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The Ultimate Moist Apple Dapple Cake with Buttery Brown Sugar Glaze

Close-up of a moist slice of apple dapple cake topped with caramelized apples and a white vanilla glaze.
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Bake this 5-star, old-fashioned apple dapple cake that stays incredibly moist. It features fresh apple chunks, warm spices, and a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze, making it the perfect American comfort food dessert for any gathering.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 3/4 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, plus 1/2 cup for topping
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples (about 3 medium apples)
  • 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)
  • 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
  • 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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 softened butter, granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar until light and fluffy. This step helps create a moist cake texture.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix only until just combined; do not overmix.
  6. Gently fold in the diced apples and pecans, if using. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan.
  7. In a small bowl, combine the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the cake batter.
  8. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  9. While the cake cools slightly, prepare the glaze. Whisk together the powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, a half teaspoon at a time, if the glaze is too thick.
  10. Drizzle the buttery brown sugar glaze generously over the warm cake before serving. Allow the glaze to set slightly.

Notes

  • For the moistest cake, use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
  • Do not substitute the buttermilk; its acidity reacts with the baking soda for a tender crumb.
  • If you prefer a thinner glaze, increase the milk slightly. For a thicker, more caramel-like topping, use less milk.

Nutrition

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