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, this cake is perfect for cozy gatherings or a sweet treat any time of year.

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)
- ⅓ cup butter
- ⅓ cup brown sugar (packed)
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the vanilla and eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Step 4: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing well after each addition. The batter will be very thick.
- Step 5: Fold the chopped apples into the batter using a sturdy wooden spoon.
- Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into 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 cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
- 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.
- For extra texture, add ½ cup chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- If you prefer, substitute half the vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter cake.
- Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert.
Storage
Store any leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave before serving to refresh the glaze and soften the cake. This cake also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Yes, you can use a variety of apples based on your taste preference. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape well, while sweeter apples such as Fuji or Gala will create a softer, sweeter cake.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Be sure to check that your baking soda and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.
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Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
Description
Delight in this moist and flavorful Apple Dapple Cake, a perfect autumn dessert featuring tender chunks of apples baked into a spiced cinnamon-nutmeg batter and topped with a rich, buttery glaze. This classic cake offers a comforting blend of sweet and warm spices, making it an irresistible treat for any occasion.
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 using non-stick cooking spray to ensure the cake releases easily after baking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for later use.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the vegetable oil with granulated sugar and packed brown sugar until well combined. Add the vanilla extract and then incorporate the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition.
- Add Dry Mixture: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. This will result in a very thick batter.
- Fold in Apples: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the thick batter until evenly distributed.
- Bake the Cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Prepare Glaze: While the cake is baking, 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 comes to a simmer. Remove from heat and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is done and still warm, pour the cooled glaze evenly over the surface.
- Serve: Allow the cake to set slightly after glazing, then slice and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy your delicious Apple Dapple Cake!
Notes
- Ensure apples are peeled and chopped to approximately ½-inch chunks for even distribution and proper baking texture.
- Using an electric mixer helps to properly incorporate eggs and sugars for a light batter.
- If a toothpick comes out with batter, continue baking for an additional 5-10 minutes and test again.
- For extra flavor, consider using tart apple varieties like Granny Smith.
- The glaze can be slightly warmed again if it thickens before pouring over the cake.
- This cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 5 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Apple Dapple Cake, Apple cake, Spiced apple dessert, Cinnamon nutmeg cake, Apple dessert recipe, Autumn cake

