Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Dapple Cake is a warmly spiced, moist dessert bursting with tender chunks of apple and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. It’s perfect for cozy gatherings or a comforting treat any time of year.

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

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set the pan aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to combine and set aside.
3. Step 3: 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.
4. Step 4: Add the vanilla extract and eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
5. Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, mixing well after each addition. The batter will be very thick.
6. Step 6: Fold in the chopped apples gently with a sturdy wooden spoon.
7. Step 7: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pan and spread it out smoothly. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Step 8: While the cake is baking, prepare the frosting by combining the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan.
9. Step 9: Heat the frosting mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
10. Step 10: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the freshly baked cake.
11. Step 11: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra texture, sprinkle chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans into the batter before baking.
• Use a mix of tart and sweet apples to enhance the flavor complexity of the cake.
• If you prefer, substitute the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
• Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful dessert experience.

Storage

Store leftover Apple Dapple Cake covered tightly at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave to warm the cake and soften the frosting before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this cake?

It’s best to use fresh apples for the best texture and flavor. If you use frozen apples, make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly to avoid excess moisture in the batter.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup for regular flour. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 75 reviews

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring a spiced apple-laden batter topped with a rich, creamy buttercream frosting. This classic comfort cake bakes to perfection in a 9×13-inch pan and is finished with a warm, luscious frosting poured over the top, making it a perfect treat for fall or any time you crave homemade apple goodness.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Preheat and prepare the pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this mixture aside for later use.
3. Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Then, add the vanilla extract. Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
4. Add dry ingredients to wet: Gradually add the dry flour mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. The batter will be very thick, which is expected for this recipe.
5. Fold in apples: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter until evenly distributed.
6. 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 of the cake comes out clean.
7. Prepare the frosting: While the cake bakes, 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 let it cool for 5 minutes.
8. Frost the cake: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the prepared frosting evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in and add extra moisture and sweetness.
9. Serve: Slice the cake into portions and serve warm or at room temperature for a comforting dessert experience.

Notes

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced tartness against the sweetness of the cake.
• Ensure apples are peeled and cut into uniform ½-inch chunks for even distribution and baking.
• The batter will appear very thick; this is normal due to the apple content and dry ingredients.
• Letting the frosting cool slightly before pouring prevents it from running off the cake entirely.
• Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.

Keywords: Apple cake, Spiced apple cake, Classic apple dapple cake, Fall dessert, Moist apple cake