Description
This Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender chunks of apple and crunchy nuts, all baked into a spiced, tender crumb. Topped with a luscious buttery brown sugar glaze, it’s a perfect treat for cozy gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting homemade cake.
Ingredients
Scale
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 & Cake Base
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
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 and make for easy cake release.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg until well combined to ensure even distribution of spices and leavening.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, cream together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth and fluffy, approximately 3-4 minutes, which helps to incorporate air for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition to maintain a homogenous batter. Then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredient mixture in portions, alternating with the vegetable oil. Mix carefully until just combined to avoid overworking the batter which can toughen the cake.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts or pecans to the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack to cool in the pan, allowing it to set and become easier to handle for glazing.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, prepare the glaze by combining butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar fully dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for aroma.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top so it seeps into the cake, adding moisture and sweetness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve warm for the best flavor and texture experience. Enjoy your homemade Apple Dapple Cake!
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity in the cake.
- For a nut-free version, omit the walnuts or pecans and replace with additional apples or raisins if desired.
- The glaze is best poured while warm; it will soak slightly into the cake adding moisture and a rich, sweet finish.
- Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
- This cake can also be made in two 8-inch round pans for a layered presentation with glaze or frosting between layers.
