Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
Introduction
Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert bursting with tender apple chunks and warm spices. Topped with a rich, creamy glaze, it makes a perfect treat for cozy afternoons or special gatherings.

Ingredients
- 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)
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Beat in the vanilla extract and eggs, adding the eggs one at a time.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well after each addition. The batter will be thick.
- Step 5: Gently fold the chopped apples into the batter using a sturdy wooden spoon.
- Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 7: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. Combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
- Step 8: Pour the warm glaze evenly over the baked cake.
- Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance of sweetness and tang.
- Try adding chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra texture.
- For a lighter glaze, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- If you prefer, you can bake the cake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes, but keep an eye on it to prevent over-baking.
Storage
Store the Apple Dapple Cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to a week or freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. Reheat refrigerated or frozen slices gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this cake?
While fresh apples are best for texture, you can use thawed and well-drained frozen apples in a pinch. Be sure to remove excess moisture to prevent a soggy batter.
Is there a substitute for vegetable oil?
Yes, you can substitute an equal amount of melted butter or a mild-flavored oil like canola. This may slightly change the cake’s texture and flavor but will still produce a delicious result.
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Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful baked dessert combining tender chunks of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. The cake is enhanced with a rich, buttery glaze poured over it while still warm, adding a luscious sweetness and creamy texture that perfectly complements the spiced apple batter. This classic treat is ideal for autumn gatherings or any time you crave a comforting, homemade cake.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 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 Ingredients
- 1/3 cup butter
- 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set it aside to be ready for the batter.
- Sift dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. This ensures even distribution and prevents lumps.
- Mix wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and packed brown sugar until combined well. Next, beat in the vanilla extract followed by the eggs, adding them one at a time to incorporate fully.
- Combine batter: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients into the wet mixture a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. The batter will become very thick at this stage.
- Fold in apples: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the peeled and chopped apple chunks into the thick batter to distribute evenly without overmixing.
- Bake the cake: Pour and spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F for 50-60 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean.
- Prepare the glaze: While the cake bakes, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it begins to simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Glaze the cake: Once the cake is done baking and still warm, pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in slightly.
- Serve: Let the cake cool slightly, slice into pieces, and serve. Enjoy this warm, spiced apple cake with the delicious buttery glaze topping.
Notes
- Choosing tart apples like Granny Smith will provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cake and glaze.
- Ensure not to overbake the cake to maintain moistness; adjust baking time based on your oven’s calibration.
- The glaze can be reheated gently if it thickens too much before pouring over the cake.
- For an extra touch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter when folding in the apples.
- This cake keeps well for 2-3 days when stored covered at room temperature and can be gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Dapple Cake, Spiced Apple Cake, Autumn Dessert, Homemade Apple Cake, Glazed Apple Cake

