Special Recipe Apple Pecan Cake with Grandma’s Secret Touch

by

Ingredients

(Adjusted for extra depth and texture)

  • Dry Ingredients:
  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup almond flour (adds richness)
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp ground cardamom (Grandma’s favorite spice, optional)
  • 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Wet Ingredients:
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3/4 cup melted butter
  • 1/4 cup applesauce (adds moisture and flavor)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • Filling:
  • 2 cups peeled and finely diced apples (mix of Granny Smith & Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup toasted pecans, coarsely chopped
  • 1/2 cup golden raisins (optional, for nostalgia)

For the Caramel Glaze:

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 tsp maple extract (optional, a nod to the holidays)
  • Pinch of sea salt

Instructions

For the Cake:

  1. Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a Bundt pan or a 9×13-inch pan.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, almond flour, baking powder, baking soda, spices, and salt. Set aside.
  3. Cream Sugars and Fat: In a mixing bowl, beat sugars and melted butter until light and creamy. Add applesauce and mix well.
  4. Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla.
  5. Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined.
  6. Incorporate Fillings: Gently fold in diced apples, toasted pecans, and raisins (if using).
  7. Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45–55 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Cool: Allow the cake to cool for 10–15 minutes in the pan, then transfer to a wire rack.

For the Caramel Glaze:

  1. Simmer: In a saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream. Stir over medium heat until it begins to boil.
  2. Thicken: Reduce heat and simmer for 3–4 minutes. Remove from heat and add maple extract and salt.
  3. Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm glaze over the slightly cooled cake, ensuring it drips beautifully down the sides.

Grandma’s Secret Serving Tips

  • Top it: Garnish with a sprinkle of crushed candied pecans or a drizzle of melted dark chocolate.
  • Serve with: A side of warm custard or spiced chai tea, evoking cozy family gatherings.

Would you like to name this special recipe? 😊

Leave a Comment