Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

If you are searching for a delightful dessert that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Packed with tender chunks of apple and kissed with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, every bite offers a perfect balance of moist cake and sweet, buttery glaze. This classic recipe is not only simple to make but also invites that inviting aroma that fills your kitchen and heart alike. Whether for a family gathering, afternoon treat, or special occasion, this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe is sure to bring smiles all around.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe lies in its straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients. Each element plays a vital role in creating the texture, flavor, and warmth that make this cake so irresistible.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the cake’s sturdy yet tender structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise just perfectly for a light crumb.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Adds that iconic spicy warmth central to the cake’s flavor.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Brings a subtle earthy note to complement the apples.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering taste.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar: Provides sweetness with clean, crisp flavor.
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed): Adds a lovely caramel depth and moisture to the cake.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings out the richness of the cake’s ingredients.
• 3 large eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s perfect texture.
• 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped: Give bursts of juicy sweetness and body to every bite.
• 1/3 cup butter: Vital for the glaze, providing a rich, luscious finish.
• 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed) for glaze: Adds sweetness with caramel notes to the topping.
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar for glaze: Balances flavor in the glaze with crisp sweetness.
• 1/3 cup heavy cream: Creates a silky texture that coats the cake beautifully.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract for glaze: Enhances the overall aroma and taste of the glaze.

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 325°F. This moderate temperature is perfect for baking the cake slowly, keeping it moist and flavorful. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray so your cake won’t stick and will come out looking perfect.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, sift together your all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting ensures everything blends evenly, giving your cake a perfect texture without any lumps or uneven spice pockets. Set this mixture aside for now.

Step 3: Combine Sugars, Oil, and Eggs

In a large bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar together. This step helps dissolve the sugars into the oil for a smooth batter. Then beat in the vanilla and add the eggs one at a time, ensuring each one is fully mixed before adding the next. This will create a creamy, luscious base for your cake.

Step 4: Incorporate the Dry Mixture

Add the dry ingredients to your wet mixture gradually, mixing well after each addition. Keep in mind the batter will become thick and dense, which is exactly what you want for a cake that holds those juicy apple chunks without sinking.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

With a sturdy wooden spoon, gently fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter. This step is crucial to keeping those apple chunks whole and evenly distributed, so you get that glorious apple dapple effect in every slice.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean. The slower, gentle baking ensures the cake cooks evenly and stays moist without drying out.

Step 7: Whip Up the Glaze

While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. In a medium saucepan, combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla. Heat over medium, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to simmer. Then remove it from the heat and let it cool for five minutes so it thickens slightly but remains pourable.

Step 8: Dress the Cake with Glaze

Once your cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the luscious glaze evenly over the top. This is where the magic happens—those sweet, buttery flavors soak in, enhancing every moist, fragrant crumb.

Step 9: Slice and Enjoy

Allow it to cool slightly before slicing into 12 generous pieces. Serve warm or at room temperature, and prepare to fall in love all over again with this incredible Apple Dapple Cake Recipe.

How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts adds a lovely contrast in texture and a touch of elegance. Fresh whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream also pairs wonderfully for an irresistible finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with fresh fruit slices, hot tea, or freshly brewed coffee for an inviting afternoon treat. It also shines alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt or a mild cheese plate to balance its sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a charming touch, serve the cake on vintage china or rustic wooden boards. Layer slices between parchment paper for picnics or potlucks to keep them moist and intact. You can also cut the cake into squares, top each with a mint leaf, and serve as finger food for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This cake stays moist and flavorful when stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate to extend freshness for up to a week, just be sure to let it come back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a quick, delicious treat anytime you crave a slice.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or warm them in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes. Reheating releases the aroma and revitalizes the cake’s tender texture, making it taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite firm apple varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Just make sure the apples are peeled and chopped evenly for the best texture.

Is this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe gluten-free?

The original recipe uses all-purpose flour, but you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend that measures like all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free. The texture might vary slightly but will still be delicious.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! Substitute the butter in the glaze with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil, and use a dairy-free cream alternative for the heavy cream. The cake itself is already dairy-free.

What’s the best way to dice the apples for the cake?

Cut the apples into ½-inch chunks to ensure they stay juicy and don’t break down too much during baking. Smaller pieces might get mushy and larger chunks might not cook through evenly.

Why does the batter become so thick in this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe?

The batter thickens because of the dense apples mixed throughout and the low amount of leavening. This thick batter is key to holding the apple chunks in place and giving the cake its signature moist texture.

Final Thoughts

Once you try this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe, it will quickly become a go-to in your baking repertoire. It’s simple enough to make any day but special enough to impress guests or cozy up a chilly afternoon. The balance of spice, apple, and buttery glaze is pure magic that tastes like happiness in every bite. So grab those apples and bake it soon—you won’t regret it!

Print