Forktionary

Apple Pecan Layer Cake Recipe

Indulge in this irresistible Apple Pecan Layer Cake! Layers of moist, spiced apple cake studded with crunchy pecans are sandwiched together with a rich and decadent brown butter icing. The perfect fall dessert – sweet, spicy, and utterly divine!

Prep Time 30 mins
Cook Time 65 mins
Calories 656.9 kcal
Protein 8g
Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)
Apple Pecan Layer Cake 101

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Apple Pecan Layer Cake

  • 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 0 units baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 0 units salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter
  • 4 cups powdered sugar
  • 0 units apple juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 4 teaspoons apple cider (plus more as needed)

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How to Make Apple Pecan Layer Cake

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, cream together 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter and 2 cups granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
  3. Add 4 large eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed until just combined.
  6. Stir in 1 cup unsweetened applesauce and 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
  7. Fold in 1 cup chopped pecans.
  8. Divide batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  10. Let cakes cool in pans for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely.
  11. **Brown Butter Icing:**
  12. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter. Cook, stirring constantly, until the butter turns a light golden brown and has a nutty aroma (about 5-7 minutes).
  13. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
  14. In a large bowl, beat together 4 cups powdered sugar, 4 teaspoons apple cider, and the cooled brown butter until smooth and creamy. Add more apple cider, 1 teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  15. Once the cakes are completely cool, frost the top of one layer with a generous amount of icing. Top with the second cake layer and frost the entire cake.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

16 g

Sugar

311g

Fat

36g

Carbs

35g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Sweets & Sides Desserts The Americas American Vegetarian Fall Recipes Baking

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Weeknight Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Low Protein Desserts Fruit Oven Easy Potluck Holiday Event Kid Friendly Picnic Cakes Nuts Dietary Comfort Food Low In Something Apples Taste Mood To Go Equipment 4 Hours Or Less