There’s nothing quite like the smell of Apple Dapple Cake baking in the oven. The warm spices, caramelized glaze, and tender bites of apple make this a dessert that feels like a warm hug on a chilly fall day. I discovered this recipe years ago while looking for a way to use up extra apples, and it’s become a staple treat every fall.

Perfect for a cozy family dessert or a holiday gathering, this cake is easy to make, packed with flavor, and stays deliciously moist for days.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

Get ready to fall in love with every bite of this Apple Dapple Cake! Here’s what makes it so special:

First, it’s incredibly moist and flavorful. Fresh apples bake right into the batter, releasing their juices and creating a cake that’s perfectly tender with a natural sweetness.

It’s also a fuss-free recipe. This cake comes together quickly using simple pantry ingredients, so you can make it without any advanced baking skills. Perfect for busy bakers or anyone who wants a tasty dessert without hours in the kitchen.

The caramel glaze is the star of the show. This sticky, toffee-like topping seeps into the warm cake, adding a burst of sweetness and a lovely, glossy finish. It’s the perfect complement to the apples and spices, making each bite rich and satisfying.

Lastly, this recipe is easy to customize. You can add nuts, switch up the spices, or even turn it into a gluten-free dessert. Let’s go over what you’ll need to make this delicious cake.

Ingredients Notes

This cake’s magic lies in its simple ingredients, each adding flavor and texture to make it unforgettable.

Apples: Use a firm, slightly tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. These apples keep their shape during baking, adding bites of tartness to balance the cake’s sweetness. You’ll need about 3-4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped.
All-Purpose Flour: This provides the cake with structure while keeping it tender. Measure your flour correctly by spooning it into the cup and leveling it with a knife, or weigh it if possible.
Vegetable Oil: Instead of butter, this recipe uses vegetable oil, which keeps the cake incredibly moist. Feel free to substitute with coconut oil or melted butter, though each will add a slight change in flavor.
Brown and White Sugar: This combination gives the cake a deep caramel flavor and a bit of extra moisture. The brown sugar complements the apples perfectly, adding a molasses-rich depth to each bite.
Spices (Cinnamon and Nutmeg): These spices bring a warm, cozy flavor to the cake. If you like a spicier flavor, you can add a pinch of cloves or ginger.

No special tools are needed—just a mixing bowl, a whisk, and a spatula. Let’s get started with making this delightful cake!

How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Follow these simple steps to create your Apple Dapple Cake. You’ll be enjoying this warm, comforting dessert in no time!

Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan, or use a Bundt pan if you’d like a classic ring shape.
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg. This ensures that the spices are evenly distributed in the batter.
Mix Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat together 1 cup of vegetable oil, 1 cup of white sugar, and 1 cup of brown sugar until smooth and well blended. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract.
Add Apples and Combine: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples with a spatula, ensuring they are evenly mixed into the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If using a Bundt pan, baking time may be closer to 60 minutes. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack.
Make the Caramel Glaze: In a small saucepan, combine ½ cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup of butter, and 2 tablespoons of milk. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the mixture comes to a boil. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat.
Glaze the Cake: Pour the warm caramel glaze over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to soak in and form a shiny, sweet topping.

Your Apple Dapple Cake is ready to serve! This cake is best enjoyed warm, but it stays moist and delicious for days.

Storage Options

The Apple Dapple Cake stores beautifully, so you can enjoy it over the course of a few days.

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Cover with plastic wrap to keep it fresh.
Refrigeration: You can refrigerate this cake for up to a week. To keep it moist, wrap it in plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. Bring slices to room temperature or microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Freezing: This cake freezes well! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap, place them in a freezer-safe bag, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw slices at room temperature or warm in the microwave for a quick treat.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the great things about Apple Dapple Cake is its flexibility. Here are some variations to make it your own:

Add Nuts: Stir in a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for added crunch and a nutty flavor that complements the apples.
Make it Gluten-Free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. The cake’s texture may be a bit softer, but it will still taste delicious.
Extra Spices: If you enjoy a spicier cake, add a dash of ground cloves, ginger, or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
Alternative Sweeteners: Try using coconut sugar or maple syrup for a natural sweetener twist. These will add subtle new flavors to the cake.

This Apple Dapple Cake is a classic fall dessert that’s easy to customize. Make it your own, and don’t be surprised if it becomes one of your most-requested recipes!