Decadent Caramel-Apple Pecan Mini Cakes
Indulge in these delightful, individual-sized caramel-apple pecan cakes that marry spicy sweetness with nutty richness. Using a convenient boxed spice cake mix, these mini cakes are elevated with layers of tender Granny Smith apples, crunchy pecans, and a luscious caramel swirl. Baked to golden perfection in a muffin tin, they’re perfect for holiday gatherings or cozy family dinners. Serve them warm, drizzled with caramel sauce or accompanied by a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a truly decadent dessert experience.
N/A
Servings
233
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Spice cake mix
1 (18 ounce box)
Eggs
3 (large)
Applesauce
1/3 (cup)
Apple juice
1 1/3 (cups)
Unsalted butter
3/4 (cup, melted (1 1/2 sticks))
Pecans
3/4 (cup, chopped (divided use))
Brown sugar
1/4 (cup (divided use))
Granny Smith apples
4 (peeled, cored, and sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the spice cake mix, eggs, applesauce, and apple juice. Using an electric mixer, blend until well combined and the batter is smooth.
3
In a muffin tin, place 1 tablespoon of melted butter in each cup. Then add 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar, distributing evenly among the cups.
4
Layer 4 to 6 slices of peeled and cored Granny Smith apples over the brown sugar mixture in each cup for a burst of tartness.
5
Pour approximately 1/3 cup of the prepared batter over the apple slices in each cup, ensuring they are all filled evenly.
6
Repeat the layering process until you have filled all 12 muffin cups.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean.
8
Once baked, allow the mini cakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then carefully flip them onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to release from the tin.
9
Serve warm or at room temperature, with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of rich vanilla ice cream for an added treat!
Nutrition Information
12.5g
Fat
29.2g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
0.8g
Fiber
17.5g
Sugar
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Decadent Caramel-Apple Pecan Mini Cakes?
These are individual-sized cakes made with spice cake mix, Granny Smith apples, pecans, and a caramel-like brown sugar glaze, baked in a muffin tin.
What is the main base for the cake batter?
The base is a convenient 18-ounce box of spice cake mix elevated with eggs, applesauce, and apple juice.
How many eggs are needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires 3 large eggs.
What type of apples should I use?
Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and ability to hold their shape during baking.
How many apples are required?
You will need 4 Granny Smith apples, which should be peeled, cored, and sliced.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the muffin tin cups?
Place 1 tablespoon of melted butter, 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans, and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar in each muffin cup.
What is the purpose of the applesauce in the batter?
Applesauce is used to add moisture and enhance the apple flavor in the spice cake batter.
How much apple juice is used?
The recipe calls for 1 1/3 cups of apple juice.
How much butter is needed in total?
You will need 3/4 cup of unsalted butter, which is equivalent to 1 1/2 sticks, melted.
How many pecan slices go into each cup?
Each cup receives 1 tablespoon of chopped pecans as part of the bottom layer.
How many apple slices should I put in each muffin cup?
Layer 4 to 6 slices of peeled and cored Granny Smith apples over the brown sugar mixture in each cup.
How much batter goes into each muffin cup?
Pour approximately 1/3 cup of the prepared cake batter over the apple slices in each cup.
How long do these mini cakes bake?
Bake the cakes in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
How do I test if the cakes are done?
Insert a cake tester or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, the cakes are finished.
How long should the cakes cool in the pan?
Allow the mini cakes to cool in the muffin tin for about 10 minutes before attempting to remove them.
What is the best way to remove the cakes from the tin?
Carefully flip the muffin tin onto a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper to release the cakes.
How should I serve these mini cakes?
Serve them warm or at room temperature, ideally drizzled with caramel sauce and topped with vanilla ice cream.
What are the calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 233 calories.
How much fat is in one mini cake?
There are 12.5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
Each cake contains 29.2 grams of carbohydrates.
How much protein is in each cake?
There are 2.5 grams of protein per serving.
What is the sugar content per serving?
Each mini cake contains 17.5 grams of sugar.
How much fiber is in the recipe?
There is 0.8 grams of fiber per serving.
How many muffin cups does this recipe fill?
This recipe is designed to fill 12 standard muffin cups.
Do I need to use an electric mixer?
Yes, an electric mixer is recommended to blend the batter until it is smooth.
What total amount of pecans is required?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of chopped pecans in total.
What total amount of brown sugar is required?
The recipe uses 1/4 cup of brown sugar in total for the divided layering.
Can these be made for holidays?
Yes, they are perfect for holiday gatherings, fall desserts, and cozy family dinners.
What tags define this recipe?
This recipe is tagged as a dessert, caramel, apple, spice cake, and fall dessert.