The Best Apple Dapple Cake Recipe for Cozy Fall Gatherings

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and butter swirl through kitchens when making this delightful apple dapple cake.

Baking memories flood back from childhood moments spent watching grandmothers carefully mix ingredients.

Mixing bowls become stages for culinary magic, transforming simple apples into something extraordinary.

Chunks of ripe fruit nestle between layers of tender, golden batter that promises comfort in every bite.

Warm spices whisper stories of autumn gatherings and cozy afternoons.

Seasonal ingredients dance together, creating a dessert that feels like a warm embrace.

Let’s uncover the secrets behind this irresistible treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Apple Dapple Cake Is A Comfort Classic

• Savor Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with this apple-packed cake that transforms simple ingredients into a heartwarming treat.
• Master Easy Baking: Requires minimal baking skills, making it perfect for novice and experienced bakers who want a foolproof dessert that impresses.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with warm spices and sweet caramel glaze, this cake becomes an instant favorite for family gatherings, potlucks, and casual celebrations.
• Versatile Dessert Option: Serves as a delightful breakfast companion, afternoon snack, or elegant dessert that adapts to any mealtime or occasion.

Ingredients For Apple Dapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: The main base that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Sweet ingredients that add depth of flavor and moisture to the cake.
• Baking Soda: A leavening agent that helps the cake rise and become light and fluffy.
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that enhances the apple flavor and adds aromatic depth.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and amplifies the overall flavor of the cake.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, creating a soft crumb.
• Eggs: Provide structure, richness, and help bind the ingredients together.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet flavor that complements the apple and spices.

• Apples, Chopped Nuts: Fresh apples add natural sweetness and texture, while nuts provide a crunchy contrast to the soft cake.

• Butter, Milk, Brown Sugar: Classic ingredients that create a rich, sweet glaze to pour over the warm cake.

How To Bake Apple Dapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab your 9×13 inch baking pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Granulated sugar
• Brown sugar
• Baking soda
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re well blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Eggs
• Vanilla extract

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until everything is smooth and fully combined.

Step 4: Add Fruity Crunch

• Chopped apples
• Chopped nuts (optional)

Make sure the apples and nuts are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into the prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6: Create Decadent Caramel Glaze

• Milk
• Brown sugar

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil and let it bubble for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 7: Finish with Glaze

Pour the warm caramel glaze over the freshly baked cake. Let the cake cool completely before serving to allow the glaze to set and flavors to meld.

Tips For Moist Apple Dapple Cake

• Chop apples into uniform small pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent texture throughout the cake.
• Select tart baking apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for maximum flavor and slight tartness against the sweet glaze.
• Toast nuts briefly before adding to enhance their nutty aroma and prevent them from becoming soggy in the batter.
• Check cake doneness at 45 minutes to prevent over-baking, as ovens can vary in temperature and performance.
• Allow cake to cool completely before glazing to help caramel set properly and prevent soggy bottom layer.

Flavorful Twists On Apple Dapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version. Use gluten-free baking mix to maintain cake structure.
• Vegan Apple Spice Cake: Substitute eggs with applesauce or flax eggs. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and maple syrup in place of sugar for a plant-based alternative.
• Low-Sugar Apple Harvest Cake: Swap regular sugar with stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Reduce overall sugar content and add extra cinnamon for natural sweetness.
• Dairy-Free Caramel Apple Cake: Use non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the glaze. Replace butter with coconut cream or margarine to keep the rich caramel flavor.

What To Serve With Apple Dapple Cake

• Cozy Family Dessert Night: Serve warm slices of Apple Dapple Cake with vanilla ice cream for a comforting after-dinner treat that brings everyone together around the table.
• Autumn Brunch Centerpiece: Arrange cake slices on a rustic wooden board, dust with powdered sugar, and pair with hot cinnamon coffee for a delightful weekend morning spread.
• Picnic Perfect Dessert: Cut cake into portable squares, wrap individually in parchment paper, and pack alongside a thermos of hot tea for an outdoor adventure treat that travels well.
• Gifting Goodness: Package cooled cake slices in mason jars tied with a ribbon, creating a homemade gift that shows love and warmth through a delicious baked creation.

How To Store Apple Dapple Cake Properly

• Store leftover Apple Dapple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for 2-3 days.
• Refrigerate the cake for extended freshness, keeping it in a sealed container for up to 5-7 days.
• Freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil for up to 3 months.

FAQs

• Why do I need to grease the baking pan?

Greasing prevents the cake from sticking and helps it release easily after baking, ensuring your cake comes out in perfect shape without breaking.

• Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, you can use various apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Firmer apples work best as they hold their shape during baking and provide a nice texture to the cake.

• Is the caramel glaze necessary?

While optional, the caramel glaze adds rich, sweet flavor and moisture to the cake. It creates a delicious finish that enhances the overall taste of the Apple Dapple Cake.

Best Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

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4.9 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Classic apple dapple cake blends sweet nostalgia with Southern comfort. Home bakers can savor warm spices and caramelized apple goodness that delights family gatherings with simple, rustic charm.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups (240 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs

Sweeteners:

• 1 cup (200 grams) sugar
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar

Spices and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) walnuts or pecans, chopped (optional)

Caramel Glaze:

• 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter
• 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (220 grams) brown sugar

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and generously coat a 9×13 inch baking pan with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Whisk together oil, eggs, and vanilla extract in a separate container until smooth and well-blended.
4. Gradually incorporate the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to create a consistent batter without overmixing.
5. Gently fold chopped apples and optional nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout.
6. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it uniformly to ensure even baking.
7. Bake for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean when the cake is fully cooked.
8. While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
9. Add milk and brown sugar to the melted butter, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a rolling boil.
10. Allow the glaze to boil for exactly 2 minutes, then immediately remove from heat.
11. Once the cake is out of the oven, drizzle the warm caramel glaze evenly over the surface.
12. Let the cake cool completely, allowing the glaze to set and flavors to meld before serving.

Notes

• Enhance apple flavor by using a mix of tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for complex taste profiles.
• Toast nuts briefly before adding to the batter to intensify their nutty aroma and provide a crunchier texture.
• Prevent apple pieces from sinking by tossing them in a light dusting of flour before folding into the batter.
• Customize the cake for dietary needs by substituting vegetable oil with applesauce or using gluten-free flour blend for a healthier alternative.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 368 kcal
• Sugar: 39 g
• Sodium: 216 mg
• Fat: 19 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 52 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 37 mg