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Moist Brown Butter Apple Dapple Cake

moist brown butter apple dapple cake - featured image

A dense yet airy cake featuring toasted brown butter and chunks of diced apples, offering a rich, nutty flavor and moist texture that is perfect for fall.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter
  • 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp recommended)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

  1. Brown the butter: Melt unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until it foams, crackles, and turns deep amber with a nutty aroma (5-7 minutes). Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch square pan or 8×8 inch round pan and line with parchment paper.
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  4. In a large bowl, whisk the cooled brown butter and sugar until smooth and slightly pale (2-3 minutes).
  5. Add eggs one at a time, whisking well after each addition, then mix in vanilla extract.
  6. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients using a spatula until just combined. Do not overmix.
  7. Gently fold in the diced apples until evenly distributed.
  8. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  9. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Ensure apples are dry before adding to prevent soggy batter. Brown butter carefully as it can burn quickly. For a gluten-free version, substitute flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend containing xanthan gum. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: brown butter, apple cake, dapple cake, fall baking, easy dessert, comfort food, moist cake