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Apple Dapple Cake with Creamy Caramel Glaze Recipe

4.6 from 112 reviews

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist, spiced apple cake featuring tender chunks of fresh apples enveloped in a warmly spiced batter with cinnamon and nutmeg. Topped with a rich buttery glaze, this cake is perfect for dessert or a cozy afternoon treat paired with coffee or tea.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake:

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil
  • 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 large eggs
  • 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks

For the Glaze:

  • ⅓ cup butter
  • ⅓ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar
  • ⅓ cup heavy cream
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray or butter, then set aside.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt to ensure even distribution and remove lumps.
  3. Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed until smooth. Add the vanilla extract, then add eggs one at a time, fully incorporating each before adding the next to emulsify the batter.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. The batter will be thick, which is expected to help the apples stay suspended.
  5. Fold in the Apples: Gently fold in the peeled and chopped apples evenly using a spatula or wooden spoon to distribute them throughout the batter.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour batter into the prepared pan, spread evenly, and bake for 50-60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  7. Make the Glaze: While baking, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and heavy cream in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring constantly until it simmers, then continue for one more minute. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Let cool about 5 minutes to thicken.
  8. Glaze the Cake: After baking, let the cake cool 10 minutes in the pan. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake so it seeps in and creates a glossy finish.
  9. Slice and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing to let the glaze set. Serve at room temperature or slightly warm, optionally with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
  • Do not overmix the batter after adding the flour to keep the cake tender.
  • The glaze can be made ahead and gently reheated before pouring over the cake.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
  • This cake pairs excellently with hot coffee or spiced tea.

Keywords: apple cake, spiced cake, glazed apple cake, autumn dessert, cinnamon apple cake