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Ultimate Moist Apple Dapple Cake with Buttery Brown Sugar Glaze

A slice cut from a bundt-style apple dapple cake, generously topped with a thick, dripping caramel sauce.
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Bake this old-fashioned Apple Dapple Cake. It stays incredibly moist with fresh apples and buttermilk, and it features a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze that soaks into the cake. This easy, foolproof recipe delivers a tender crumb and maximum flavor from scratch.

Ingredients

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  • 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons 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
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • For the Glaze: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour 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 1/2 cup softened butter until light and fluffy.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Alternate adding the dry ingredients and the buttermilk to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the diced apples and pecans, if using.
  7. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  8. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, and heavy cream.
  10. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Boil for exactly one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  11. Immediately pour the hot glaze evenly over the warm cake as soon as it comes out of the oven. The glaze will soak into the cake.
  12. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor contrast against the sweet glaze.
  • You can bake this cake in a 10-inch tube pan or Bundt pan; adjust the baking time slightly, checking for doneness around 45 minutes.
  • For an extra rich flavor, substitute the buttermilk with whole milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of white vinegar or lemon juice, letting it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/apple-dapple-cake-moist-brown-sugar-glaze/