Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

There’s something about a freshly baked Apple Dapple Cake that makes any day feel like a special occasion. The warm aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg, and baked apples fills the kitchen, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s perfect for fall. This cake, with its tender crumb and caramel-like glaze, has become a beloved treat in my family, especially during the apple-picking season.

this Recipe

I first discovered this recipe while searching for ways to use up a bushel of fresh apples from a weekend orchard visit. The result was an instant hit – a moist, flavorful cake that’s both easy to make and impossible to resist.

Why You'll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

Get ready to add a new favorite to your collection of cozy, autumn-inspired recipes. This Apple Dapple Cake has a unique charm that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.

First, this cake is packed with apple goodness. Fresh, juicy apple pieces are baked right into the batter, making every bite tender and bursting with natural sweetness. The apples not only add flavor but keep the cake incredibly moist.

It’s also a wonderfully versatile recipe. Whether you have Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples, this cake turns out beautifully with any variety you have on hand, making it a great way to use up whatever apples you’ve got.

Plus, the caramel glaze is the cherry on top – or, in this case, the gooey layer that makes each slice even more irresistible. It’s poured over the warm cake, seeping into every nook and cranny, adding a sweet, buttery finish.

Lastly, this recipe doesn’t require any fancy equipment or ingredients. It’s a simple, one-bowl batter that comes together quickly, perfect for when you want something homemade but low-effort.

Ingredients Notes

This Apple Dapple Cake relies on a handful of simple ingredients that create a magical combination of flavors and textures. Here’s a closer look at what makes each ingredient essential to the recipe’s success.

Fresh Apples: The star of this cake, apples bring natural sweetness and moisture. I recommend using a mix of tart and sweet apples, like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor profile.

Vegetable Oil: This cake calls for vegetable oil instead of butter, which gives it a moist, tender crumb. Oil also helps the cake stay fresh and soft for days, making it perfect for baking ahead of time.

Brown Sugar and White Sugar: The combination of these two sugars adds complexity and richness to the cake. Brown sugar brings a subtle caramel flavor, while white sugar adds just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the apples.

Warm Spices: A mix of cinnamon and nutmeg gives the cake its cozy fall flavor. Don’t skip these spices – they complement the apples perfectly and bring out the best in the cake.

Simple Glaze Ingredients: The glaze is made with brown sugar, butter, and milk, creating a caramel-like topping that makes this cake extra special. As it cools, the glaze thickens, giving the cake a delightful, sticky finish.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe – a basic mixing bowl and a 9x13-inch baking pan work perfectly.

How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Making this Apple Dapple Cake is as easy as it gets. With a few simple steps, you’ll have a warm, inviting cake that’s perfect for any occasion.

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan. While the oven is warming up, peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. This way, they’ll soften beautifully in the batter without losing their shape.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, white sugar, and eggs. Mix until smooth and well-blended – this step creates the cake’s tender, rich base. Then, stir in the vanilla extract for a touch of extra flavor.

Next, add the dry ingredients: all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Gently fold them into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake dense.

Fold in the chopped apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter. Pour the mixture into your prepared pan, spreading it out to create an even layer. Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Once it thickens slightly, remove it from heat and set aside.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm glaze over the top. It will soak into the cake, infusing it with a rich, caramel-like flavor. Let the cake cool completely in the pan before slicing and serving.

Storage Options

This Apple Dapple Cake stores well, making it a great option for baking ahead. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Room Temperature: If you plan to enjoy the cake within two days, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and keep it at room temperature. The glaze will stay soft, and the cake will remain tender.

Refrigeration: For longer storage, cover the cake and refrigerate it for up to a week. Just note that refrigeration can make the glaze slightly firmer, but the cake will still be moist and delicious.

Freezing: To freeze, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container. Freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw the slices in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

To reheat, microwave slices for about 15 seconds to restore the cake’s warm, freshly-baked feel.

Variations and Substitutions

This Apple Dapple Cake is as adaptable as it is delicious. Try one of these variations for a new twist on the classic:

Different Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They add a lovely nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples and glaze.

Add Raisins: For extra sweetness and texture, fold ½ cup of raisins into the batter along with the apples. They plump up during baking and add a subtle chewiness to each bite.

Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like allspice or cloves. Just a pinch can add a deeper warmth to the cake’s flavor profile.

Lower-Sugar Option: If you prefer a less sweet cake, reduce the white sugar in the batter by ¼ cup. The glaze will still provide plenty of sweetness, keeping the cake balanced.

Glaze Alternatives: For a different twist, skip the caramel glaze and dust the cooled cake with powdered sugar. It’s a lighter option that still looks beautiful and tastes great.

No matter how you choose to make it, this Apple Dapple Cake is sure to be a hit. Its warm, cozy flavors and moist texture make it the perfect dessert for any gathering, from casual family dinners to festive holiday parties. Enjoy experimenting with variations, and make it your own!

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