There’s nothing quite like a slice of Apple Dapple Cake, with its tender crumb and rich, caramel flavor. The scent of apples, cinnamon, and nutmeg fills the kitchen as it bakes, creating the kind of warmth that instantly feels like home. This old-fashioned cake is packed with fresh apple chunks and topped with a sweet, buttery glaze that seeps into every bite, making it the perfect cozy treat.
I discovered this recipe from a family friend, and it's been a hit at every gathering since. Now, it's one of those desserts I can always count on to impress, whether it's for a holiday spread or a simple weeknight indulgence. Let’s dive into why this cake is bound to be your next favorite dessert!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake
Get ready to fall in love with this comforting, homey cake. It’s got everything you need for a cozy dessert that comes together with ease.
First, it’s incredibly moist. Thanks to the natural juices from fresh apples, this cake stays soft and tender without needing any fancy ingredients. It’s a great way to celebrate apple season and use up any apples you have on hand.
Another plus? No mixer required! You’ll only need a bowl and a whisk to bring this cake batter together. It’s the ultimate fuss-free dessert, perfect for bakers of all skill levels.
The flavors are perfectly balanced, too. Warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the natural sweetness of the apples, while a touch of vanilla adds depth. And the buttery glaze? It’s a simple, delightful finish that takes this cake over the top.
Finally, this recipe is perfectly adaptable. You can swap the apples for pears or add nuts for a bit of crunch. Whether you’re serving it for a family gathering or enjoying it solo with a hot cup of tea, this cake feels like a hug on a plate.
Ingredient Notes

The magic of Apple Dapple Cake comes from simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Let’s take a closer look at each component and why it matters.
- Apples: Fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best for this cake. They hold their shape and provide a nice balance of tart and sweet. Peel and chop them into small chunks so they’re evenly distributed throughout the cake.
- All-Purpose Flour: This gives the cake its structure. If you prefer a slightly denser texture, you can substitute a bit of the flour with whole wheat flour, but stick to all-purpose for the lightest crumb.
- Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring warmth and depth, pairing beautifully with the apples. You can add a pinch of cloves or allspice if you love extra spiced notes.
- Brown Sugar: Using brown sugar instead of white sugar adds a caramel-like flavor and keeps the cake extra moist. Dark brown sugar intensifies this effect, but light brown sugar will work just fine.
- Baking Soda: This gives the cake a nice lift and a soft, fluffy texture. Be sure your baking soda is fresh for the best results.
- Butter and Vanilla: Both are used in the glaze that tops the cake. The butter provides richness, while the vanilla gives the glaze a wonderful aroma and flavor.
No special equipment is required for this cake – just a mixing bowl, a spoon or spatula, and a 9x13-inch baking dish or tube pan. The simplicity is part of what makes this cake so charming!
How to Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Making this delicious Apple Dapple Cake is as easy as it gets. Just follow these simple steps, and you'll have a warm, flavorful dessert ready to serve.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish. This will prevent sticking and ensure your cake releases easily after baking.
In a large mixing bowl, combine your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk them together to distribute the spices evenly.
Next, in a separate bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. This will be your wet mixture, which brings moisture and flavor to the cake. Gradually fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
Now for the star ingredient: apples! Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter. They add texture and ensure that every bite is filled with juicy apple chunks. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake the cake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it after the 40-minute mark. Once baked, let the cake cool slightly in the pan.
For the glaze, melt butter in a small saucepan, then add sugar and a touch of cream or milk. Bring this to a gentle boil and simmer for a minute or two. Once slightly thickened, pour the warm glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep into every nook and cranny.
Storage Options
Apple Dapple Cake stores beautifully, so you can make it ahead or enjoy leftovers over the next few days.
- Room Temperature: Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The cake actually tastes better as it sits, as the flavors continue to meld.
- Refrigerator: If you want to keep it fresh for a bit longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just make sure it’s tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out.
- Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This cake freezes well for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a few seconds.
To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 10-15 seconds – the glaze will turn warm and gooey again, making the cake taste freshly baked!
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best parts about this Apple Dapple Cake is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations to try:
- Add Nuts: Walnuts or pecans add a lovely crunch that complements the soft apples. Fold about ½ cup of chopped nuts into the batter or sprinkle some on top before baking.
- Swap the Apples: While apples are classic, you can substitute them with chopped pears for a slightly different flavor profile. Pears work wonderfully in this cake, offering a milder, juicier taste.
- Cinnamon Sugar Topping: Instead of the glaze, you can sprinkle a mixture of cinnamon and sugar over the cake before baking. It will create a sweet, crispy topping that contrasts with the tender cake.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free. It works just as well, and the cake stays moist and flavorful.
- Extra Spice: If you’re a fan of bolder spices, try adding a pinch of cloves or ground ginger. These spices enhance the warmth of the cinnamon and nutmeg, giving the cake a deeper autumnal flavor.
Experiment with different combinations to make this recipe your own – after all, it’s hard to go wrong with a classic cake like this. Enjoy every bite of this warm, caramel-glazed goodness!
PrintApple Dapple Cake Recipe
Deliciously moist Apple Dapple Cake bursting with fresh apple chunks, warm spices, and a rich caramel glaze. This easy-to-make cake is a fall favorite that’s sure to please. Try this apple dapple recipe for a delightful homemade treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a bundt pan.
- In a bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate large bowl, beat oil and sugar until well-combined. Add eggs and vanilla, mixing thoroughly.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Fold in diced apples and nuts.
- Pour batter into the prepared pan. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the glaze: In a saucepan, melt butter, then add brown sugar and milk. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Pour the warm glaze over the cake after removing it from the pan.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness.
- Let the cake cool before glazing for even absorption.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 180mg
Leave a Reply