Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
Apple Dapple Cake is a moist, spiced dessert loaded with tender apple chunks and topped with a rich, caramel-like frosting. This classic cake combines warm cinnamon and nutmeg flavors with a luscious buttery glaze, making it a perfect treat for cozy gatherings and special occasions.
- Author: Amy
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Dry Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 3 large eggs
Fruit
- 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
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to prepare for baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to ensure an even distribution of the spices and leavening agents.
- Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Then add the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Combine Dry and Wet: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well between each addition. The batter will be very thick at this stage.
- Fold in Apples: Use a sturdy wooden spoon to gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the thick batter, distributing them evenly.
- Bake the Cake: Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make 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 frequently, until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and allow it to cool for 5 minutes.
- Apply Frosting: Pour the slightly cooled frosting evenly over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in and add a rich, caramelized finish.
- Serve: Slice the cake into servings and enjoy it warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure apples are peeled and cut into uniform ½-inch chunks for even baking.
- The batter is very thick; using a wooden spoon to fold apples helps preserve their texture.
- Do not overbake; check for doneness with a toothpick inserted in the center after 50 minutes.
- The frosting can be prepared while the cake bakes to save time.
- Serve warm for the best flavor experience and moist texture.
Keywords: Apple cake, spiced cake, cinnamon apple dessert, apple dapple cake, homemade apple cake, moist apple cake, caramel frosting