Homemade Apple Dapple Cake Recipe: Sweet Nostalgic Delight

Sweet memories of grandma’s kitchen swirl around this delightful apple dapple cake that promises pure comfort.

Warm spices dance through tender crumbs packed with caramelized fruit chunks.

Nostalgic scents waft from the oven, promising something special.

Humble ingredients combine into an extraordinary dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Simple mixing techniques make this recipe accessible for bakers of all skill levels.

Seasonal apples become the star, turning an ordinary afternoon into a magical moment.

Bake this cake and watch smiles bloom around your table.

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe Overview

• Embrace Simplicity: A beginner-friendly recipe that requires minimal baking skills, perfect for novice bakers wanting to create a delightful dessert.
• Seasonal Comfort: Packed with warm cinnamon and fresh apples, this cake captures the essence of autumn, making it ideal for cozy gatherings and family celebrations.
• Crowd-Pleasing Dessert: The combination of sweet glaze, tender apples, and optional crunchy walnuts creates a universally loved treat that appeals to all ages and taste preferences.
• Quick Preparation: Minimal ingredients and straightforward mixing technique mean you can whip up this delectable cake in under an hour, perfect for spontaneous baking moments.

Ingredients For Apple Dapple Cake

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples that provide natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a tender cake texture.
• Flour: The base ingredient that provides structure to the cake.
• Oil: Ensures a moist and soft cake with rich texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.

• Vanilla: Adds a warm, classic flavor to the cake.
• Cinnamon: Provides a warm, aromatic spice that complements the apples.
• Walnuts: Optional ingredient that adds crunch and nutty flavor.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Milk: Combine to create a rich, caramel-like glaze that adds extra sweetness and moisture to the cake.

• Baking Soda, Salt: Essential leavening and seasoning agents that help the cake rise and balance flavors.

How To Make Apple Dapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350F (175C).

Grab your 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease and flour to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create the Cake Base

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together sugar and oil until they become best friends.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla, then mix until everything is happily combined.

Step 3: Blend the Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon

Slowly introduce these dry ingredients to the sugar mixture, stirring gently until just combined.

Step 4: Add Fruity Crunch

Fold in chopped apples and optional walnuts.

Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan, making sure every corner gets some love.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the pan into the preheated oven.

Bake for 45-50 minutes.

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

Step 6: Craft the Decadent Glaze

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.

Stir in brown sugar and milk.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 2 minutes until it becomes a silky sauce.

Step 7: Finish with Flair

Pour the hot glaze over the freshly baked cake.

Let it cool slightly to allow the glaze to set and the flavors to mingle.

Slice and serve your delightful Apple Dapple Cake!

Pro Tips For Apple Dapple Cake

• Select crisp, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your cake.
• Toss chopped apples with a bit of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent oxidation.
• Spread batter evenly in the pan and rotate midway through baking to guarantee consistent cooking and golden-brown top.
• Let glaze cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from becoming too runny and ensure it clings perfectly to the cake.
• Swap half the oil with unsweetened applesauce to reduce calories and add extra apple flavor.

Variations For Apple Dapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Cake: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Ensure baking soda is certified gluten-free.
• Vegan Apple Delight: Substitute eggs with flax eggs or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil. Replace milk in glaze with almond or oat milk.
• Low-Sugar Apple Treat: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar. Reduce sugar quantity and add extra spices like nutmeg for flavor complexity.
• Dairy-Free Version: Replace butter with coconut oil or margarine. Use non-dairy milk like almond or coconut milk in the glaze. Omit milk for a thicker caramel-like topping.

Serving Suggestions For Apple Dapple Cake

• Cozy Family Dessert Companion: Serve warm slices of this apple dapple cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic comfort combo.
• Brunch Wow Factor: Pair each slice with a dollop of freshly whipped cream and a sprinkle of extra chopped walnuts for elegant breakfast or brunch presentation.
• Afternoon Tea Delight: Cut into smaller squares and arrange on a decorative platter alongside hot tea or coffee for a sophisticated midday treat that impresses guests.
• Holiday Gathering Star: Drizzle additional caramel sauce over individual servings and garnish with a light dusting of powdered sugar to elevate this cake for special celebrations.

Storage Advice For Apple Dapple Cake

• Store cooled cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and store for 2-3 weeks for quick single servings.
• Warm refrigerated cake slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds, or bring to room temperature naturally for best texture and flavor preservation.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Yes, any firm baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji works great. Choose apples that hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

• Is it necessary to use walnuts in the recipe?

No, walnuts are optional. You can skip them entirely or substitute with pecans if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious without nuts.

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

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done. Avoid overbaking to keep the cake moist.

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

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4.6 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet apple dapple cake weaves comfort and nostalgia into each delightful slice. Homemade goodness combines classic ingredients with heartwarming Southern charm, promising pure happiness for hungry dessert enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (470 ml) apples, peeled and chopped
• 1 1/2 cups (300 g) granulated sugar
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) walnuts, chopped

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking pan by greasing and dusting with flour.
2. Combine sugar and oil in a large mixing bowl until thoroughly blended, then incorporate eggs and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
3. In a separate bowl, thoroughly combine dry ingredients including flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
4. Gradually integrate the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing carefully to avoid overmixing.
5. Gently incorporate chopped apples and walnuts into the batter, ensuring even distribution throughout.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes, monitoring until a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean and free of wet batter.
8. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Add brown sugar and milk to the melted butter, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil and simmering for 2 minutes.
10. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, pour the hot glaze evenly over the surface.
11. Allow the cake to rest and cool for 15-20 minutes before slicing and serving, enabling the glaze to set and flavors to meld.

Notes

• Use room temperature eggs for smoother batter integration and better cake texture.
• Chop apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent baking.
• Toast walnuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty flavor and prevent sinking in the batter.
• Replace walnuts with pecans or almonds for different flavor profiles or nut allergies.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 224 kcal
• Sugar: 22 g
• Sodium: 157 mg
• Fat: 11 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 2.3 g
• Protein: 3.4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg