Chocolate Topped Apple Cake Recipe
Prepare a deliciously moist apple cake topped with a slightly crispy layer of chocolate chips. This dessert doubles as a snack cake or coffee cake, perfect for family gatherings or as a special treat. The combination of sweet apples, a rich chocolatey topping, and a tender cake base makes this recipe an absolute favorite. Let it sit overnight for the best flavor!
Ingredients
This recipe yields 18 servings of this delectable chocolate topped apple cake. Make sure to have all your ingredients measured and ready before you begin.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sugar | 1 cup |
| Brown sugar | 1/2 cup |
| Butter (softened) | 1/2 cup |
| Margarine (softened) | 2/3 cup |
| Eggs | 2 |
| All-purpose flour | 2 3/4 cups |
| Ground cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1/8 teaspoon |
| Baking powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Baking soda | 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/2 cup |
| Apples (peeled, chopped) | 2-2 1/2 cups |
| Brown sugar (for topping) | 1/2 cup |
| Miniature chocolate chips | 1/2 cup |
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 273.8 kcal |
| Total Fat | 9.8 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4.9 g |
| Cholesterol | 39 mg |
| Sodium | 258.2 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 44.3 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.5 g |
| Sugars | 27.2 g |
| Protein | 4.1 g |
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure the cake comes out easily after baking. You can use butter or cooking spray for this step. -
Cream the Butter and Sugars
In a large mixing bowl, cream together 1/2 cup of butter, 1 cup of sugar, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar. Use a hand mixer or stand mixer to blend the ingredients until light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air into the batter, helping the cake rise beautifully. -
Add the Eggs
Add the 2 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Be sure the eggs are fully incorporated before adding the next. This ensures that your cake batter will have a smooth consistency and that the eggs help bind everything together. -
Combine the Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, sift together the 2 3/4 cups of flour, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and 1 teaspoon of baking soda. Sifting the dry ingredients ensures that everything is evenly distributed and eliminates any lumps. -
Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Milk
Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the creamed butter mixture, alternating with the 1/2 cup of milk. Start with about a third of the dry ingredients, mix until combined, then add half of the milk, and continue alternating until everything is mixed in. This method prevents the batter from becoming too thick too quickly. -
Fold in the Apples
Gently fold in 2 to 2 1/2 cups of chopped apples. Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture. The apples will add moisture and natural sweetness to the cake, making each bite a delightful treat. -
Pour the Batter into the Pan
Once the batter is well mixed, pour it into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, ensuring the apples are well distributed throughout the batter. -
Prepare the Chocolate Topping
In a small bowl, combine the 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1/2 cup of miniature chocolate chips (or regular chocolate chips if preferred). Mix well until the chocolate chips are evenly coated with the sugar. This will create the slightly crispy topping as the cake bakes. -
Sprinkle the Topping and Bake
Evenly sprinkle the chocolate topping over the cake batter. Make sure the chips are distributed across the surface so every bite has a bit of that sweet, chocolatey crunch.
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few crumbs. The topping should be golden brown and slightly crisp to the touch. -
Cool and Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. For the best flavor, it’s recommended to let the cake sit overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld, and the texture improves, making the cake even more delicious.
Tips and Variations
- Apple Choices: You can use a mix of apples to add different textures and flavors. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala will give a mild sweetness, while tart apples like Granny Smith will balance the richness of the cake.
- Chocolate Chips: If you prefer a more intense chocolate flavor, feel free to use regular chocolate chips, but miniature chocolate chips tend to spread more evenly across the cake.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra layer of flavor. These spices complement the cinnamon and enhance the overall taste of the cake.
- Storage: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake will stay moist and flavorful, especially after it has had time to sit overnight.
Perfect for Every Occasion
This Chocolate Topped Apple Cake is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner, a casual snack, or even a holiday dessert. The combination of fresh apples and a chocolatey topping is irresistible, and it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the flavors of autumn year-round. The cake also keeps well, making it an excellent choice for baking in advance for parties or gatherings.
Conclusion
This simple yet decadent apple cake is bound to become a staple in your recipe collection. The slight crunch of the chocolate topping pairs beautifully with the soft and moist apple cake, offering a satisfying contrast in every bite. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert or a sweet treat with coffee, it’s sure to delight everyone who tries it. Give it a try, and don’t forget—letting it sit overnight makes it even better!
