Description
Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender apples and crunchy nuts folded into a cinnamon-spiced batter. Baked to perfection and topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze, this classic cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or an indulgent treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients and Mix-ins
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Glaze
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar using an electric mixer for about 3-4 minutes until the mixture is smooth and fluffy.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance the flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the vegetable oil. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and maintain cake tenderness.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the peeled, cored, and chopped apples along with the chopped walnuts or pecans carefully to distribute them evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan and spread it out. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating it is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for about 15 minutes to set before glazing.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly and bring to a gentle simmer lasting 2-3 minutes until sugar dissolves and the glaze slightly thickens. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for extra aroma.
- Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the top of the slightly cooled cake to create a deliciously sticky and rich topping.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve warm to enjoy the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
- You can substitute walnuts with pecans or omit nuts if allergic.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter once dry ingredients are added to keep the cake tender.
- If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar amount by a tablespoon.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave before serving for a warm dessert experience.