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Ultimate Apple Dapple Cake with Easy Caramel Glaze

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A tender, spiced apple cake with a rich caramel glaze that seeps into every crevice. This one-bowl wonder is simple enough for a Tuesday but special enough for Thanksgiving.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter (for caramel glaze)
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar (for caramel glaze)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (for caramel glaze)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for caramel glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for caramel glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. Optionally line the bottom with parchment paper.
  2. Peel, core, and chop 3 medium apples into roughly 1/2-inch chunks. Set aside.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  4. Add the melted butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, vanilla, buttermilk, and apple cider vinegar directly to the dry ingredients. Stir until just combined. A few lumps are fine.
  5. Fold in the chopped apples and pecans (if using) until evenly distributed.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread into an even layer.
  7. Bake for 40-45 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. The top should be golden brown and edges pulling away from the pan.
  8. While the cake bakes, make the caramel glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/2 cup butter. Add 1 cup brown sugar and whisk until smooth. Slowly pour in 1/2 cup heavy cream while whisking constantly. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes, whisking occasionally. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt. Let cool for 5 minutes.
  9. When the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Pour the warm caramel glaze over the top, spreading gently with a spatula. Let the cake cool for at least 20 more minutes before slicing.

Notes

Use room temperature eggs to prevent butter from seizing. Don’t overmix the batter. Toast nuts before adding for better flavor. Check baking soda freshness. Let cake cool before slicing for clean pieces. The caramel glaze will thicken as it cools; if too thick, add a splash of cream and reheat gently.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple dapple cake, caramel glaze, fall dessert, one-bowl cake, apple cake, easy dessert, comfort food

Find it online: https://piperplate.com/ultimate-apple-dapple-cake-with-easy-caramel-glaze/