A Southern Grace: apple dapple dream

December 31, 2008

apple dapple dream

Yum

Apparently the apple industry is pretty big in NY, which is convenient for me, 'cause I kinda like apples. However, what I really like is apples ensconced in moist cake and topped with a rich, buttery caramel glaze.


Other than the apple chopping, this apple cake is extremely quick and easy. Travesty of travesties, there was no cinnamon in the original recipe. After picking myself up off the floor from my initial shock (whoever heard of an apple dessert without cinnamon?), I quickly remedied the situation and dumped in two heaping teaspoons.


Did I mention that this is a moist cake? It's already moist from the applesauce, and then the glaze, having seeped into every pore, just serves to make it that much more moist. Glorious is what it is. Glorious and mouth-watering and I'll-rip-the-door-off-the-oven-if-it's-not-done-soon aromatic. In other words, it's delicious. Mmmkay?


Apple Dapple Cake
Cake:
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs, beaten
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1 cup applesauce
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 teaspoons cinnamon
3 cups finely chopped apples

Glaze:
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup milk

In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Make a well in the center and set aside.
In a medium bowl, combine eggs, oil, applesauce, and vanilla. Add the wet mixture to dry ingredients and stir just until moistened. Stir in apples.
Spread the batter in a greased and floured 9 x 13-inch pan. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes.
For the glaze, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk in a small saucepan. Cook and stir until bubbly and all of the sugar is dissolved. Cool slightly. Drizzle warm over cake when it has cooled for 5 minutes, so it can seep into the cake and keep it moist and completely irresistible.



And by the way, here's to a prosperous and joyful 2009.

66 comments:

The Blonde Duck said...

I'm the first! Hooray! And I say that that apple cake is divine. I swear Grace, we should get together and have a pig-out feast. Apples and cinnamon and caramel and meatballs and....

When can I come up?

Pamela said...

Apples and caramel...oh my! Looks very tempting. Happy New Year!!

LyB said...

So, I'm reading your post with Martin looking over my shoulder and he says: "What's that? It looks good. Check out the recipe. Who made that?" See what your food photos do to people! That glaze is driving me nuts, I so have to make that cake! :)

Albany Jane said...

Like I always say - slather it with butter and it can do no wrong. Happy New Year!

Shelley said...

WOW. This cake sounds totally out of the ball park. Thanks for the recipe.
Happy 2009 to you too.

Anonymous said...

That cake is beautiful and it sounds delicious too!
Good thinking with the cinnamon, I put cinnamon in baked goods whenever I think I can get away with it. I even sneak a little into chocolate chip cookies (always living on the edge). Thanks for the recipe and have a fantastic New Year!!

Bunny said...

Look how moist that is! You know how much I love apples Grace this is getting book marked! It makes my day when I can add more apples and cinnamon to my recipe box, thank you!

Thistle Cove Farm said...

Delish! I'm making this for my quilting group tomorrow night, thanks a bunch.

Lori said...

This sounds like a really great cake. I like the fact that it has 3 cups of apples in it! A lot of recipes have a cup or something and that just isnt enough.

Anonymous said...

I can't abide by raw apples but I absolutely adore cooked ones so I am always happy to come across a new apple recipe-especially when it comes complete with food porn shots like this! :P

Happy 2009 Grace! May your year be a cinnamon filled one :)

Half Baked said...

My mom makes this cake and it's fabulous. One of the best apple cakes EVER! Yumm yours looks so moist and delish I'm drooling now:) Happy New Year!

Sara said...

This looks really delicious - happy new year!

Anonymous said...

I love apple cakes!

Hope you have a very happy New Year. :)

Sandie said...

Apples, cinnamon & caramel? I'm in! (Besides, who can resist a name like Apple Dapple Dream?)

Happy New Year, Grace! Hope your 2009 is the best yet!

Debbie said...

all I have to say is.... mmmmmmmm!

Tabby said...

WOW, I am soo making that this week...no I take that back. I'm making it today. :)

vanillasugarblog said...

wonderful! apples & caramel, oh how I love that combo.
happy new year to you!

Heather said...

yummm!! that looks so moist, delicious and amazing! no cinnamon in the original!?? that's crazy!

Theresa said...

Apple and caramel. Yum!!! Have a Happy New Year!

Paula said...

Apples and applesauce ... hooray! Plus, I agree, cinnamon is a definite must have in this recipe. That caramelly glaze is a real topper, too! YUM!

Sandy said...

you and i are on the same wave-length w/apples! lol. happy new yr and 2009, grace!

giz said...

Yup, love the apple cake but what really caught my eye was that oozing first city cousin of Eb's.

Nic said...

Yum, yum, yum!!

Oh and by the way, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!!!!
Wishing you all the best for 2009!

Y said...

Happy 2009! Mmm.. look at that glossy cake! I'm with you, on the cinnamon. I always add some, to any apple recipe, regardless of whether it says so or not. If it does, then I usually add double ;P

OhioMom said...

Happy New Year Grace .. I will be bookmarking this one .. apples without cinnamon? Oh no, a travesty indeed :)

test it comm said...

That cake look so moist and apply good!

Happy new year!

pam said...

OMG! You can see how moist that cake is. I think I have everything
needed to make it! I might attempt baking!

Happy New Year!

Jacque said...

