Table of Contents
Why You Will Love This dapple apple cake Recipe
Dapple Apple Cake: The Ultimate Spiced Fall Favorite
Ingredients
- 3 medium sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a blend), peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Ensure they are well combined.
- In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Once baked, remove the dapple apple cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, crisp apples. A mix of sweet and tart varieties works wonderfully. Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender. Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
There are countless reasons why this particular dapple apple cake recipe will become a cherished staple in your kitchen. First, it is incredibly comforting, filling your home with an aroma that feels like a warm hug. The preparation is surprisingly quick, making it an ideal choice for busy weekdays or impromptu gatherings. Its flavor profile, a harmonious blend of sweet apples and a hint of spice, is universally appealing, satisfying even the most discerning palates. This recipe is designed for ease, ensuring a successful bake even for novice bakers. It is special because it highlights the natural sweetness and texture of apples, creating that beautiful “dapple” effect that gives the cake its name. We often bake this when apples are in season, enjoying a slice with a cup of tea as the leaves turn golden outside.
Ingredients Needed for This dapple apple cake Recipe
Gathering your ingredients is the first delightful step towards creating this wonderful cake. Fresh, crisp apples are key here, offering both flavor and texture.
- 3 medium sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a blend), peeled, cored, and diced into small pieces
- 2 cups all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: Powdered sugar for dusting
How to Make This dapple apple cake Recipe
Crafting this dapple apple cake is a joy, with each step bringing you closer to a delicious outcome. Follow these easy instructions for a perfect bake every time.
- 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: all purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Ensure they are well combined.
- 3. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: eggs, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- 4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently with a spoon or spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
- 5. Fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. This is where the magic of the “dapple” begins!
- 6. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it evenly.
- 7. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes, or until a wooden skewer or toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- 8. Once baked, remove the dapple apple cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before serving. If desired, dust with powdered sugar before slicing.
How to Serve This dapple apple cake Recipe
This dapple apple cake is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. For a simple treat, a slice as is, perhaps with a dusting of powdered sugar, is absolutely divine. To elevate the experience, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream that slowly melts into its spiced pockets. A dollop of freshly whipped cream or a drizzle of warm caramel sauce also complements the apple cake with spice beautifully. For a cozy breakfast or brunch, it pairs perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or a comforting mug of chai tea. The beauty of this cake is its ability to stand alone or act as a canvas for your favorite toppings.
How to Store This dapple apple cake Recipe
Proper storage ensures your dapple apple cake remains fresh and delicious for as long as possible.
- Refrigeration instructions: Once completely cooled, cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or store it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing guidelines: For longer storage, slice the cooled cake into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer safe bag or container. This dapple apple cake can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Reheating tips: Thaw frozen slices at room temperature or gently warm them in the microwave for a quick treat. Refrigerated slices can also be warmed slightly in the microwave or a low oven for that fresh baked taste.
- Shelf life information: At room temperature, covered, the cake is best enjoyed within 2 to 3 days.
Tips to Make This dapple apple cake Recipe
Achieving the perfect dapple apple cake is easy with a few helpful tips and tricks.
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Braeburn or Gala apples also work well. For a richer flavor, you could use unsalted butter instead of vegetable oil, though the oil provides a wonderfully moist crumb. To enhance the apple cake with spice profile, add a pinch of ground ginger.
- Success tips: Do not overmix the batter, as this can lead to a tough cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined. Ensure your baking powder is fresh for the best rise.
- Common mistakes to avoid: Baking powder that is past its prime will result in a dense cake. Also, do not open the oven door too frequently during baking, especially in the first 30 minutes, as this can cause the cake to sink.
- Pro tips for best results: For an even more intense apple flavor, try tossing the diced apples with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. This helps prevent them from sinking to the bottom of the pan.
Helpful Notes for This dapple apple cake Recipe
Here are some additional insights to make your dapple apple cake baking experience even smoother.
- Extra clarifications: The “dapple” effect comes from the visible pieces of apple baked into the cake, creating beautiful spots of fruit.
- Ingredient details: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples can create a more complex flavor profile for your apple cake with spice. Granny Smith offers tartness, while Honeycrisp provides sweetness and a firm texture that holds up well during baking.
- Equipment recommendations: A good quality 9×13 inch baking pan will ensure even baking. A simple whisk and two mixing bowls are all you truly need for this straightforward recipe. Consider checking out our tips on choosing the right baking pans for more insights.
Variation of This dapple apple cake Recipe
Spice up your dapple apple cake with these creative modifications!
- Seasonal twists: In autumn, consider adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for a delightful crunch. For a summer twist, you could try incorporating a half cup of fresh blueberries along with the apples.
- Optional versions: For a richer, more decadent version of this apple cake with spice, add a cream cheese swirl by dolloping softened cream cheese mixed with a little sugar and an egg yolk over the batter before baking, then swirling it gently with a knife.
- Creative modifications: A simple streusel topping made from flour, sugar, cold butter, and a pinch of cinnamon can be sprinkled over the batter before baking for added texture and sweetness. You can also explore different spices like cardamom for a unique flavor profile. We also have a fantastic cinnamon roll cake recipe that shares some of the same warming spice notes if you love this dapple apple cake.
FAQs About This dapple apple cake Recipe
What is dapple apple cake?
What kind of apples are best for dapple apple cake?
Can dapple apple cake be made ahead of time?
Conclusion
We hope this recipe inspires you to create your very own dapple apple cake. Its delightful flavors, comforting aroma, and easy preparation make it a perfect addition to any baking repertoire. There is truly nothing quite like a slice of homemade apple cake with spice to bring joy to your day. Give it a try, and we are confident it will become a cherished part of your culinary traditions. We would love to hear about your experience; please feel free to share your thoughts or questions in the comments below!
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