Apple Dapple Cake is the ultimate comfort dessert that’s loaded with tender apples, warm spices, and a buttery glaze that soaks right in, making every bite irresistibly moist and flavorful. If you’re craving something with classic fall flavors but want an unfussy, old-fashioned treat, this cake will win you over from first slice to last crumb. Whether you’re sharing it at a family gathering or just treating yourself with a cup of coffee, Apple Dapple Cake is a sweet, nostalgic hug you can bake in under two hours.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how this short ingredient list comes together to create something so special. Every simple component in Apple Dapple Cake serves a purpose—giving the cake its moist texture, rich aromas, and that beautiful gooey finish.
- Apples: Pick tart Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture—they hold up beautifully while baking.
- All-purpose flour: This forms the sturdy base for your cake, keeping everything together.
- Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and encourages a lovely crumb.
- Brown sugar (for both cake and glaze): Contributes depth and caramel notes that perfectly complement apples.
- Baking soda: Helps your cake rise to the perfect height and stay tender.
- Salt: Just a pinch intensifies and balances the sweet elements.
- Cinnamon: Essential for that classic cozy flavor everyone expects from Apple Dapple Cake.
- Nutmeg: Brings a subtle warmth and complexity.
- Eggs: Bind the batter and give it structure and richness.
- Vegetable oil: Makes the cake moist and soft, staying that way for days.
- Vanilla extract (for both cake and glaze): Rounds out all the flavors and adds an inviting aroma.
- Pecans or walnuts (optional): For a bit of crunch and nuttiness—totally up to you!
- Unsalted butter (for the glaze): Creates a glaze that seeps into every bite for extra decadence.
- Milk (for the glaze): Adds creaminess and helps thin the glaze for easy pouring.
How to Make Apple Dapple Cake
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to work its magic. Grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and generously grease it, ensuring that not a crumb sticks later. This simple step means easy slicing and serving.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together your flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This is where all those homey, autumnal aromas start to waft up—don’t be surprised if family members wander in wondering what smells so good!
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, beat together the eggs, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and glossy. The oil is your secret to an always-moist, never-dry Apple Dapple Cake.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your wet mixture to the large bowl of dry ingredients, stirring gently. Mix until just combined—no overmixing! Then fold in those gorgeous chopped apples and, if you’re feeling fancy, some toasted pecans or walnuts for a hint of crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula. Pop it in the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick in the center comes out clean. The whole kitchen will smell amazing as it bakes.
Step 6: Prepare the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the cake bakes, melt the butter for your glaze in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar and milk, bringing it to a gentle boil for 2–3 minutes. Take it off the heat and add the vanilla—this is where that deep caramel magic happens!
Step 7: Pour On the Glaze
As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour the warm glaze evenly over the entire cake. It will soak into the hot top, making your Apple Dapple Cake wonderfully moist and packed with flavor. Let it cool slightly before slicing, if you can resist!
How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake
Garnishes
A dusting of powdered sugar, extra nuts, or a few thinly sliced apple wedges on top all add a lovely finishing touch. For special occasions, a dollop of freshly whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream will turn a simple square of Apple Dapple Cake into pure celebration.
Side Dishes
Serve your cake warm or at room temperature alongside a mug of coffee, chai tea, or cold apple cider. If you’re offering it after dinner, a fruit salad with berries or pears makes a light and refreshing complement to the cake’s cozy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try baking the batter in muffin tins for portable Apple Dapple Cake “cupcakes,” serve slices in mason jars for picnics, or cut the cake into bite-sized cubes for a rustic, crowd-pleasing dessert platter. However you serve it, those sticky, glossy edges always steal the show!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Apple Dapple Cake keeps beautifully on the counter for up to 2 days if tightly wrapped or stored in an airtight container. For longer storage, pop it in the refrigerator, where it stays moist and delicious for up to a week.
Freezing
To save portions for later, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (minus garnishes) tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It freezes well for up to three months! Thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture.
Reheating
If you love warm cake, simply microwave a slice on medium power for 20–30 seconds. For multiple servings, cover with foil and warm in a 300°F oven until just heated through—your glaze will get gooey all over again!
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are classic choices for their firm texture and tangy flavor, you can experiment with Fuji, Gala, or even a mix of whatever apples you have on hand. Just avoid extra-soft varieties that might turn mushy as they bake.
Do I have to add nuts?
Not at all! The nuts are completely optional in Apple Dapple Cake. If you’re baking for someone with a nut allergy or just prefer a nut-free cake, leave them out—the outcome will still be moist and delicious.
What’s the best way to peel and chop apples quickly?
A Y-shaped peeler will make peeling a breeze, and then you can core the apples and chop them into small, even pieces. Aim for pieces around half an inch so they soften nicely in the cake but still provide some lovely fruity texture.
Can I prepare the glaze ahead of time?
You can make the glaze a few hours in advance and gently rewarm it on the stove or in the microwave before pouring over the cake. It’s best when freshly made, but it’s very forgiving if your timing needs to be flexible!
Why does the cake taste better the next day?
This is the real magic of Apple Dapple Cake—the glaze and apple juices settle in overnight, melding the flavors and giving the crumb an even dreamier, richer texture. If you can, resist cutting into it right away and save a slice for breakfast the next morning!
Final Thoughts
If you’re after a tried-and-true homemade dessert that’s guaranteed to steal the spotlight, look no further than Apple Dapple Cake. There’s just something timeless and welcoming about this recipe, and I hope you’ll fall in love with each bite. Gather your apples and give it a go—your kitchen will smell incredible, and your friends and family will thank you!
Print
Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the comforting flavors of fall with this delicious Apple Dapple Cake. Moist and packed with chunks of fresh apples, this cake is topped with a decadent brown sugar glaze that takes it to the next level. Perfect for dessert or a sweet treat any time of day.
Ingredients
Main Cake:
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, oil, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add to the dry ingredients and stir to combine.
- Add apples and nuts: Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using. Spread the batter in the pan.
- Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Make the glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter, add brown sugar and milk, bring to a boil, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
- Glaze the cake: Pour the warm glaze over the cake as soon as it’s out of the oven.
- Cool and serve: Let the cake cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- This cake is even better the next day as the flavors deepen.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 57g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
