Description
Apple Dapple Cake is a delicious, comforting dessert made with fresh apples, walnuts or pecans, and a rich cinnamon-spiced batter. Topped with a sweet brown sugar glaze, this moist cake is perfect for any occasion, especially during the fall season or the holidays. Easy to make and irresistibly fragrant, it’s sure to become a family favorite. The combination of tender apples, warm spices, and crunchy nuts creates a mouthwatering treat that’s perfect for dessert, afternoon tea, or holiday celebrations.
Ingredients
For the cake:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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
For the 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, cream together softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the vegetable oil. Mix until just combined.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Gently fold in the chopped apples and walnuts (or pecans).
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly and bring to a simmer for 2-3 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the cake into squares and serve warm.
Notes
Apple Variations: Choose from Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp apples for different flavor profiles. Granny Smith adds a tart contrast, while Fuji and Honeycrisp are sweeter.
Nut Substitutes: Walnuts or pecans are traditional, but feel free to use almonds, hazelnuts, or skip the nuts entirely for a nut-free version.
Add-ins: Feel free to incorporate raisins, dried cranberries, or even chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 servings
- Calories: 300 kcal per serving
