Description

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring chunks of fresh apples baked into a spiced cake and topped with a rich, buttery glaze. This classic Southern-inspired treat combines warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg with a sweet apple filling, finished with a luscious vanilla caramel glaze that enhances every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

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 the oven to 325°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside to ensure the pan is ready for the batter.
Mix dry ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside for gradual incorporation.
Combine wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined. Then, beat in the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition to form a smooth base.
Add dry ingredients: Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture a little at a time, stirring well between 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 apples into the thick batter until they are evenly distributed.
Bake the cake: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake in the preheated oven at 325°F for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Prepare the glaze: While the cake bakes, 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 to thicken slightly.
Glaze the cake: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the prepared glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to soak in and create a rich topping.
Serve: Slice the cake into pieces and serve warm or at room temperature. Enjoy the comforting flavors!

Notes

You can substitute Granny Smith apples for tartness or Fuji apples for a sweeter cake.
Ensure the batter is thick before folding in the apples to prevent them from sinking to the bottom during baking.
The glaze is best poured over the cake while it’s still warm for optimal absorption.
Store leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
This cake can also be served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: Apple Dapple Cake, spiced apple cake, apple cake with glaze, Southern apple cake, caramel glaze cake