Cinnamon Caramel Applesauce Coffee Cake with Pecans

Prep: 15 minCook: 50 min18 servingsmediumAmerican
Cinnamon Caramel Applesauce Coffee Cake with Pecans

A tender bundt-style coffee cake featuring warm cinnamon, sweet caramel chips, and moist applesauce that keeps every bite perfectly soft. The caramel baking chips melt throughout the batter while optional pecans add delightful crunch. Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, this cake is ideal for weekend brunches, holiday mornings, or afternoon coffee breaks. The applesauce creates exceptional moisture while the caramel chips provide bursts of rich sweetness that set this version apart from traditional coffee cakes.

Vegetarian

Ingredients

18 servings
  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • ½ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup applesauce
    mashed banana1:1fruit

    adds banana flavor, similar moisture

    Full guide →
  • 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 10-ounce package caramel baking chips
  • 1 cup chopped pecans(optional)
    walnuts1:1nut

    same crunch and richness

    Full guide →
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 1 tablespoon butter, softened
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons half-and-half or milk
    heavy cream1:1dairyadds dairy

    richer glaze

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease and flour a 12-cup fluted tube pan

  2. 2

    Beat butter with both sugars using an electric mixer until blended well

  3. 3

    Beat in eggs one at a time

  4. 4

    Mix in vanilla extract and applesauce

  5. 5

    Whisk together flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt in a medium bowl

  6. 6

    Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture, beating until blended

  7. 7

    Stir in caramel chips and pecans then transfer batter to prepared pan

  8. 8

    Bake for 45 to 50 minutes then cool 10 minutes

  9. 9

    Invert onto a wire rack

  10. 10

    Whisk together all glaze ingredients and drizzle on cake with a spoon

Tips

Tip 1

Serve the cake warm from the oven when the caramel chips are still slightly melty for the best texture and flavor experience.

Tip 2

Make sure butter is properly softened at room temperature to ensure smooth mixing and even texture throughout the cake.

Tip 3

Cool the cake completely before glazing if you prefer a thicker glaze that doesn't soak into the cake.

Good to Know

Storage

Cover and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Can be baked 1 day ahead and stored covered, add glaze before serving

Serve With

Best served warm or at room temperature, excellent with coffee or tea

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't overbake or the cake will be dry - test with a toothpick at 45 minutes

Watch

Ensure butter is properly softened to avoid lumpy batter

Substitutions

Dairy-Free Swaps

half-and-half→
heavy cream1:1dairyadds dairy

richer glaze

Full guide →

General Alternatives

pecans→
walnuts1:1nut

same crunch and richness

Full guide →
applesauce→
mashed banana1:1fruit

adds banana flavor, similar moisture

Full guide →
caramel chips→
butterscotch chips1:1sweetadds dairy

different flavor profile

Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make this without the caramel chips?

Yes, you can omit them or substitute with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, or even dried fruit for different flavors.

How do I know when the cake is done?

Insert a toothpick into the center - it should come out with just a few moist crumbs attached, not wet batter.

Can I freeze this coffee cake?

Yes, wrap the unglazed cake tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw completely before adding glaze.