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to complement the natural sweetness of the fruits and nuts involved.

Recipe Details

Serves: 8-10
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Ingredients

1 cup chopped pecans
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup brown sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup applesauce
1 cup peeled and chopped apples

Directions

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy.
Add the eggs one at a time to the butter mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Stir in the applesauce until fully incorporated.
Fold in the chopped apples and pecans, then pour the batter into the prepared baking pan.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for Perfect Irresistible Autumn Cake

For added texture, toast the pecans before adding them to the batter.
Ensure all ingredients are at room temperature for even mixing.

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor profile.
Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the cake tender.

Serving Suggestions

This cake is delightful on its own or served with a dollop of whipped cream. It can also be enjoyed with a caramel sauce drizzle or alongside a warm beverage.

Storage and Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For extended freshness, refrigerate the cake for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a leisurely day at home, the Irresistible Autumn Cake with apple pecan goodness is sure to bring warmth and delight to your table. Give it a try this season for a truly memorable dessert experience.

Recipe Notes

If you don’t have applesauce, you can substitute an equal amount of Greek yogurt.

Feel free to add a glaze or frosting to elevate the dessert for special occasions.
To make this recipe vegan, replace eggs with flax eggs and butter with plant-based alternatives.