Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

There’s something truly magical about cozying up with a slice of moist, warmly spiced apple cake that just melts in your mouth. This Apple Dapple Cake Recipe is a timeless favorite that combines tender bits of apple and crunchy nuts in a beautifully balanced batter. The luscious caramel glaze drizzled on top turns this simple cake into an unforgettable treat that’s perfect for any occasion. If you love apple desserts with a comforting twist, you’re going to find this recipe absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the joy of baking, and for this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe, simple pantry staples come together to create complex flavors and textures. Each ingredient plays a vital role—from the fragrant spices to the buttery glaze, making this cake both flavorful and pleasingly moist.

• 2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake providing structure and a tender crumb.
• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda: Helps the cake rise beautifully and creates a light texture.
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and signature spiced notes perfectly complementary to apples.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers subtle earthiness that deepens the flavor profile.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Adds richness and moisture for a tender bite.
• 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake and contributes to a soft texture.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar: Brings a hint of molasses flavor and extra moistness.
• 2 large eggs: Bind everything together and make the cake light and fluffy.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Infuses a fragrant sweetness enhancing the cake’s depth.
• 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: The star ingredient delivering juicy bursts and natural sweetness.
• 1 cup walnuts or pecans, chopped: Crunchy texture and nutty flavor contrast wonderfully with the soft cake.
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist without weighing it down.
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (for glaze): Key to the silky, rich glaze topping.
• 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (for glaze): Gives the glaze its deep caramel flavor.
• 1/4 cup heavy cream: Adds smoothness and lusciousness to the glaze.
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Rounds off the glaze with a fragrant sweetness.

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and lightly flour a 9×13-inch baking pan to ensure your cake doesn’t stick and comes out with clean edges. Proper preparation sets the stage for a perfect bake.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, baking soda, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. This combination creates the flavorful base and ensures even spice distribution throughout the cake, giving every bite a consistent and delightful taste.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugars

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with both granulated sugar and brown sugar until it looks fluffy and smooth—about 3 to 4 minutes. This step is key to incorporating air into the batter for a light texture and to melty pockets of sweetness.

Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla

One at a time, add the eggs to your creamed mixture, beating well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract to fill your kitchen with that wonderful, inviting aroma that makes this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe feel like home.

Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Oil

Gradually add the dry mixture to your wet ingredients, alternating with the vegetable oil. Mix just until combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so be gentle to keep that tender crumb everyone loves.

Step 6: Fold in Apples and Nuts

Gently fold the chopped apples and nuts into the batter for delightful bursts of juicy fruit and crunchy texture. This is where the cake truly starts coming to life, promising lots of interest in every bite.

Step 7: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Slide it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the flavors to meld and the cake’s surface to develop a lovely golden color.

Step 8: Cool and Glaze

Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack. Meanwhile, prepare the glaze by melting butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream together in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly, bringing it to a simmer until it thickens just a bit, then stir in vanilla. Pour this warm and luscious glaze over the cake to add a shiny, sweet finish.

Step 9: Slice and Serve

After glazing, let the cake settle a little, then slice into squares. Serve the Apple Dapple Cake Recipe warm to enjoy the full comforting flavors and gooey glaze in every bite.

How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Garnishes

To make your cake even more inviting, consider a sprinkling of powdered sugar or a handful of chopped nuts on top for extra crunch. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream adds an irresistible creaminess that pairs beautifully with the cake’s warm spices.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of hot tea or freshly brewed coffee, balancing the sweetness with a bit of bitterness. For a more indulgent experience, serve alongside spiced applesauce or a drizzle of caramel sauce to echo those delightful flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Apple Dapple Cake Recipe to the next level by serving it as a trifle layered with whipped cream and caramelized apples. Or cut into smaller bite-sized squares for a charming dessert platter perfect for parties and gatherings. Presentation can be a lot of fun and makes eating the cake feel like a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days to retain freshness. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it to keep the glaze from getting sticky; just be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Freezing

If you want to keep the Apple Dapple Cake Recipe longer, you can freeze it. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before glazing or serving.

Reheating

To enjoy this cake warm as if freshly baked, heat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 to 20 seconds or warm in a low oven (300°F) for 10 minutes. This simple trick revives the gooey texture and intensifies the flavors wonderfully.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully for their sharp flavor and firmness, sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp can be used too. Just keep in mind the sweetness level and texture may vary slightly.

Do I have to use nuts in the cake?

Nuts add a lovely crunch and contrast, but feel free to leave them out or substitute with seeds if you prefer. The cake will still be delicious without nuts, just a little less textured.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can replace the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking blend. The texture might be a bit different, but the Apple Dapple Cake Recipe will still shine with its charming flavor and moistness.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

To adapt this recipe for dairy-free diets, swap butter for a plant-based alternative and use a dairy-free cream substitute for the glaze. The oil also helps keep the cake moist, so it’s quite forgiving to these adjustments.

What’s the best way to peel and prepare apples quickly?

Using a sharp vegetable peeler can speed things up, and chopping apples immediately after peeling keeps them fresh and juicy. If you want to prevent browning before mixing, toss the chopped apples briefly in a bit of lemon juice.

Final Thoughts

Making this Apple Dapple Cake Recipe is like wrapping yourself in a warm, sweet hug on a chilly day. With its tender crumb, juicy apple chunks, crunchy nuts, and decadent glaze, it’s sure to become a favorite in your baking repertoire. Don’t hesitate to try it out soon—you’ll be amazed at how a few simple ingredients can come together to create such an unforgettable treat.

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