Description
Apple Dapple Cake is a classic old-fashioned dessert known for its incredibly moist texture, chunks of fresh apples, and rich brown sugar glaze that soaks into the cake while it’s still warm. This cozy, spiced cake is perfect for fall baking but delicious any time of year. It’s simple, rustic, and full of warm apple flavor with a sweet, buttery finish that makes it hard to stop at just one slice.
Ingredients
For the cake:
3 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon salt
1½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, packed
1 cup vegetable oil
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the glaze:
½ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup butter
2 tablespoons milk
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.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and oil. Mix in the eggs one at a time, then add the vanilla extract.
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using. The batter will be thick.
Spoon the batter into the prepared pan and spread it evenly.
Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is dissolved and the glaze is smooth. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, poke small holes over the top using a skewer or fork and slowly pour the warm glaze over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in.
Let the cake cool in the pan before serving.
Notes
This cake stores well and often tastes even better the next day as the glaze continues to absorb into the crumb. For best results, use tart apples to balance the sweetness. Serve warm or at room temperature, plain or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.