Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert filled with tender apple chunks and warm spices. Topped with a rich, creamy frosting, it’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks)
• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the vanilla extract and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring well after each addition. The batter will be thick.
5. Step 5: Fold the chopped apples gently into the batter using a sturdy wooden spoon.
6. Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Step 7: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring often, until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Pour the warm frosting over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
9. Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and acidity.
• For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
• If you prefer a sweeter frosting, sprinkle a little powdered sugar on top once the frosting sets.
• To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.

Storage

Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave to enjoy the frosting warm again.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this cake?

It’s best to use fresh apples for texture and flavor. If using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well before adding to the batter to avoid excess moisture.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, you can bake the cake a day in advance. Store it covered with frosting at room temperature or in the fridge, then bring it to room temperature before serving for the best flavor.

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 95 reviews

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines tender chunks of apples with a spiced, thick batter and a luscious caramel-like frosting made from butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Baked to perfection at a low temperature to keep it moist, this classic cake is perfect for fall or any time you want a cozy treat.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cake Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks)

Frosting Ingredients

• 1/3 cup butter
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to get ready for the batter.
2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures the spices and leavening are evenly distributed.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the vegetable oil with both granulated and brown sugars. Then add vanilla extract and beat in the eggs one at a time until the mixture is smooth and slightly thickened.
4. Add Dry Ingredients to Wet: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. The batter will become very thick as you mix.
5. Fold in Apples: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the peeled, chopped apples into the thick batter to ensure even distribution without crushing the apples.
6. Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into your prepared baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Frosting: While the cake bakes, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture starts to simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
8. Apply Frosting: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the freshly baked cake. The frosting will soak into the cake adding a rich, caramelized flavor.
9. Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly or serve warm. Slice into squares and enjoy your delicious Apple Dapple Cake.

Notes

• Make sure the apples are peeled and chopped into uniform ½-inch chunks for even baking and texture.
• Use a sturdy spoon when folding in the apples to avoid breaking them down too much.
• The cake is best served warm or at room temperature with the frosting absorbed.
• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the sugar slightly.
• Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Keywords: Apple Dapple Cake, apple cake recipe, spiced apple cake, caramel frosting, homemade apple dessert, fall dessert, easy apple cake