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Ultimate Moist Apple Dapple Cake with Brown Sugar Caramel Glaze

Close-up of a moist slice of apple dapple cake topped with a thick, glossy caramel glaze.
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Make this incredibly moist apple dapple cake using fresh apples and warm spices. This easy recipe features a rich brown sugar glaze and is a perfect comfort food dessert for fall gatherings.

Ingredients

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  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 3 cups peeled, cored, and chopped fresh apples (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan or a 10-inch Bundt pan.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
  3. In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the chopped apples and the optional nuts.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into your prepared pan.
  8. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for exactly one minute. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
  10. Immediately after removing the cake from the oven, poke holes all over the top surface using a skewer or fork.
  11. Pour the hot brown sugar glaze evenly over the hot cake. The glaze will seep into the holes, creating the ‘dapple’ effect and keeping the cake moist.
  12. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the moistest cake, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • If you use a Bundt pan, increase the baking time by about 10 to 15 minutes and check for doneness carefully.
  • This cake is excellent served slightly warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kitchenslang.com/apple-dapple-cake-moist-recipe/