Description

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and warmly spiced dessert bursting with tender apple chunks and topped with a luscious caramel-like frosting. This classic cake features a thick batter infused with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla, delivering a perfect balance of sweet and spice, ideal for autumn or any cozy occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

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

Frosting Ingredients

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to get ready for the batter.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, beat vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar on medium speed using an electric mixer until well combined. Beat in vanilla extract followed by the eggs, adding each egg one at a time for proper incorporation.
Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients a little at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. The batter will turn very thick and dense.
Fold in Apples: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the peeled and chopped apple chunks into the thick batter to distribute evenly without overmixing.
Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare Frosting: While the cake bakes, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture just begins to simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Frost the Warm Cake: Immediately pour the warm frosting over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven, letting it soak in and add a creamy, caramel finish.
Serve: Once the frosting sets slightly, slice the cake and serve. Best enjoyed warm or at room temperature for full flavor.

Notes

Peeling and dicing the apples into uniform ½-inch chunks ensures even cooking and texture consistency in the cake.
Use a sturdy wooden spoon to fold in the apples to avoid breaking them down and to maintain cake texture.
The frosting should be poured while still warm so it spreads smoothly and soaks slightly into the cake, enhancing moisture and flavor.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing to get clean slices and to let the frosting set.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Apple Dapple Cake, Apple cake, Spiced apple dessert, moist apple cake, cinnamon apple cake, caramel frosting cake, fall dessert recipe