Name: Tennessee Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h 15 min
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: Southern American
Ingredients: Vegetable oil spray, for misting the pan; 3 cups The Old Mill Unbleached Plain Flour, plus flour for dusting the pan; 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup light brown sugar; 1 1/4 cups vegetable oil; 3 large eggs; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; 1 teaspoon baking soda; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 3 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks (about 3 1/2 cups); 1 cup chopped pecans (optional); 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons granulated sugar; 3 tablespoons light brown sugar; 3 tablespoons heavy cream; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 23 reviews

The Tennessee Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe is a heartwarming dessert that captures the spirit of cozy autumn afternoons and festive gatherings. This cake boasts tender chunks of apple, a perfect balance of warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and a luxuriously smooth caramel glaze that melts into every bite. It’s moist, flavorful, and irresistibly comforting—a true Southern classic that feels like a warm hug on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of several clear glass and white bowls with ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. There is a large clear glass bowl filled with light brown dried apple slices at the center top, next to a smaller clear glass cup filled with water. A large clear glass bowl filled with white flour sits below the dried apples. To the right of the flour is a small white bowl holding several cubes of pale yellow butter. Around these are smaller white and wooden bowls with various ingredients: white sugar, two brown eggs in a wooden bowl, light brown brown sugar, a small white bowl with white baking powder, a small brown bowl with cinnamon powder, vanilla extract in a tiny brown cup, and a measuring spoon with white granulated sugar. Everything is arranged evenly and clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Simple, straightforward ingredients come together in this recipe to create a flavorful, moist apple cake with a sweet caramel finish. Each component plays a crucial role, from the softening quality of the vegetable oil to the rich sweetness of brown sugar and the sharp, nutty crunch of pecans.

Vegetable oil spray: For greasing your pan perfectly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick and releases smoothly.
3 cups The Old Mill Unbleached Plain Flour: Provides the structure for the cake while remaining light and tender.
1.5 cups granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a moist texture.
0.5 cup light brown sugar: Brings depth and a subtle caramel flavor to the batter.
1 ¼ cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake wonderfully moist and tender, avoiding dryness.
3 large eggs: Act as binders and add richness to the cake.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses warm, cozy spice throughout the cake.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and yields a nice crumb.
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle aromatic quality that enhances the apple flavor.
0.5 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and lifts flavors.
3 large apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks: The star of the cake, delivering juiciness and natural sweetness in every bite.
1 cup chopped pecans (optional): Adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor, grounding the dessert.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor profile with sweet, mellow notes.
For the caramel glaze: 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons granulated sugar, 3 tablespoons light brown sugar, 3 tablespoons heavy cream, and 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract combine to create a luscious finishing touch.

How to Make Tennessee Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan

Start by placing a rack in the center of your oven and preheating it to 325 degrees F. Lightly mist a 10-inch tube pan with vegetable oil spray, then dust it with flour. Be sure to shake out the excess flour so the cake doesn’t develop any clumps or dry spots. This prep work ensures a flawless release after baking.

Step 2: Mix Sugar and Eggs

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and vegetable oil. Using a mixer on low speed, blend these together for about 2 minutes until well incorporated. Then, add the eggs one at a time, beating thoroughly after each. This technique creates a velvety base for the batter, essential for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Step 3: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening agents. Gradually add this dry mixture into the sugar and egg mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing. Now it’s time to fold in the apples, pecans if you’re using them, and vanilla extract. This step ensures every bite has tender apples and a touch of crunch, making the cake a textural delight.

Step 4: Bake and Cool

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake the cake for 1 hour and 15 to 20 minutes or until it pulls away from the pan’s sides and springs back when lightly touched. Allow the cake to cool on a rack for about 25 minutes, which readies it for glazing without losing moisture.

Step 5: Prepare and Add the Caramel Glaze

While the cake cools, make your caramel glaze. In a saucepan, melt the butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract over medium heat. Bring it to a boil and let it bubble for one minute to thicken before removing from the heat. Once the cake has cooled slightly, run a knife gently around the edges, invert it onto a rack, and poke holes in the top using a skewer or fork. Spoon the warm caramel glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into those holes for a sticky, sweet topping. Let the cake cool completely before slicing and serving.

How to Serve Tennessee Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe

The image shows a tall, layered cake with seven visible layers. Each cake layer is light brown with a slightly rough texture. Between each cake layer, there is a middle layer of thick, shiny caramel-colored filling that looks smooth and rich. The top cake layer is dusted with a light white powdered sugar covering, adding a soft touch. The cake sits on a clear, textured glass plate on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Sprinkle a handful of toasted pecans or chopped walnuts over the caramel glaze to add an inviting crunch. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of fresh whipped cream also pairs beautifully, enhancing the cake’s comforting appearance and flavor.

Side Dishes

This cake shines alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce for an extra indulgent treat. For a more balanced plate, serve it with a crisp, tart apple salad or a cup of spiced cider to elevate the autumnal vibe.

Creative Ways to Present

Make individual servings by baking the batter in ramekins or mini bundt pans, then drizzling glaze over each. Alternatively, serve in rustic slices topped with seasonal fruit compote or a smear of cream cheese frosting for a modern twist on the traditional Tennessee Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Tennessee Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe keeps well covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to preserve moisture and prevent the caramel glaze from drying out.

Freezing

This apple cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to protect it from freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge to maintain its luscious texture.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to that fresh-baked warmth, reheat slices in a low oven (around 300 degrees F) for 10 to 15 minutes or briefly microwave on a low setting. Warm cake tastes incredible with the caramel glaze soft and gooey again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith provide a nice balance to the sweetness, sweet apples like Fuji or Gala also work well and give the cake a different flavor profile. Just be sure to peel and cut them into uniform chunks for even baking.

Is there a substitute for vegetable oil in this recipe?

You can swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil or melted butter for a slightly different flavor and texture, but keep in mind that oil helps maintain moisture better than butter, especially in this cake’s moist structure.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the plain flour with a gluten-free baking blend of your choice, ensuring it contains xanthan gum to mimic the structure wheat flour provides. Baking times might vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake as it bakes.

What if I don’t have a tube pan?

You can bake this cake in a Bundt pan or even a deep 9-by-13-inch pan. Just adjust the baking time accordingly; shallower pans usually require less time, so start checking for doneness about 10 minutes earlier.

How long does the caramel glaze stay fresh on the cake?

The glaze is best enjoyed within a day or two as it can start to harden or dry out over time. If you plan to store the cake longer, you might consider glazing just before serving for the freshest texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly something special about the Tennessee Apple Cake with Caramel Glaze Recipe that makes it a beloved dessert in any season but especially when the leaves begin to change. Its harmonious blend of spices, tender apples, and rich caramel glaze is comforting and delicious, perfect for sharing with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe—you might just find it becoming your new favorite autumn treat!