Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the aroma of warm Apple Dapple Cake filling your kitchen on a crisp autumn day. This cake is packed with juicy apples, crunchy nuts, and a moist, tender crumb, all topped with a buttery, caramel-like glaze that soaks into every bite. It's the perfect combination of comforting flavors and textures that truly captures the spirit of fall.

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I discovered this recipe years ago, and it’s become a favorite for family gatherings and potlucks alike. With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, this cake brings the warmth of apple season right into your home. Let’s dive into what makes this cake so special!

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

If you're looking for a crowd-pleasing dessert that feels both nostalgic and decadent, this Apple Dapple Cake checks all the boxes. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:

First, it’s packed with real apples. The diced apples not only add moisture to the cake but also give each slice a burst of flavor. They soften as the cake bakes, creating a tender, juicy bite that’s impossible to resist.

This cake is also incredibly moist and flavorful. Thanks to the combination of oil, eggs, and fresh apples, the cake stays soft and moist for days, and each ingredient enhances the overall flavor profile.

The sweet, buttery glaze takes this cake to another level. Poured over the cake while it’s still warm, it soaks into the top, adding a delicious caramel flavor that complements the apples perfectly.

Finally, it’s easy to make and bake. This cake doesn’t require any special equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Plus, it’s a one-bowl wonder – simply mix everything together, and it’s ready to go in the oven.

Now that you know why this cake is a must-try, let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients in this Apple Dapple Cake are simple and accessible. Each one plays an important role in creating the rich, comforting flavors that make this cake shine.

• Apples: Fresh, crisp apples are the star here! Choose baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best results. They hold up well and add the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
• Vegetable Oil: Instead of butter, vegetable oil gives this cake its incredibly moist texture. It also helps the cake stay soft even after a few days, which makes it perfect for making ahead.
• Sugar: This recipe uses both white and brown sugar for a balanced sweetness and a hint of molasses that complements the apples and spices.
• Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent, giving the cake structure. They also add richness and help achieve a fluffy texture.
• All-Purpose Flour: The flour provides the cake’s structure. For a more tender cake, make sure to measure it correctly or spoon it into the measuring cup.
• Baking Soda and Salt: Baking soda helps the cake rise, and salt balances the sweetness and enhances the other flavors.
• Spices: A blend of cinnamon and nutmeg gives this cake its warm, cozy flavor. You can adjust the spice levels to suit your taste, but this combination pairs perfectly with the apples.
• Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch and an extra layer of flavor. They’re optional, but they bring out the cake’s earthy, fall-inspired notes beautifully.

Now that you have your ingredients, it’s time to start baking!

How To Make Apple Dapple Cake

Creating this Apple Dapple Cake is as easy as mixing, baking, and glazing. Here’s how to do it step-by-step.

1. Preheat and Prepare the Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan or a Bundt pan. Dust with flour to prevent the cake from sticking, especially if using a Bundt pan.
2. Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil, white sugar, and brown sugar until combined. Then, add in the eggs one at a time, whisking after each addition. Stir until smooth.
3. Add the Dry Ingredients: Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the cake tough.
4. Fold in the Apples and Nuts: Add the diced apples and chopped nuts to the batter, folding gently until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick, but this is what keeps the apples from sinking to the bottom as the cake bakes.
5. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly. Bake for 50-60 minutes in a 9x13-inch pan, or 60-70 minutes if using a Bundt pan, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the edges of the pan.
6. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and milk over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and cook for 2-3 minutes until smooth and slightly thickened.
7. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven, poke small holes all over the top with a fork or skewer. Pour the warm glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep in. Let the cake cool in the pan to allow the glaze to set.

Your Apple Dapple Cake is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

Storage Options

This cake stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prepping or making ahead for gatherings. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Room Temperature: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze helps keep it moist and flavorful, even as it sits.
• Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Bring slices to room temperature or warm them in the microwave before serving for the best texture and flavor.
• Freezer: To freeze, wrap individual slices or the whole cake (without glaze) in plastic wrap, then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm slightly before serving.

Variations and Substitutions

This Apple Dapple Cake is versatile and can be customized to suit your preferences. Here are a few ideas to make it your own:

• Different Apples: Try using a blend of different apple varieties for added flavor complexity. A mix of tart and sweet apples like Granny Smith and Fuji works beautifully.
• Add Raisins or Cranberries: For extra texture and a pop of sweetness, fold in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries along with the apples.
• Maple Glaze: Swap the brown sugar glaze with a maple glaze by adding a tablespoon of maple syrup to the glaze ingredients. This adds a unique flavor twist that pairs perfectly with the apples and spices.
• Skip the Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts or have allergies, simply leave them out. The cake will still be delicious and moist without them.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour in place of all-purpose flour to make this cake gluten-free. The texture remains moist and tender with the gluten-free alternative.

Conclousion

Whichever way you choose to enjoy it, this Apple Dapple Cake is bound to become a favorite. With its rich, cozy flavors and simple ingredients, it’s the perfect dessert to celebrate the beauty of apple season. So grab your apples, and let’s get baking!

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