This Amish Apple Dapple Cake is a warm, cozy treat packed with juicy apples and cinnamon. It’s perfect for fall but can brighten any day with its sweet, buttery flavor!
Whenever I make this cake, my family gathers around to enjoy it. It’s so good, I sometimes have to hide a slice for myself! 🍏😁
I love serving this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. It’s easy to make, and the smell while it bakes fills the house with happiness! Trust me, you’ll want to share it with everyone.
Ingredients & Substitutions
All-purpose flour: This is the base of the cake, providing structure. If you’re gluten-free, you can use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, although the texture may vary slightly.
Granulated sugar: This adds sweetness and moisture. For a healthier option, consider using coconut sugar or even a sugar substitute like erythritol if you’re watching your sugar intake.
Vegetable oil: Vegetable oil keeps the cake moist. Canola or sunflower oil work as substitutes. If you prefer, melted coconut oil adds a unique flavor.
Apples: Using a mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives great flavor. If you’re out of fresh apples, canned apples (drained) or unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch.
Nuts: Walnuts add crunch, but pecans are also great. If you have nut allergies, simply leave them out or replace them with seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds.
How Do I Ensure My Cake Comes Out Perfectly Moist and Delicious?
To get that perfect moist texture, there are a few key steps. First, you want to mix your wet and dry ingredients just until combined—overmixing can lead to a dense cake. Also, use ripe apples for added moisture and sweetness.
- Combine the wet ingredients (oil, eggs, and vanilla) until well blended, then add to the dry ingredients slowly.
- Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts without overdoing it to keep the cake light and airy.
- Keep an eye on the baking time and check for doneness with a toothpick around the 45-minute mark.
Letting the cake cool in the pan briefly helps it to set. Afterward, transferring it carefully ensures it keeps its shape.
How to Make Amish Apple Dapple Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2-3 medium apples)
- 1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
For the Toppings:
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce (for drizzle)
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze, optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty Amish Apple Dapple Cake will take about 15 minutes of preparation time, plus 45-55 minutes for baking. Once baked, you’ll need another 10-15 minutes for cooling before you enjoy it. Overall, you can expect to spend around 1.5 hours from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping Your Oven and Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s heating up, greasing and flouring a 10-inch bundt pan or tube pan will ensure your cake comes out easily after baking.
2. Mixing the Dry Ingredients:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking soda, salt, and ground cinnamon. This mixture will serve as the base for your delicious cake, so be sure it’s well combined.
3. Combining Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, mix together the vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and combined. This is where you get that lovely moist texture!
4. Bringing It All Together:
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing just until everything is blended. Be careful not to overmix—just combine until it’s all looking nice and even!
5. Adding Apples and Nuts:
Now, it’s time to fold in your peeled and diced apples and the chopped walnuts or pecans if you’re using them. This will give your cake that wonderful texture and flavor.
6. Filling the Pan:
Carefully pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and use a spatula to smooth the top. This will help it bake evenly.
7. Baking the Cake:
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it towards the end!
8. Cooling Time:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10-15 minutes. After that, carefully transfer it to a cooling rack to cool completely. This step is important to let all the flavors settle!
9. Making the Glaze (Optional):
If you’d like a sweet glaze, whisk the powdered sugar with a bit of water or milk in a small bowl until you reach your desired consistency. This will make for a lovely finishing touch!
10. Drizzling and Serving:
Before serving, drizzle the cooled cake with caramel sauce and/or the powdered sugar glaze. This adds extra sweetness and makes it look delightful. Enjoy your delicious Amish Apple Dapple Cake with family and friends!
Can I Substitute Other Oils for Vegetable Oil?
Absolutely! You can use canola oil, melted coconut oil, or even applesauce for a healthier option. If you opt for applesauce, you might want to reduce the sugar slightly to balance the sweetness.
What Types of Apples Work Best in This Cake?
Great question! Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully as they add a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake. You can also mix different apple varieties for added flavor and texture.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can wrap it well and freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Make This Cake Without Nuts?
Yes, you can easily leave out the nuts if you prefer! You could also substitute with sunflower seeds for a nut-free crunch, or simply increase the amount of apples for more fruitiness.
