Ethel M.’s Apple Dapple Cake
📜 Collection: Gail Collection | ✍️ Attribution: Ethel M. | 📂 Category: Desserts A classic Southern-style moist apple cake packed with diced fruit and nuts. This dense dessert is finished by soaking it in a rich, hot brown sugar sauce while still in the pan.
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Inactive / Chill Time | Yield / Servings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 mins | 1 hour | None | 12–16 Servings |
🔪 Key Equipment
- Tube pan
- Bundt pan
- Large mixing bowl
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
Ingredients
For the Cake
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3 | Eggs | Large |
| 2 Cups | Sugar | Granulated |
| 1 1/2 Cups | Oil | Vegetable |
| 3 Cups | Flour | All-purpose |
| 1 Teaspoon | Salt | None |
| 1 Teaspoon | Soda | Baking |
| 1 Teaspoon | Vanilla Extract | None |
| 3 Cups | Apples | Diced |
| 1 Cup | Nuts | Chopped pecans or walnuts |
For the Sauce
| Measurements | Ingredients | Prep / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 Cup | Brown Sugar | None |
| 1/4 Cup | Oleo | Margarine or butter |
| 2 Tablespoons | Milk | None |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Cake
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a tube or Bundt pan.
- In a large bowl, beat the 3 eggs. Gradually add the 2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups oil, mixing well.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the 3 cups flour, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon soda.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Fold in the 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 3 cups apples, and 1 cup nuts.
- Pour the thick batter into the prepared pan and bake for 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 2: Prepare and Apply Sauce
- In a small saucepan, combine the 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup oleo, and 2 tablespoons milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- As soon as the cake is removed from the oven, pour the hot sauce over the hot cake while it is still in the pan. Let the cake cool completely in the pan until the sauce is fully absorbed and the cake is set.
💡 Make-Ahead & Storage: This cake is best served after the sauce has fully soaked in; store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Original Recipe Scan
