Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

If you love the cozy flavors of fall baked into a moist, tender cake, then you’re going to adore this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe. It’s a delightful treat that captures the perfect balance of warm spices, juicy apples, and a luscious glaze that drapes the cake in sweet, creamy goodness. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply yourself, this cake offers a comforting homemade charm that makes every bite feel like a warm hug on a cool day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of the Apple Dapple Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each component plays a key role—from the flour that forms the cake’s hearty base to the apples that add delightful bursts of flavor and moisture.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure for a tender yet sturdy cake that holds the apples perfectly.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise slightly for a soft crumb without being too airy.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings that classic warm spice note that pairs beautifully with apples.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of complexity and depth to the spice profile.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness.
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender throughout.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering.
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Introduces a subtle molasses flavor and extra richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Lifts the flavor with a fragrant vanilla warmth.
• 3 large eggs: Bind everything together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
• 4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks): The star ingredient, offering juicy texture and fresh apple taste.
• 1/3 cup butter: Essential for the luscious glaze topping that finishes the cake.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed): Sweetens the glaze with a deep caramel tone.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Balances glaze sweetness and aids in smooth consistency.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the glaze for that melt-in-your-mouth finish.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract: Completes the glaze with that warm vanilla aroma.

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Preheat

Start by heating your oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and preparing a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. This simple setup ensures the cake doesn’t stick and bakes evenly, setting the foundation for a flawless bake.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Combining and sifting these spices and leaveners upfront ensures your cake batter is evenly seasoned and the texture stays light without clumps.

Step 3: Cream Sugars and Oil

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat the vegetable oil with both sugars until well combined. Adding vanilla and eggs one at a time now will give your batter a rich, silky texture packed with flavor.

Step 4: Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients

Slowly add the dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring thoroughly after each addition. Expect the batter to be thick—that means you’re on the right track for a cake that will be dense, moist, and apple-studded.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter using a sturdy wooden spoon. This careful step ensures the fruit is evenly distributed without breaking apart, so every slice bursts with fresh apple goodness.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan and slide it into the oven. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick poked in the center comes out clean. This long bake time allows the apples to soften perfectly while the cake develops a golden crust.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes, whisk together butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring often until the mixture starts to simmer. This glaze will add a creamy, sweet finish to complement the spiced cake.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

Once the cake is out of the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top. The glaze will slowly soak in as the cake cools, enriching every bite with buttery sweetness and a glossy shine.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Let the cake cool a little before slicing into 12 generous pieces. Serve it slightly warm to enjoy that melt-in-your-mouth texture accentuated by the sticky glaze.

How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

Add a sprinkle of powdered sugar or a few apple slices on top for a pretty presentation that hints at the flavors inside. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also complements the warm spices beautifully.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of chai tea or freshly brewed coffee. For a more decadent dessert, serve alongside cinnamon-spiced custard or a creamy caramel sauce to elevate every mouthful.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, consider serving the Apple Dapple Cake Recipe in individual ramekins or layering it as a trifle with whipped cream and chopped nuts. You can also drizzle extra glaze or caramel over each slice to make it instantly irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to three days, perfect for enjoying a slice or two without worry.

Freezing

This Apple Dapple Cake Recipe freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the entire cake well in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices gently in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. This will revive the soft texture and let the glaze shine once again.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this cake?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work great for a tangy contrast, while sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala deepen the sweetness. Mixing apple types can add interesting layers of flavor and texture.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend designed for cakes, you can enjoy this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe without gluten. Just be mindful to check that your baking powder and other ingredients are gluten-free too.

Can I substitute the vegetable oil with butter?

You can, but it will change the texture slightly. Butter will make the cake richer and denser, while the vegetable oil keeps it moist and tender. If using butter, melt it first before mixing for best results.

How can I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

To thicken the glaze, let it simmer a bit longer until it reduces to your desired consistency. To thin it, add a splash more heavy cream gradually while stirring until smooth and pourable.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling apples is recommended for this recipe to ensure a smooth texture throughout the cake. However, if you enjoy a bit more rustic bite and extra fiber, you can leave the peels on just make sure they’re scrubbed clean.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe is like crafting a little slice of autumn magic in your kitchen. It’s straightforward, bursting with fresh apple flavor, and finished with a glaze that makes it utterly unforgettable. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover how this humble cake quickly becomes a beloved classic in your home too!

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