There's nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of an Apple Dapple Cake baking in the oven. This classic, tender cake is filled with juicy apple pieces and topped with a luscious caramel glaze, bringing autumn flavors to life in every bite. Perfect for fall gatherings or as a simple weeknight dessert, this cake is a nostalgic treat that will make any occasion feel a bit more special.

I first encountered Apple Dapple Cake at a family potluck, where it was a showstopper among the desserts. The combination of moist apple-filled cake and sweet, sticky glaze won everyone over instantly. This recipe has been a staple in my kitchen ever since, especially when I have an abundance of apples on hand.

Why You'll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

If you’re a fan of old-fashioned desserts with a twist, this Apple Dapple Cake is sure to steal your heart! Here’s why it’s bound to become one of your favorites:

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. You don’t need any special equipment—just a bowl, a spoon, and a baking pan. It’s the perfect dessert for busy days or last-minute guests because the ingredients are simple and easy to mix by hand.

Another reason to love this cake is its moist and tender crumb. The apples release their juices as they bake, keeping the cake wonderfully soft without being too dense. This cake stays moist for days, making it an excellent choice for make-ahead baking.

Then there’s the flavor! The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a rich caramel glaze gives this cake a cozy, comforting taste that’s reminiscent of apple pie but even easier to make. Every bite is packed with warm fall spices, and the caramel glaze takes it over the top.

Finally, it’s versatile. Whether you serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, as an afternoon snack, or as a festive dessert, this Apple Dapple Cake fits any occasion. Let’s dive into the ingredients that make this cake so special.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Apple Dapple Cake lies in its blend of humble ingredients, each adding something unique to the texture and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need:

Apples: Use a firm, slightly tart variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the cake. Dice them into small chunks to get a bit of apple in every bite.
Oil: Instead of butter, this cake uses vegetable or canola oil, giving it a moist, tender crumb. Oil-based cakes tend to stay fresh longer, so this one is great for leftovers.
Brown Sugar and White Sugar: This mix of sugars adds depth of flavor, with brown sugar bringing in a touch of molasses richness that complements the apples and spices.
Cinnamon and Nutmeg: These warming spices add that classic, cozy flavor. If you’re a big spice fan, you could add a touch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
Caramel Glaze: The crown jewel of this cake is the caramel glaze made from butter, brown sugar, and cream. It soaks into the cake, adding extra moisture and sweetness. If you don’t have cream, half-and-half or even milk can work in a pinch, though the glaze won’t be as rich.

For equipment, you’ll need a mixing bowl, spatula, and a 9x13 baking pan or a bundt pan if you want a more decorative shape.

How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Creating this comforting Apple Dapple Cake is as simple as it is delicious. Let’s go through the steps!

Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling and dicing the apples into small chunks. Set them aside while you mix the other ingredients. Prepping the apples first makes the process smooth and ensures you have everything ready when you start mixing.
Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, oil, brown sugar, and white sugar until smooth. Next, add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir until everything is well combined, but be careful not to overmix. Fold in the apple pieces gently to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased 9x13 baking pan or bundt pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and slightly pulling away from the sides of the pan.
Make the Glaze: While the cake bakes, prepare the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, and cream over medium heat. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and begins to bubble. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, pour the glaze over the top. The glaze will soak into the cake, adding an extra layer of flavor and moisture. Let the cake cool for at least 15 minutes before serving.

This cake takes about an hour from start to finish, including baking time. Once cooled, it’s ready to slice and serve. Trust me, your kitchen will smell amazing!

Storage Options

Apple Dapple Cake stays wonderfully moist for days, making it an excellent make-ahead dessert.

Room Temperature: Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. The glaze will keep the cake moist, so it’s great for those looking to enjoy leftovers.
Refrigeration: If you want it to last longer, you can refrigerate the cake for up to a week. Just make sure to cover it well to prevent it from drying out.
Freezing: This cake also freezes beautifully. Slice it into portions, wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, and store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm it slightly in the microwave.

When reheating, you can pop a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to bring back that fresh-from-the-oven warmth.

Variations and Substitutions

This Apple Dapple Cake is a flexible recipe, so feel free to get creative with these variations!

Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, fold in ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans along with the apples. The nuts add a wonderful texture and pair perfectly with the caramel glaze.
Different Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great, you can experiment with other apple varieties or even a mix of apples for a unique flavor.
Extra Spice: For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or ginger. These spices add a deeper warmth to the cake and bring out the apple’s natural sweetness.
Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute the cream in the glaze with coconut cream or almond milk for a dairy-free version. Just note that the glaze might be a bit thinner.
Use a Bundt Pan: For a beautiful presentation, bake this cake in a bundt pan. Just remember to grease the pan thoroughly, and extend the bake time by about 5 minutes.

This Apple Dapple Cake is a joy to experiment with, so don’t hesitate to make it your own. Whether you’re enjoying it with a warm drink or serving it at a fall gathering, this cake is sure to be a hit with everyone.