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Cozy Apple Dapple Cake with Easy Buttermilk Glaze

cozy apple dapple cake with buttermilk glaze - featured image
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A tender, custard-like apple cake with a tangy buttermilk glaze that soaks into every crevice. This one-bowl recipe is perfect for cozy evenings and fills your home with the warm scent of cinnamon and apples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature
  • 3 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn), peeled, cored, and diced into 1/2-inch pieces (about 2 cups)
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (for glaze)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (for glaze)
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)
  • Pinch of salt (for glaze)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Position the rack in the center of the oven. Line a 9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on two sides. Lightly grease the parchment and any exposed pan sides with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Peel, core, and dice 3 medium apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss them with 1 tablespoon of the measured flour to prevent sinking. Set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon cloves (if using) until evenly distributed.
  4. In a separate medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted butter, 1 cup granulated sugar, and 1/2 cup packed brown sugar until well combined. Add 2 eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
  5. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Add 1 cup buttermilk. Stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon until just combined (about 15-20 strokes). A few lumps are fine.
  6. Gently fold the diced apples into the batter with a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
  7. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release air bubbles. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. If browning too quickly, tent with foil after 30 minutes.
  8. While the cake bakes, make the glaze: In a small saucepan, combine 1/4 cup butter, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup buttermilk. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Let bubble for 1-2 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
  9. When the cake comes out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 5 minutes. Poke holes all over the top with a toothpick or skewer (about 20-30 holes). Slowly pour the warm buttermilk glaze over the cake, starting at the edges and working toward the center.
  10. Let the cake sit in the pan for at least 30 minutes to absorb the glaze. Use the parchment handles to lift it out and transfer to a cooling rack. Cool completely (about 1-2 hours) before slicing.

Notes

For best results, use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji. Room temperature eggs and buttermilk are crucial to prevent the melted butter from seizing. The cake tastes even better the next day. For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with xanthan gum. For dairy-free, use melted coconut oil or vegan butter and unsweetened almond milk with lemon juice for buttermilk.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple cake, buttermilk glaze, apple dapple cake, fall dessert, easy cake recipe, one-bowl cake, comfort food

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/cozy-apple-dapple-cake-with-easy-buttermilk-glaze/