Easy Apple Dapple Cake Recipe: A Sweet Symphony of Flavors

Sweet memories swirl around this classic apple dapple cake, a nostalgic dessert that connects generations through its comforting flavors.

Grandmothers have whispered baking secrets for decades, perfecting each delectable slice.

Crisp autumn apples dance with rich brown sugar, creating a magical blend of textures and tastes.

Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the batter with irresistible aromas that fill kitchens with pure joy.

Homemade desserts always spark conversations and bring people closer together, sharing laughter and love.

Mixing bowls and wooden spoons stand ready for you to craft this delightful treat that promises to become a family favorite.

Slice into pure happiness and let each bite tell a delicious story.

Things to Love About Apple Dapple Cake

• Savor Family Comfort: A heartwarming cake that brings everyone together, perfect for shared moments and creating delightful memories around the table.
• Bake with Ease: Simple ingredients and straightforward mixing steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned home cooks.
• Transform Seasonal Apples: An incredible way to use fresh fall harvest or surplus apples, turning ordinary fruit into a decadent dessert that celebrates seasonal produce.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Works beautifully for potlucks, family gatherings, weekend treats, or casual dessert settings, guaranteed to impress with its rich caramel glaze and tender texture.

Ingredients List for Apple Dapple Cake

• Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Vegetable Oil: Ensures moisture and creates a soft cake crumb.
• Eggs: Bind ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
• Vanilla: Enhances overall flavor with its warm, sweet aroma.

• All-Purpose Flour: Forms the base structure of the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Salt: Balances and intensifies the cake's flavors.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, spicy notes that complement the apples.

• Apples: Fresh diced fruit that provides natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Walnuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the cake texture.

• Brown Sugar, Milk, Butter: Creates a rich, sweet glaze that soaks into the warm cake for extra indulgence.

Directions for Baking Apple Dapple Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan

Warm up your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with grease and flour to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Wet Mixture

• Sugar
• Oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla

Blend until the ingredients are smooth and well incorporated.

Step 3: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Add Fruity and Nutty Goodness

• Diced apples
• Chopped walnuts

Ensure even distribution throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan.

Slide into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

Check doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean when the cake is ready.

Step 6: Craft the Caramel Glaze

• Brown sugar
• Milk
• Butter

In a saucepan, bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.

Remove from heat once it reaches a smooth consistency.

Step 7: Drench in Caramel

Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the warm glaze over the top.

Let the glaze seep into the cake, creating a moist and decadent treat.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing and serving.

Enjoy the rich, apple-packed deliciousness!

Apple Dapple Cake Helpful Hints Inside

• Cut apples into uniform, small cubes to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Toss apple pieces in a light dusting of flour before adding to batter to keep them suspended and prevent settling at the bottom.
• Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to maintain cake's structural integrity and add bright flavor contrast.
• Pour caramel while cake is hot to maximize absorption and create a moist, rich dessert with deep, penetrating sweetness.
• Lightly toast walnuts before adding to batter to enhance their nutty flavor and provide a more complex, aromatic profile.

Alternate Versions of Apple Dapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free blend for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or flax eggs, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and swap walnuts for pecans.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce total sweetener amount, and add extra spices like nutmeg for flavor complexity.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace milk in caramel glaze with almond or oat milk, use plant-based butter alternative for complete dairy elimination.

What to Pair with Apple Dapple Cake

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair a slice with morning coffee or tea for a delightful start to your day.
• Cozy Dessert Moment: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to enhance the cake's rich apple and caramel flavors.
• Gathering Treat: Cut into squares for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dessert parties where everyone can enjoy a delectable piece.
• Afternoon Pick-Me-Up: Enjoy with a cold glass of milk or hot herbal tea as a comforting midday snack that satisfies sweet cravings.

Storing Apple Dapple Cake the Right Way

• Store cooled cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
• Wrap completely cooled cake in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before serving.
• Cut cake into individual portions, wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Microwave frozen slice for 20-30 seconds or thaw at room temperature.
• Warm refrigerated or thawed cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds. For crisp edges, briefly reheat in preheated 325F oven for 5-7 minutes.

FAQs

• Are the apples peeled before adding to the cake?

Yes, peel and dice the apples before folding them into the batter. This ensures a smoother texture and even distribution of apple pieces throughout the cake.

• Can I substitute walnuts with another nut?

Absolutely! Pecans work great as an alternative. They have a similar texture and nutty flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

• How do I know if the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean with no wet batter, the cake is done. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 12 1x

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Description

Delightful apple dapple cake brings Southern charm to dessert tables with its irresistible brown sugar glaze. Moist apple-studded layers promise pure comfort and sweet nostalgia for home bakers seeking a classic American treat.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 ml) diced apples
• 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
• 1 cup (240 ml) vegetable oil
• 3 cups (375 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup (100 g) chopped walnuts

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly mix sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla in a large mixing bowl until smooth and well-integrated.
2. Sift together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a separate bowl to eliminate potential lumps.
3. Gradually incorporate dry ingredients into wet mixture, gently stirring until just combined to maintain cake’s tenderness.
4. Carefully fold chopped apples and walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
5. Transfer the batter into a greased and floured 9×13-inch baking pan, spreading evenly with a spatula.
6. Slide the pan into a preheated 350F (175C) oven and bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness with a toothpick that should emerge clean when inserted.
7. During baking, craft the caramel glaze by combining brown sugar, milk, and butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
8. Bring the glaze to a rolling boil, continuously stirring to prevent scorching, then immediately remove from heat.
9. Once cake emerges from the oven, immediately drench the hot surface with the warm caramel glaze, allowing it to permeate and create a rich, moist texture.
10. Allow the cake to cool completely, permitting the glaze to set and flavors to meld before slicing and serving.

Notes

• Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness to enhance flavor complexity.
• Toast walnuts beforehand to intensify their nutty profile and add deeper, richer notes to the cake’s overall taste.
• Consider reducing sugar in batter if using sweeter apples to maintain balanced sweetness and prevent overwhelming sugary taste.
• Swap walnuts with pecans or almonds for alternative nut options, keeping texture and crunch consistent with original recipe.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 12
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 210 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg