A Moist and Cozy Classic Dessert

If you’re on the hunt for the perfect fall dessert or just need a crowd-pleasing treat to warm your heart, this Apple Dapple Cake is exactly what you need. Overflowing with fresh apples, warm spices, and a buttery caramel glaze that soaks into every bite, this cake is the definition of comfort food. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering, weekend dessert, or cozy afternoon snack with coffee, this old-fashioned recipe is destined to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

This cake is the perfect marriage of texture and flavor—tender, moist, and packed with chunks of juicy apple. It’s infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, giving it that nostalgic fall aroma even in the middle of spring. The simple, homemade glaze adds a glossy finish that seeps into the cake while it’s still warm, creating an irresistibly gooey top layer.

Whether you’re an experienced home baker or a beginner just learning the ropes, Apple Dapple Cake is forgiving, simple, and absolutely delicious. No layers, no frosting, no fuss—just mix, bake, and pour on the glaze.

Who This Recipe Is For

Busy home cooks looking for a no-fail dessert recipe.
Baking beginners who want an easy, rewarding introduction to homemade cakes.
Apple lovers who crave the balance of tart and sweet in a warm, spiced dessert.
Anyone hosting a gathering, from Thanksgiving to book club night—this cake will be a hit with all ages.

This recipe makes a large 9×13-inch cake, perfect for potlucks, family dinners, or prepping dessert ahead of time. You’ll want to keep this one in your recipe box for years to come.

Ingredients for Apple Dapple Cake

Cake:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar, packed
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
4 cups apples, peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks

Glaze:

⅓ cup butter
⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
⅓ cup granulated sugar
⅓ cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

9×13-inch baking pan
Mixing bowls (one medium, one large)
Electric mixer
Wooden spoon or sturdy spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Medium saucepan (for glaze)
Whisk or spoon for stirring glaze
Sifter or fine-mesh strainer (for dry ingredients)
Non-stick cooking spray

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray or lightly butter and flour it. Set it aside.

Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients

In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures your dry ingredients are evenly distributed and prevents clumps in your batter.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer until fully combined and slightly creamy. Add in the vanilla extract. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next.

Step 4: Add Dry to Wet

Gradually add your dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing well between each addition. The batter will be thick—don’t worry, that’s expected.

Step 5: Fold in Apples

Using a sturdy wooden spoon or spatula, fold in the chopped apples. The moisture from the apples helps create the cake’s tender texture.

Step 6: Bake

Spread the thick batter into your prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, combine the glaze ingredients in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium, stirring frequently until the mixture comes to a simmer. Once simmering, remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.

Step 8: Glaze the Cake

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top. It will soak in beautifully, adding moisture and rich, buttery flavor.

Step 9: Serve

Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving. It’s excellent warm, room temperature, or even chilled.

Tips and Variations

Apple Type: Use firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. A mix of tart and sweet apples gives the best flavor.
Add-ins: For a twist, add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.
No Heavy Cream? You can substitute with half-and-half or whole milk in a pinch, though it may slightly alter the richness of the glaze.
Make it Muffins: Divide the batter into greased muffin tins and bake at 325°F for about 25–30 minutes for a portable version.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day or two!

Freezer: Freeze slices individually wrapped in plastic and placed in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw at room temperature or warm slightly in the microwave before serving.

Reheating Tip: A quick zap in the microwave (15–20 seconds) revives the cake’s cozy texture and brings the glaze back to life.

What to Serve with Apple Dapple Cake

Beverages: A mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or a glass of cold apple cider pairs beautifully with this cake.
Toppings: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.
Savory Pairing: Serve it alongside a cheese board for a sweet-savory balance at a fall-themed party.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Apple Dapple Cake ahead of time?
Absolutely. This cake holds up wonderfully. In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the glaze soaks in and the flavors meld.

Do I have to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling is recommended to ensure a soft texture in the final bake. Apple skins can become tough after baking.

Can I use whole wheat flour?
You can substitute up to half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for a slightly nuttier flavor and denser texture. Full substitution may make the cake too dense.

What’s the best way to chop the apples?
Aim for ½-inch chunks. Too small and they’ll disappear into the batter; too big and they won’t cook evenly.

Is this cake gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can try using a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. Just be aware the texture may vary slightly.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s easy to make, full of cozy flavors, and crowd-approved, this Apple Dapple Cake is a must-try. The combination of spiced apple cake and buttery glaze is truly irresistible—and it’s simple enough to make on a weeknight but special enough for the holidays.

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