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Apple Cake with Warm Caramel Pecan Sauce is a delightful dessert that combines the comforting flavors of apples, cinnamon, and caramel with the crunch of pecans. It’s a perfect treat for fall or any time of the year when you crave a delicious and comforting dessert.
History:
The history of apple cake can be traced back to Europe, where apples were a common fruit. People have been making apple-based desserts for centuries, and apple cake variations have evolved over time. The addition of caramel and pecans likely originated in the United States, where these ingredients are abundant and widely used in baking.
Components:
- For the Apple Cake:
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup of sour cream
- 2 cups of peeled, cored, and chopped apples (e.g., Granny Smith)
- For the Warm Caramel Pecan Sauce:
- 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
- 1 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of chopped pecans
Steps to Prepare:
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Preheat your oven to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC) and grease a 9×9-inch baking pan.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Set this dry mixture aside.
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In another large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually mix in the dry ingredients, alternating with the sour cream. Begin and end with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
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Gently fold in the chopped apples.
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top.
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Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the cake to cool slightly in the pan.
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While the cake is cooling, prepare the warm caramel pecan sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
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Stir in the brown sugar and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
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Slowly add the heavy cream while stirring continuously. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and chopped pecans.
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Cut the apple cake into squares and serve warm with the warm caramel pecan sauce drizzled over the top.
Total Time:
The total time needed to prepare and bake the Apple Cake with Warm Caramel Pecan Sauce is approximately 1 hour. This includes preparation and baking time. Enjoy this delicious dessert with its rich and comforting flavors! ๐ฝ๏ธ๐๐
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Apple Cake with Warm Caramel Pecan Sauce. Keep in mind that these values can vary depending on specific ingredients and serving sizes:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate values per serving, assuming 12 servings):
- Calories: 375
- Total Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 71mg
- Sodium: 317mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 49g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 31g
- Protein: 4g
Health Information:
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Calories: Apple Cake with Warm Caramel Pecan Sauce is a calorie-dense dessert, with each serving providing about 375 calories. Moderation is key, especially if you’re mindful of your calorie intake.
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Total Fat: This dessert is relatively high in total fat, primarily due to the butter and heavy cream used in the caramel pecan sauce. Saturated fat is also significant, so it’s important to consume such treats in moderation, as excessive saturated fat intake can contribute to heart health concerns.
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Cholesterol: The cake contains a moderate amount of cholesterol, mainly from the eggs and butter. If you have dietary restrictions related to cholesterol, consider portion control.
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Sodium: The sodium content in this dessert is relatively moderate. However, if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you might want to be mindful of your overall sodium intake throughout the day.
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Total Carbohydrates: This dessert is carb-rich, with a significant portion of the carbs coming from sugars. The apples provide some dietary fiber, but the cake is still relatively high in added sugars, which can impact blood sugar levels.
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Protein: The protein content is relatively low in this dessert. While it adds some protein to your diet, it’s not a significant source of this nutrient.
In summary, Apple Cake with Warm Caramel Pecan Sauce is a delicious but indulgent dessert that should be enjoyed in moderation, especially if you’re concerned about calorie intake, fat, or sugars. It’s a treat best savored on special occasions or as an occasional indulgence.