Description
Apple Dapple Cake is a moist, tender cake bursting with chunks of fresh apples and crunchy nuts, all enhanced by a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze. This classic dessert combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a luscious glaze that melts into the cake, making it perfect for cozy gatherings or a delightful treat any time of year.
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
Cake Batter
- 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 the cake from sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg until well combined to evenly distribute the leavening and spices.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to cream the softened butter with granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, fluffy and lightened in color, about 3-4 minutes. This step incorporates air, giving the cake a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugar, beating well after each to fully incorporate. Then stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the batter with warm flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet batter, alternating with the vegetable oil. Mix gently until just combined, taking care not to overmix which could make the cake dense.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold the peeled, cored, and chopped apples along with the chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter, distributing them evenly without breaking them down.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch pan and spread 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 done.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cooling slightly helps the glaze set better on the surface.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir continuously and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added aroma.
- Glaze the Cake: While the cake is still warm, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in for a rich, indulgent finish.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve warm for the best texture and flavor. This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of tea or coffee.
Notes
- Chilled cake is delicious but the glaze is most gooey when warm—serve accordingly.
- For extra texture, substitute walnuts with pecans or add raisins if desired.
- Ensure apples are peeled and cut into uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Use fresh spices for the best flavor impact in the cake.
- Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
