Description
Apple Dapple Cake is a vintage-style dessert known for its dense, moist crumb and rich apple flavor. Packed with chunks of fresh apples and toasted pecans, this cake is traditionally finished with a warm brown sugar glaze that seeps into every bite, making it incredibly tender and full of comforting autumn spices. It’s a perfect make-ahead cake that only improves with time, ideal for holidays, potlucks, or as a cozy treat with a hot cup of coffee.
Ingredients
- 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a bundt pan. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and toasted pecans.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a bundt pan, check around 50 minutes.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and cream. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of salt.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm glaze over the hot cake. Allow the cake to soak up the glaze and cool in the pan before serving.
Notes
- This Apple Dapple Cake stores beautifully and often tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld.
- It can be made in a bundt or 9×13 pan depending on presentation preference.
- If using tart apples, consider adding an extra tablespoon of brown sugar to balance the flavor.
- The glaze can also be served on the side for drizzling instead of pouring it all over, if you prefer a less sweet finish.
- Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to three days or refrigerate for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
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