If you’re craving a dessert that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, look no further than this delightful Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe. It’s a beautifully moist cake bursting with tender bits of fresh apple and crunchy walnuts, all drizzled with a luscious, buttery glaze that adds the perfect touch of sweet richness. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or simply because you deserve a treat, this cake’s comforting spice notes and irresistible texture will quickly make it a new favorite in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together effortlessly. Each one plays a key role in creating the cake’s moist crumb, warm flavors, and that dreamy glaze that ties everything together perfectly.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The backbone of the cake, providing structure and a tender crumb.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully while keeping it light.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic apple pie flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Gives the cake a subtle spice kick that complements the apples.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Creates a tender, rich texture in the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly without overwhelming it.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings deep caramel notes that pair perfectly with the nuts and apples.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add moisture.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with its sweet, fragrant aroma.
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: The star ingredient that adds juicy bursts in every bite.
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped: For that essential crunch and nutty goodness.
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Contributes to the moistness and delicious crumb.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Used in the glaze to create a silky finish.
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Also for the glaze, adding richness and depth.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream: Makes the glaze smooth and luscious.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Perfectly finishes the glaze with warmth and sweetness.
How to Make Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake comes out cleanly and keeps its perfect shape.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. This mixture combines all the warm spices and rising agents needed for a tender cake with a beautifully spiced flavor profile.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars
Using a large bowl, beat together the softened butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until the mixture is fluffy and smooth. This step is essential for achieving that light, tender texture everyone loves in an Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One at a time, add the eggs to your creamed mixture, beating well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract. This not only binds the ingredients but also enriches the cake’s flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet, alternating with vegetable oil. Mix gently and just until combined to keep the cake tender, avoiding overmixing.
Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in your chopped apples and walnuts (or pecans). This adds texture and bursts of fruity flavor that Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe is famous for.
Step 7: Bake the Cake
Pour your batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, showcasing a perfectly cooked, moist cake.
Step 8: Cool and Glaze the Cake
Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by heating butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it simmers and thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour this warm, velvety glaze evenly over the cake to finish it off in style.
How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of charm, sprinkle some chopped walnuts or a dusting of powdered sugar over the glazed top right before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream offers a lovely contrast and makes the serving experience even more indulgent.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with fresh fruit salad or a simple cup of spiced tea or coffee. The crispness of the fruit and the warm drink balance the cake’s sweetness and rich glaze perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve slices of the Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe on pretty vintage plates and garnish each piece with a thin apple slice or a sprig of mint for a pop of color. You can also cut the cake into mini squares for party platters or layer it with whipped cream and cinnamon for a decadent trifle twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and store it in the refrigerator for up to five days. This keeps the cake moist and fresh, and the glaze will still taste delicious when enjoyed later.
Freezing
You can freeze the Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe by wrapping it carefully in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth and aroma, gently warm slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes. Enjoy it slightly warm to accentuate the soft cake and gooey walnut glaze.
FAQs
Can I use different nuts in this Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe?
Absolutely! While walnuts provide a lovely crunch and flavor, pecans or even almonds are great alternatives that work perfectly with the apple and spice blend.
Is it better to use fresh or canned apples for this recipe?
Fresh apples are best for this cake because they maintain their texture and brightness during baking, giving you delicious bursts of juicy apple in every bite.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum to achieve a similar texture and rise.
What if I want a less sweet glaze for the Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe?
Feel free to reduce the brown sugar in the glaze by a few tablespoons or add a pinch of sea salt for a salted caramel vibe that balances the sweetness.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
You can make the glaze a day before and gently reheat it before pouring over the cake. Just be sure to stir well so it’s smooth and glossy.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe is a true joy to make and even more delightful to share. Its comforting flavors, moist texture, and irresistible glaze combine into a dessert that feels like home in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it and add your own special touches along the way!
Print
Apple Dapple Cake with Walnut Glaze Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and warmly spiced dessert featuring chopped apples and nuts baked into a tender cake. Topped with a rich, buttery brown sugar glaze, this cake offers a perfect balance of sweet and spice, ideal for autumn or any cozy occasion.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
Glaze Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, salt, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large bowl, beat the softened unsalted butter with the granulated sugar and brown sugar until the mixture is smooth, fluffy, and lightened in color, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time to the creamed butter and sugars, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract to enhance flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the vegetable oil. Mix gently until everything is just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Add Apples and Nuts: Fold in the chopped apples and chopped walnuts or pecans carefully to distribute evenly throughout the batter.
- Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 9×13 pan and spread it evenly. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and place it on a wire rack. Allow it to cool in the pan to room temperature.
- Make the Glaze: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine unsalted butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly and bring the mixture to a simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the glaze thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake has cooled slightly but is still warm, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top to soak in and add richness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Slice the glazed cake into 12 squares and serve warm for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, try using a mix of tart and sweet apples.
- Walnuts and pecans can be swapped or omitted based on preference or allergies.
- Ensure the butter and eggs are at room temperature for better batter consistency.
- Allow the glaze to cool slightly before pouring to prevent it from soaking too deeply.
- This cake can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
