There’s something magical about the scent of apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen as an Apple Dapple Cake bakes. This nostalgic dessert, brimming with juicy apple chunks and a sweet caramel glaze, is like a warm hug on a chilly day. It’s the perfect treat to welcome fall or to share with family and friends any time of year.

I first discovered this recipe while looking for ways to use up a bushel of apples we picked on a crisp autumn afternoon. One slice, and I was hooked – the moist cake, rich with warm spices and caramelized sweetness, instantly became a family favorite. Let’s dive into why this Apple Dapple Cake deserves a spot on your dessert table.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

Get ready to fall in love with one of the most comforting cakes you’ll ever make. Apple Dapple Cake is easy to whip up and has a unique mix of textures and flavors that are sure to please.

First off, this cake is incredibly moist and flavorful. Each bite is packed with juicy apple pieces and warm spices, giving it a soft, luscious crumb. It’s a perfect choice for those who love a dense, rich cake.

The caramel glaze makes this dessert truly unforgettable. Once the cake is out of the oven, you drizzle it with a warm, buttery glaze that soaks in, creating a caramelized crust that adds extra sweetness and texture.

No need for fancy ingredients here – just pantry staples like flour, sugar, and apples, along with a few spices. This simplicity makes Apple Dapple Cake as budget-friendly as it is delicious.

Finally, it’s the perfect make-ahead dessert. Apple Dapple Cake tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have time to meld and develop. This makes it ideal for gatherings, potlucks, or simply to enjoy over a few days with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

Ingredients Notes

This Apple Dapple Cake comes together with just a few simple ingredients that each play a special role in creating the perfect cake.

Apples: The star of the show! Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking, adding texture and a delicious balance to the sweetness of the cake.
Sugar: This recipe uses both granulated sugar for the cake and brown sugar in the caramel glaze. The brown sugar brings a subtle molasses flavor that complements the apples perfectly, while the granulated sugar keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Vegetable Oil: Oil keeps the cake moist and helps it stay fresh for longer. It’s also easier than using butter, as you don’t need to wait for it to soften. If you prefer, you can substitute with melted coconut oil for a slight hint of coconut flavor.
Eggs: These provide structure and help bind the ingredients together. Make sure your eggs are at room temperature for the best results.
Spices: A blend of cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg add warmth and depth. Cinnamon is classic with apples, and nutmeg adds a subtle, earthy note that elevates the flavor profile.
Flour and Baking Soda: These give the cake its structure and ensure a light, tender crumb. Be sure to measure your flour accurately to avoid a dense texture.

No special equipment is needed for this recipe. A simple mixing bowl, a whisk, and a bundt pan or 9x13-inch baking dish will work perfectly.

How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Creating this delicious Apple Dapple Cake is straightforward, and you’ll love the rewarding aroma as it bakes. Let’s walk through each step together.

Prepare the Batter: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing your baking dish. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, vegetable oil, and eggs until well combined. Add in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg, and mix until smooth. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Place the cake 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 10 minutes to avoid overbaking.
Make the Caramel Glaze: While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar, butter, and milk. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and set aside.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes in the pan. Then, carefully poke small holes all over the top of the cake with a skewer or fork. Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cake, allowing it to seep in and coat the top. Let the cake cool completely in the pan to absorb all the flavors.

This recipe takes just over an hour from start to finish, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful, caramel-glazed cake that’s sure to impress.

Storage Options

Apple Dapple Cake is an ideal make-ahead dessert and stores beautifully, which makes it great for enjoying over several days.

Room Temperature: Store your cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The caramel glaze helps keep it moist, so it’ll taste just as delicious on day two.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, you can refrigerate Apple Dapple Cake for up to a week. Be sure to keep it in a sealed container to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: If you’d like to make this cake ahead of time, it freezes well! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. To serve, let the slices thaw at room temperature or warm them in the microwave for a freshly-baked taste.

To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 15-20 seconds, which will bring back the moistness and make the glaze deliciously gooey.

Variations and Substitutions

Apple Dapple Cake is a versatile recipe with plenty of room for creativity. Here are some fun variations to try:

Different Apples: If you prefer a sweeter cake, use apples like Fuji or Gala. For a bit more tartness, mix Granny Smith with sweeter varieties for a balanced flavor.
Add Nuts: For an extra crunch, add a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They add texture and a lovely nutty flavor that complements the apples and caramel glaze.
Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for a more robust spice profile. These flavors work beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
Healthier Swaps: You can substitute half of the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added fiber. You could also replace half of the vegetable oil with applesauce to cut down on fat while adding a hint more apple flavor.
Cream Cheese Glaze: If you’re a fan of cream cheese, swap the caramel glaze for a simple cream cheese frosting. It adds a slight tanginess that’s delicious with the sweet cake and apples.

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make this recipe your own. Whether you stick to the classic version or try out a few of these variations, Apple Dapple Cake is sure to be a hit!

With its combination of tender apples, warm spices, and a decadent caramel glaze, this Apple Dapple Cake is pure comfort in every bite. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday gathering or as a simple weeknight treat, this cake is guaranteed to impress. Enjoy it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or all on its own – it’s a classic dessert you’ll come back to again and again.