There's something magical about the smell of Apple Dapple Cake baking in the oven, filling the kitchen with warm notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sweet apples. This cozy dessert has been a family staple during fall and winter months, loved for its moist texture and rich, caramel-like flavor.

I first stumbled upon this recipe years ago, searching for a way to use up a bounty of fresh apples from a local orchard. The result? A cake that’s become a household favorite, always served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce. Let’s dive into what makes this Apple Dapple Cake so special!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake
Prepare to add a new classic to your baking repertoire! This Apple Dapple Cake is everything you want in a homemade treat: warm, comforting, and incredibly easy to make.
First, this cake is a breeze to throw together. With no mixer required, you can whip it up in one bowl and have it baking in under 15 minutes. Perfect for those spontaneous dessert cravings or last-minute guests.
Second, it’s all about the texture. Thanks to the fresh apples, the cake stays incredibly moist, even days after it’s baked. The oil in the batter also adds a rich, dense crumb that only gets better over time.
For those with a sweet tooth, this cake delivers. A quick homemade glaze poured over the warm cake seeps into every crevice, adding an extra touch of sweetness and an irresistible caramelized flavor.
Lastly, it’s a versatile dessert. Serve it warm with a scoop of ice cream for a cozy treat, or enjoy it plain with coffee for a delightful breakfast or snack. Once you try it, you’ll see why this cake is a true family favorite.
Ingredients Notes

Each ingredient in this Apple Dapple Cake brings something special to the table, combining to create that unique texture and flavor profile. Let’s go over a few key ingredients and why they’re essential.
- Apples: The star of the show, apples bring sweetness, moisture, and a hint of tartness. Opt for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape and offer a wonderful balance of flavors. You’ll need about two cups, peeled and chopped into small cubes.
- Vegetable Oil: Using oil instead of butter keeps the cake moist and tender. It gives the cake its classic, dense crumb, which pairs perfectly with the chunks of apples. You can substitute with melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor profile.
- Brown Sugar: Brown sugar is used in both the batter and the glaze, adding a deep, caramel-like flavor that enhances the apple's natural sweetness. Feel free to use light or dark brown sugar, depending on how rich you want the flavor.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the cake. Cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples, and a pinch of nutmeg brings an extra hint of coziness. You can add a dash of cloves or allspice if you want to spice things up.
- Baking Soda: This ingredient is crucial for leavening and also helps to tenderize the cake, giving it that soft, almost melt-in-your-mouth quality. Make sure your baking soda is fresh for the best results.
No special equipment is needed – just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a baking dish. A Bundt pan works beautifully if you want an elegant shape, but a standard 9x13 pan will also do the trick.
How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Baking this Apple Dapple Cake couldn’t be simpler. Let’s walk through the steps so you can have it baking in no time.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your pan of choice. For a classic look, a Bundt pan works well, but a 9x13-inch pan is also great if you prefer easy slicing.
In a large bowl, combine your brown sugar and oil until well mixed, followed by the eggs. Stir them in one at a time to ensure everything is smooth and fully incorporated.
Next, add the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Fold everything together gently, being careful not to overmix, which can make the cake dense. Finally, add in your chopped apples and vanilla extract, stirring just until the apples are evenly distributed.
Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it out to ensure even baking. Pop it in the oven and bake for about 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to avoid overbaking.
While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze. Combine brown sugar, butter, and a bit of milk in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until everything is melted and smooth. Pour this warm glaze over the cake as soon as it’s out of the oven, allowing it to soak into the warm cake.
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing – though if you’re like me, you may not want to wait that long! Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Storage Options
This cake is perfect for making ahead, as it actually tastes even better the next day. Here’s how to store it for maximum freshness.
- Room Temperature: Keep the cake covered in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, ensuring the cake stays tender.
- Refrigeration: For longer storage, refrigerate the cake for up to one week. The texture will firm up slightly when chilled, so let it sit at room temperature for a bit before serving.
- Freezing: This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without glaze) tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to three months. To enjoy, thaw at room temperature, then drizzle with fresh glaze if desired.
To reheat a slice, pop it in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for that warm, just-baked feel.
Variations and Substitutions
This Apple Dapple Cake is as versatile as it is delicious. Here are a few ideas to switch things up and make it your own.
- Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a crunchy contrast. Nuts add richness and pair beautifully with the apples and spices.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cake’s dense, moist texture works well with gluten-free flours, making this an easy adjustment.
- Different Fruits: While apples are classic, try pears or even a mix of apples and cranberries for a holiday twist. These variations offer a unique flavor profile and seasonal flair.
- Spiced Glaze: For an extra layer of flavor, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the glaze. This adds a warming touch that enhances the cake’s overall spiced flavor.
- Healthier Version: Replace half of the oil with unsweetened applesauce for a slightly lighter cake without losing any moisture. You can also cut back on the sugar if you prefer a less sweet treat.
Feel free to experiment with flavors and add-ins until you find your perfect version of this cake. It’s hard to go wrong with such a deliciously adaptable recipe!
Whether you’re baking this for a holiday gathering or just as a cozy weeknight dessert, Apple Dapple Cake is sure to be a hit. Simple, comforting, and full of seasonal flavor – this is a recipe you’ll come back to again and again. Happy baking!
PrintApple Dapple Cake Recipe
Apple Dapple Cake is a classic, moist dessert filled with fresh apples and warm spices, making it a comforting fall favorite. Topped with a delicious caramel glaze, this cake brings together autumn flavors for a perfect treat. Easy to make, it's ideal for gatherings or a cozy dessert at home.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples (peeled)
- 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- For the glaze:
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup butter
- 2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking pan.
- In a large bowl, mix sugar, brown sugar, and oil until well combined. Add eggs and vanilla and beat until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples.
- Pour batter into prepared baking pan and bake for 40-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by heating brown sugar, butter, and milk in a saucepan over medium heat until it boils. Stir constantly for about 2 minutes until thickened.
- Pour warm glaze over the cake as soon as it’s done baking. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, you can add a handful of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, and it pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
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