Apple Dapple Classic Cake (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Apple Cake

01 - 3 cups all-purpose flour, spooned and leveled
02 - 2 teaspoons apple pie spice
03 - 2 teaspoons baking soda
04 - ¾ teaspoon salt
05 - 1⅓ cups canola oil
06 - 1⅓ cups granulated sugar
07 - ⅔ cup light brown sugar, packed
08 - 3 large eggs, room temperature
09 - 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
10 - 4 cups peeled, cored, and diced Granny Smith apples
11 - 1 cup chopped pecans, divided

→ Caramel Topping

12 - 13.4 ounces dulce de leche caramel
13 - 2 tablespoons heavy cream

# Instructions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 350°F. Generously spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, apple pie spice, baking soda, and salt until thoroughly combined.
03 - In a large mixing bowl, beat canola oil, granulated sugar, and light brown sugar using a handheld mixer on medium speed until fully combined.
04 - Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then mix in the vanilla extract. Continue beating for 1-2 minutes until light and fluffy.
05 - Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and beat on medium-low speed just until fully incorporated; avoid overmixing to maintain batter texture.
06 - Gently fold the diced Granny Smith apples and ½ cup of the chopped pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution without deflating the mixture.
07 - Spread the batter evenly in the prepared baking dish. Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Tent with foil after 30 minutes if top browns excessively.
08 - Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool completely at room temperature before applying the caramel topping.
09 - Warm the dulce de leche in a microwave-safe bowl for 45 to 60 seconds until loosened. Whisk in heavy cream until smooth and evenly blended.
10 - Spread the caramel mixture evenly over the cooled cake. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of chopped pecans around the edges. Slice into twelve 2-inch by 3-inch pieces to serve.

# Notes:

01 - This cake develops enhanced flavors after resting overnight. For optimal texture and taste, allow it to cool completely, cover tightly, and refrigerate before serving.
02 - Oven calibrations vary; monitor baking progress closely as the cake nears completion to prevent overbrowning.
03 - Spread caramel while cake is slightly warm for better absorption and smoother topping.
04 - Due to the moisture from apples, the cake becomes more tender the longer it rests. Refrigeration overnight is recommended before slicing and topping.

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