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Moist Apple Dapple Cake with Warm Caramel Drizzle

Close-up of a slice of moist apple dapple cake topped with thick, dripping caramel sauce.
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This recipe creates a moist, spiced cake packed with fresh apples and topped with a rich, homemade caramel glaze. It is an old-fashioned fall dessert perfect for holidays and 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 granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup milk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a 10-inch tube pan or a 9×13 inch baking 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 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 cup softened butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  4. Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the 1/2 cup milk. Mix until just combined. Do not overmix.
  5. Gently fold in the chopped apples and the optional nuts into the batter.
  6. Pour the batter into your prepared pan.
  7. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a wooden pick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a Bundt pan, baking time may be closer to 65-75 minutes.
  8. While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and 1/4 cup milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the sugar dissolves. Bring to a gentle boil and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in the heavy cream and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  9. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a serving plate.
  10. Drizzle the warm caramel glaze generously over the top of the warm cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set slightly before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • For the moist apple cake recipe, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast against the sweet glaze.
  • If you prefer a sheet cake, use a 9×13 inch pan and reduce the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
  • This cake is excellent served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy fall apple cake experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.unfoldrecipes.com/apple-dapple-cake-moist-caramel-drizzle-recipe/