Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

There's nothing quite like the smell of warm, cinnamon-spiced apples baking in the oven. This Apple Dapple Cake is a cozy, comforting treat that's perfect for fall, or any time you crave a deliciously moist cake with chunks of fresh apple and a sweet, buttery glaze on top. It's one of those recipes that’s simple to make yet impressive enough to share.

I first discovered this gem in my grandmother's old recipe book, tucked away between handwritten notes and clippings. Over the years, it’s become a family favorite, and it’s not hard to see why. Ready to dive into this irresistibly gooey, apple-studded cake?

Why You'll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this easy, fuss-free dessert that celebrates all the best flavors of fall. Here’s what makes this Apple Dapple Cake a recipe you’ll want to save.

First, the ingredients are simple and affordable. You don’t need any fancy items—just pantry staples like flour, sugar, and baking soda, plus a couple of apples. It’s easy on the budget yet delivers outstanding results.

This cake is incredibly moist and flavorful. The combination of fresh apple chunks and cinnamon creates a mouthwatering balance that only gets better with time. Many find it tastes even better the day after baking!

The glaze is the real showstopper. A mix of butter, brown sugar, and vanilla, it’s poured over the cake while still warm, soaking in to create a sticky, caramel-like topping. It’s sweet without being overwhelming, making each bite perfectly balanced.

Best of all, this cake is versatile. Serve it as a cozy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or enjoy it plain with a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Either way, it’s a win.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Dapple Cake comes from its simple ingredients, each of which plays a crucial role in delivering incredible flavor and texture. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

The apples are the star of the show. Opt for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples, as their natural tartness balances the sweetness of the cake. They also hold up well during baking, giving you nice apple chunks in each bite.

Vegetable oil is used instead of butter, giving the cake a moist and tender crumb. You could substitute with melted coconut oil if you want a hint of coconut flavor.

For the spices, a blend of cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg brings out the warmth of the apples without overpowering them. Feel free to adjust the cinnamon to suit your taste preferences.

The brown sugar glaze is what makes this cake truly special. Made with just butter, brown sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract, it’s poured over the cake while still warm, creating a sticky, gooey layer that’s irresistible.

No special equipment is needed. All you need is a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a 9x13 baking dish, making this recipe easy to whip up any time you’re craving something sweet.

How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Creating this Apple Dapple Cake is as straightforward as it gets. Here’s how to bring it together.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking dish. This will ensure the cake doesn’t stick and helps it release easily when you’re ready to serve.

In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This base gives the cake its structure and warmth.

Add the wet ingredients: eggs and vegetable oil. Mix until just combined, then fold in the chopped apples and pecans (if you’re using them for a bit of crunch). Don’t overmix; you want the batter to stay light and fluffy.

Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. As it bakes, the kitchen fills with the most wonderful apple-cinnamon aroma.

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by combining butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan. Bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring until smooth, then remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

Once the cake is done, pour the glaze over the top while it’s still warm. It will soak into the cake, adding a luscious layer of sweetness. Let the cake cool for at least 15–20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Storage Options

This Apple Dapple Cake stores beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead dessert. Here’s how to keep it fresh.

For short-term storage, cover the cake with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze keeps it moist, so there’s no need to refrigerate right away.

To store it longer, wrap the cake tightly and refrigerate for up to 5 days. It stays delicious and actually seems to get moister with time.

If you want to freeze it, slice the cake into squares and wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature before serving.

Reheating is easy! Just pop a slice in the microwave for 15–20 seconds, and it’ll be warm and gooey again, just like when it first came out of the oven.

Variations and Substitutions

This Apple Dapple Cake is delightfully adaptable, making it perfect for customizing to suit your taste. Here are some fun ideas to try.

Swap the apples for pears if you’re looking for a slightly different flavor. Pears add a delicate sweetness and pair well with the cake’s spices.

Add a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for a crunchy texture. They complement the sweetness of the cake and add a nice contrast.

For a richer flavor, use dark brown sugar in the glaze instead of light brown. It deepens the caramel flavor and gives the glaze an extra dimension.

To make this cake dairy-free, simply substitute the butter in the glaze with a vegan alternative, like coconut oil or a plant-based butter. The flavor will still be fantastic.

Want a bit of extra spice? Add a dash of ground cloves or allspice to the batter for an added layer of warmth. Just a pinch goes a long way!

This Apple Dapple Cake is a wonderful recipe to experiment with, so feel free to make it your own. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a cherished family classic!

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