I agree, apples + cinnamon = true love. For me and the apples.

Your cake looks perfect and delicious.

Susan @ SGCC said...

That cake looks amazing! I could go for some right now.

Happy New Year, Grace! Hope it's a great one!

Anonymous said...

It's the best isn't it! Happy New Year Grace, I've enjoyed every visit here!

Ingrid_3Bs said...

Happy New Year, Grace!
~ingrid

Cookie baker Lynn said...

Apples, cinnamon and caramel - yes, please!

Happy New Year!

Jescel said...

the perfect combo! Happy New year to you.. and here's to more lovely creations in 2009!

Emily said...

I believe you! It looks soooo good.

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

Happy New Year!

Ann said...

I want to lick the glaze...just lick it...

Sophie said...

apple cake without cinnamon? Crazy!!! Good for you for perfecting this delicious and moist cake. Apple desserts are my fav, but only when they include cinnamon ;).

Anonymous said...

Why I do believe I have the same apple enjoyment preferences as you. Sounds delicious.

Lore said...

Oooo the moist-moist apple cake, yum! No cinnamon? They should be court-martialed ;)

Anonymous said...

you successfully sold all of us on this recipe!

Peter M said...

Grace, Happy New Year, keep on cooking, making me laugh and allowing me to blurt out "Schenectady"!

Peabody said...

Oh my, doesn't that look good!

kat said...

Just heavenly!

Mike of Mike's Table said...

This cake sounds fantastic! It looks deliciously moist and that final glaze shot sealed the deal for me. I've been dessert deprived this past month and I have a lot of making up for lost time to do. Yum!

La Bella Cooks said...

I love the last shot of the shiny glaze! I think you perfected this recipe with the addition of cinnamon. I can just imagine the taste.

Jessica@Foodmayhem said...

Apple is so universal and your cake does look moist! MMMM

MaryBeth said...

I love apples as well, they really do make the best cakes. Your of course my dear looks extremely delish! Thanks for your kinds words about my Hospital stay.

Marjie said...

Great apples grow well hereabouts, maybe the winters make the trees better or something (I'm a couple of hours southwest of you). This cake looks great!

Happy New Year, Grace!

Anonymous said...

Hi Grace! This is the first time I've left a comment here... I just wanted to let you know that I just made this cake. Took the first bite two minutes ago and... Oh, my gosh!! This cake is delicious!! Super moist and fluffy and oh, so good!

Happy New Year!

KJ said...

MMMMKAY!!!!

krysta said...

i have to ask did you that cinnamon or are you saving it for a special occasion?

Anonymous said...

yummy! looks so nice and moist. happy new year to you too!

Jerri at Simply Sweet Home said...

Looks yummy!

Anonymous said...

This looks amazing and perfectly moist.

Happy New Year!

Deborah said...

I have some apples that need using - this looks perfect!!

Jeanne said...

OMG that looks good. I make an apple caramel self-saucing pudding which is a closely related cousin, but I love the idea of having these flavours in a cake form. There's some homemade applesauce in the freezer...

Anonymous said...

Wait. I've squinted and everything and I can't quite see my name written on that cake. WHAT? I'm an apple loving human, too, and can't believe this poor slice of heaven lacked cinnamon. Thankfully, you saved it. Made something similar last year -- a Martha recipe that was sort of high maintenance but worth it. This is a total keeper for me.

Anonymous said...

Now, this sounds like a great way to bake wit apples! That caramel-y sauce makes it perfect; can't wait to try it!

Anonymous said...

The apple dapple cake is awesome. Thanks for sharing such a great recipe!

Anonymous said...

i made this cake, and it is perfect.
absolutely delicious...
i am in love with this recipe

Kathy Walker said...

Let me join everybody by concurring that this looks fabulous! I am taking a day trip tomorrow to the apple farm. I know what I will be making! Thanks!

Susan Johnson said...

Holy Mother of God. I made this last night, and it is aMAZing!! I've tried a lot of recipes from blogs, and sometimes they don't really seem, um, "time tested," if you know what i mean. But this one is fantastic!

Next time, i might only make 1/2-3/4 of the glaze, because it seems like that would have been enough. The cake would even be fabulous without it, but the glaze really gives it an amazing caramel-y flavor.

Also, just so people know, this makes a LOT of cake, so plan to send some to work.. but be sure to save some extra for yourself. Nothing like a good sugar buzz after breakfast!

The Church Cook said...

Hi, Grace! Thank you for visiting my blog! Yes, I have this recipe, too, given to me by my good friend! Don't you just love this cake? You have a beautiful blog and fantastic recipes! I will need sit with a cup of coffee and absorb your cooking! Great to "meet" ya!

Brown Family said...

I know this is an older recipe post, but I just found your blog. Love your recipes on here! I made this Apple Dapple Cake tonight. YUM!!! It is so moist and delicious! THANK YOU! I will be back to try more recipes out! :)

Anonymous said...

I usually make this in a bundt (SouthernPlate.com) - love your applesauce (sub for some oil) addition! I will definitely try that.

SJerZGirl said...

I made this in the wee hours of this morning. Time will tell how it turned out since I'm taking it to the Christmas dinner I was invited to. I know it looks and smells wonderful! It threatened to fail when it wouldn't come out of the bundt pan, but the baking gods were with me and it did finally release intact.