There’s something truly magical about the smell of Apple Dapple Cake baking in the oven. Warm, cinnamon-spiced apples nestled in a tender, moist cake create a comforting treat that's perfect for fall or any time you’re craving something sweet and cozy.
I first discovered this recipe at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become my go-to for special occasions and casual gatherings alike. Let’s dive in and see why this cake deserves a place in your recipe collection.
Why You'll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

Get ready to fall for this classic, deliciously simple Apple Dapple Cake. It’s the kind of dessert that feels like a warm hug in every bite.
First, this cake is super easy to make – no fancy equipment needed! Just a bowl, a whisk, and some simple ingredients, which means less time cleaning and more time enjoying. This cake practically makes itself, making it perfect for bakers of any level.
It’s also incredibly moist and flavorful. The natural juices from the apples seep into the cake as it bakes, creating an almost pudding-like texture that stays soft and delicious for days.
Then there’s the crunchy, caramel-like topping. This cake is traditionally finished with a buttery glaze that soaks in while the cake is still warm. Each bite is filled with a rich, apple-caramel flavor that balances beautifully with the spices.
Finally, it’s a great way to use up extra apples. This recipe is perfect if you’ve got a surplus of apples from a recent trip to the orchard or just need to use up the extras in your fridge.
Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this Apple Dapple Cake lies in its simple ingredients. Each one works together to create a dessert that’s packed with comforting flavors and textures.
Apples are the star of the show here. Choose a firm, slightly tart variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji to provide the best balance of flavor. Chop them into bite-sized pieces so they cook evenly throughout the cake.
Flour forms the structure of the cake. Regular all-purpose flour works perfectly here, creating a cake that’s sturdy enough to hold all those apples without feeling heavy.
Sugar plays a dual role in this recipe. Brown sugar is mixed into the batter, giving the cake a deep, caramel flavor, while granulated sugar is used for a lighter sweetness in the glaze. This combination ensures the cake isn’t overly sweet but has just the right amount of richness.
Cinnamon and nutmeg add that warm, cozy spice we all love in apple desserts. These spices perfectly complement the apples and give the cake a hint of autumn warmth. Feel free to adjust the amount to your taste, but don’t skip them entirely – they’re essential to the flavor.
For the glaze, you’ll need butter, milk, and sugar. This simple mix creates a glaze that’s poured over the cake while it’s still warm, seeping in to add extra moisture and a hint of buttery sweetness. You can skip it if you prefer a less sweet cake, but it truly makes the cake extra special.
No special equipment is needed for this recipe – just a mixing bowl, whisk, and a 9x13-inch baking pan. This is a one-bowl wonder!
How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake
Creating this beautiful Apple Dapple Cake is as easy as can be. Here’s how to put it all together for the best results.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9x13-inch baking pan. This will ensure your cake bakes evenly and comes out of the pan easily.
In a large bowl, combine your brown sugar, granulated sugar, and eggs, whisking until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Next, add oil and vanilla extract, mixing until everything is fully incorporated. The oil helps create a super-moist cake texture, which you’ll love in the finished product.
Now, add the dry ingredients – flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gently fold these into the wet ingredients until just combined, being careful not to overmix. Overmixing can make the cake tough instead of tender.
Stir in the chopped apples. They should be well distributed throughout the batter so that every slice is filled with sweet, tender apple chunks. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly.
Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. As it bakes, the aroma of apples and spices will fill your kitchen – it’s delightful!
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a small saucepan. Add milk and granulated sugar, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then remove from heat. When the cake is done, pour the warm glaze over the top, letting it soak in to add extra flavor and moisture.
Storage Options
Apple Dapple Cake stores beautifully, making it a great make-ahead option. Here’s how to keep it fresh and delicious.
Room temperature: This cake can be kept at room temperature for up to 2 days. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil to prevent it from drying out. The glaze helps keep the cake moist, so it stays soft even after a day or two.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, keep the cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Chilling the cake slightly enhances the flavors, making it even more delicious.
Freezer: Apple Dapple Cake also freezes well. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake in plastic wrap, then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before serving.
To reheat, you can warm a slice in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, which brings back that fresh-baked taste.
Variations and Substitutions
This Apple Dapple Cake is versatile and can be adapted in several ways to suit your tastes and dietary needs.
Nut lovers: Add a cup of chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, to the batter for extra crunch and a nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and spices.
Gluten-free: Swap out the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking mix. Just be sure to choose a mix that’s meant for baking, as it will yield the best texture and rise.
Lower sugar: For a less sweet cake, reduce the sugar in the batter by a quarter cup. You can also skip the glaze entirely or use a simple dusting of powdered sugar on top instead.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth. If you love a spicier cake, these additions will take the flavor profile to the next level.
Dairy-free: Use almond or oat milk in the glaze instead of regular milk. The flavor will still be delicious, and the cake will be just as tender.
Experimenting with this recipe is part of the fun! Try different varieties of apples, adjust the spices to your liking, and make this Apple Dapple Cake your own. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy!
PrintApple Dapple Cake Recipe
Apple Dapple Cake is a moist, autumn-inspired dessert filled with fresh apples, warm spices, and topped with a rich caramel glaze. This easy-to-make cake is perfect for gatherings, holidays, or as a cozy family dessert.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups apples, peeled and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking soda
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup milk
For Caramel Glaze:
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a bowl, combine granulated and brown sugar, oil, eggs, and vanilla until smooth.
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to wet mixture, alternating with milk.
- Fold in chopped apples, then pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- For the caramel glaze, melt butter and brown sugar in a saucepan. Add milk and vanilla, stirring until smooth.
- Pour the warm glaze over the baked cake, letting it soak before serving.
Notes
- For a richer flavor, try using a mix of tart and sweet apples.
- This cake keeps well for up to 3 days in an airtight container at room temperature.
- Substitute walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 180mg
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