Apple Dapple Cake is truly a love letter to autumn, brimming with tender apples, warm spices, and drenched in a buttery brown sugar glaze that seeps into every bite. With its rustic charm and surprisingly simple prep, this cake is always the star of family gatherings or cozy coffee breaks. Once you’ve sliced into its golden, glazed crumb, you’ll understand why Apple Dapple Cake has stood the test of time as a cherished fall dessert. Whether you’re just discovering it or revisiting a favorite from childhood, you’re in for a sweet, nostalgic treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Apple Dapple Cake lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each component plays a key role in creating that signature moist texture, comforting spice, and irresistible aroma you’ll crave all season long.

Apples (3 cups, peeled & chopped): Use tart varieties like Granny Smith or gently sweet Honeycrisp for the best flavor and a juicy texture.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Gives the cake its classic sweetness and helps keep it delightfully moist.
Vegetable oil (1 cup): Ensures the crumb stays tender and rich, with no creaming required.
Large eggs (3): Bind everything together for a satisfying, cohesive slice.
Vanilla extract (1 tsp for cake, 1/2 tsp for glaze): Rounds out the flavors and adds an inviting aroma.
All-purpose flour (3 cups): Provides a sturdy base, giving the Apple Dapple Cake its beloved substance.
Baking soda (1 tsp): Lifts the batter for a soft, fluffy crumb.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Balances the sweetness and heightens every flavor.
Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Adds that cozy warmth everyone associates with fall baking.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): A subtle touch that works magic alongside cinnamon for extra depth.
Chopped pecans or walnuts (1 cup, optional): Stirred in for crunch and a nutty, toasty finish.
Brown sugar (1/2 cup, for glaze): Melts into a rich, caramel-like topping that soaks into the cake.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, for glaze): Lends luscious body and buttery richness to the glaze.
Milk or heavy cream (2 tbsp, for glaze): Makes the glaze irresistibly smooth and pourable.

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly greasing a 10-inch bundt or tube pan. You want every nook and cranny oiled up, so your Apple Dapple Cake turns out cleanly and beautifully shaped.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine the granulated sugar, vegetable oil, eggs, and a splash of vanilla extract. Beat these together until everything is smooth and well-blended. This will be the luscious foundation of your batter.

Step 3: Whisk the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures all the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed so you get consistent flavor and rise throughout the cake.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cake dense. The batter might seem thick, but trust the process.

Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold in the chopped apples and nuts (if using). The apple pieces will add pockets of moisture, while the nuts bring irresistible crunch. This stage is where Apple Dapple Cake really comes to life with texture.

Step 6: Fill and Bake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing out the top with a spatula. Slide the pan into the preheated oven and bake for 60–70 minutes. The wonderful aroma will tell you you’re on the right track! Test for doneness with a toothpick near the center—it should come out clean.

Step 7: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake bakes, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, and milk. Cook over medium heat until it reaches a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and continue cooking for 2 minutes. Take the pan off the heat and stir in the extra vanilla for sweetness and shine.

Step 8: Glaze and Cool

As soon as the cake is done, leave it in the pan and immediately pour the warm glaze evenly over the surface. It will sink in and infuse the Apple Dapple Cake with flavor. Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes, which also helps with easy removal. Then invert it onto a plate, and bask in the glory!

How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake

Garnishes

For that final flourish, consider a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a light dusting of ground cinnamon. Even a drizzle of extra glaze (if you set some aside) adds beautiful shine and amplifies the caramel notes.

Side Dishes

Pair your Apple Dapple Cake with fresh apple slices, a crumble of blue cheese, or even a handful of toasted nuts for a sweet-savory board at brunch. A warm mug of coffee or apple cider fits like a hug in a cup, bringing all the fall coziness to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn Apple Dapple Cake into mini bundts for a personal touch, serve slices with a pool of warmed caramel, or build a rustic dessert platter with fresh fall fruits and sharp cheddar. Alternately, wrap slices in parchment for a charming edible gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Dapple Cake is downright dreamy the next day. Store tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making every bite even more delicious.

Freezing

To freeze, make sure the cake is completely cool. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake tightly in plastic wrap, then seal in a freezer bag. It should stay fresh for up to three months—just let it thaw at room temperature before serving for best results.

Reheating

If you crave a warm slice, briefly reheat individual pieces in the microwave (10-15 seconds) or pop the cake in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. The glaze softens and the crumb returns to that fresh-baked perfection.

FAQs

Can I use different apple varieties in Apple Dapple Cake?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their texture, you can use just about any firm apple you love. Mixing sweet and tart varieties gives the cake even more character.

Do I really need to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended because it gives the cake a soft, velvety crumb throughout, but if you’re in a hurry and don’t mind a bit of texture, you can leave the skins on—just chop them finely.

What kind of pan works best for Apple Dapple Cake?

A 10-inch bundt or tube pan is classic for this recipe, creating that signature ring shape and even baking. If you don’t have one, you can use two loaf pans instead, adjusting the bake time as needed.

Does Apple Dapple Cake taste better the next day?

It certainly does! As the glaze continues to soak in, the flavors meld and the cake becomes even more tender and aromatic. If you can resist, let it rest overnight for peak deliciousness.

Can I make this recipe nut-free?

Yes, you can easily omit the pecans or walnuts and the Apple Dapple Cake will still be wonderfully moist and full of flavor. If you like, add a few dried cranberries or raisins for another twist.

Final Thoughts

There’s something pure and nostalgic about baking an Apple Dapple Cake—it fills your home with love and the sweet promise of celebration. This recipe is a perfect excuse to gather with family or simply treat yourself to something special, and I hope it brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine.

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the warm flavors of fall with this delightful Apple Dapple Cake. Moist and packed with chunks of apples and nuts, this old-fashioned cake is topped with a luscious glaze for the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients

Scale

For the cake:

3 cups peeled and chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup vegetable oil
3 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

For the glaze:

1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
1/2 tsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch bundt or tube pan.
Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
Combine dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined.
Add apples and nuts: Fold in the chopped apples and nuts if using.
Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Make glaze: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by combining brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan. Cook until smooth.
Glaze the cake: Once the cake is done, pour the warm glaze over the hot cake while it’s still in the pan.
Cool and serve: Let the cake cool in the pan for at least 30 minutes before inverting onto a serving plate.

Notes

This cake is incredibly moist and gets even better the next day.
Serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American