Description

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a spiced apple batter topped with a rich, caramel-like frosting. This old-fashioned cake combines tender chunks of fresh apples with warm cinnamon and nutmeg, baked to perfection and finished with a luscious buttery cream glaze poured warm over the top for an irresistible treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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 brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks)

Frosting

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
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 thoroughly using non-stick cooking spray, then set it aside for later use.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt until well combined. Set this dry mix aside.
Cream Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until smooth and blended. Next, add the vanilla extract, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, incorporating a little at a time while mixing well between additions. Note that the batter will become quite thick.
Fold in Apples: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the thick batter, ensuring an even distribution without overmixing.
Bake the Cake: Pour and 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 and the cake is golden brown.
Prepare Frosting: While the cake is baking, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently until the mixture starts to simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
Apply Frosting: Once the cake comes out of the oven and is still warm, pour the prepared frosting evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in and add richness.
Serve: Let the cake cool slightly, then slice into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature for a delightful dessert experience.

Notes

For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith which hold their shape well during baking.
Ensure the frosting is poured over the cake while warm to allow it to seep in nicely.
If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the sugars slightly, but the frosting is quite sweet and balances the flavors.
This cake is excellent served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Leftovers can be stored covered at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.

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

Keywords: Apple Dapple Cake, spiced apple cake, old-fashioned apple cake, apple dessert, cinnamon apple cake, caramel frosting cake