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Apple Dapple Cake

An easy, crowd-friendly dessert with tender cake, tart apples, crunchy pecans, and a glossy dulce de leche topping, perfect for potlucks or any occasion.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
Servings: 12 slices
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Dry Ingredients
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
Wet Ingredients
  • 1 1/3 cups canola oil
  • 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar
  • 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 3 large eggs, room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Main Ingredients
  • 4 cups peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples
  • 1 cup chopped pecans, divided in half
Caramel Topping
  • 13.4 ounces dulce de leche caramel
  • 2 tablespoons heavy cream

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with Baker's Joy or a generic version.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, apple pie spice, baking soda, and salt.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat together canola oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar until fully combined.
  4. Add eggs one at a time, then add vanilla extract, beating for 1 to 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
  5. Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and mix on medium-low speed until just incorporated.
  6. Gently fold in diced apples and 1/2 cup of pecans.
  7. Spread batter in prepared baking dish and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
  8. Allow to cool completely.
Caramel Topping
  1. For the caramel topping, heat dulce de leche in a microwave-safe bowl for 45 seconds to 1 minute, then whisk in heavy cream until smooth.
  2. Spread over the cooled cake and sprinkle reserved pecans on top.
Serving
  1. Slice into twelve 2x3-inch slices and serve slightly chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

For best results, use firm Granny Smith apples. Toast pecans lightly before adding for enhanced flavor. Chill the cake before cutting for cleaner slices.