The Best Apple Dapple Cake Recipe For Sweet Tooth Joy

Sweet memories flood back when I whip up this delightful apple dapple cake that brings comfort to any afternoon.

Grandma’s cherished recipe always sparks joy in our kitchen.

Ripe, juicy apples mingle with a rich, buttery batter creating magic in every slice.

Warm spices dance through the dense, moist texture, promising pure indulgence.

Crisp caramel notes add depth to this classic dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Each forkful tells a story of tradition and love.

You’ll want to savor every crumb of this irresistible treat that turns simple ingredients into pure happiness.

What Makes Apple Dapple Cake A Must-Try

• Bake with Seasonal Delight: Celebrate autumn's bounty by transforming fresh apples into a mouthwatering cake that captures the essence of fall's warmth and comfort.
• Impress Without Stress: Craft a stunning dessert with simple ingredients and straightforward steps that make you look like a professional baker without complicated techniques.
• Create Family Memories: Gather loved ones in the kitchen to chop apples, mix batter, and enjoy the incredible aroma that fills the home during baking.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for potlucks, weekend brunches, or afternoon tea, this cake adapts beautifully to any gathering and delights guests of all ages.

Ingredients Needed for Apple Dapple Cake

• All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the cake.
• Baking Soda: Helps the cake rise and creates a light, fluffy texture.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the cake.
• Ground Cinnamon: Adds warm, aromatic spice that complements the apple flavor.

• Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• Granulated Sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and enhances the overall flavor profile.

• Apples, Diced: Fresh fruit that provides natural sweetness and moisture to the cake.
• Chopped Nuts: Adds crunch and nutty flavor to the cake.

• Butter, Brown Sugar, Milk: Create a rich, caramel-like topping that adds extra sweetness and moisture to the cake.

How to Bake Apple Dapple Cake with Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank up your oven to a toasty 350°F. Grab your bundt pan and give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

• All-purpose flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Ground cinnamon

Whisk these together until they’re perfectly blended.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

• Vegetable oil
• Granulated sugar

Beat these until they’re smooth and friendly.

Crack in the eggs and splash of vanilla, mixing until everything looks harmonious.

Step 4: Create the Cake Batter

Slowly introduce the dry ingredients to the wet mixture.

Stir gently until just combined. Fold in freshly chopped apples and crunchy nuts, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan. Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.

The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted comes out clean and dry.

Step 6: Craft the Decadent Glaze

• Butter
• Brown sugar
• Milk

Simmer the mixture for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until it becomes a silky, rich glaze.

Step 7: Finish with Glorious Glaze

Once the cake has cooled slightly and been removed from the pan, drizzle the warm glaze all over the top, letting it cascade down the sides of the cake.

Tips to Amplify Apple Dapple Cake Flavor

• Toast nuts before adding to the batter for deeper, richer flavor and enhanced crunchiness.
• Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for better texture and balanced sweetness.
• Let cake cool completely before drizzling glaze to prevent it from becoming too runny and absorbing into the cake.
• Substitute vegetable oil with applesauce for a lighter, lower-fat version without compromising moisture.
• Store cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for extended freshness.

Flavor Additions That Work with Apple Dapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly option. Use gluten-free baking mix to maintain cake structure.
• Vegan Adaptation: Substitute eggs with mashed bananas or applesauce. Use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and plant-based milk for the glaze.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Replace sugar with monk fruit sweetener or stevia. Reduce overall sugar content while maintaining cake's sweet profile.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Use coconut milk or almond milk in the glaze. Swap butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine for lactose-intolerant individuals.

Side Dishes to Pair with Apple Dapple Cake

• Cozy Autumn Dessert Platter: Slice the cake and arrange on a rustic wooden board with cinnamon sticks, fresh apple slices, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a stunning seasonal presentation.
• Brunch Centerpiece: Serve warm cake alongside hot coffee or tea, garnished with a light dusting of powdered sugar and a few chopped nuts for extra crunch and elegance.
• Gifting Delight: Wrap individual slices in parchment paper tied with twine, perfect for sharing with neighbors or bringing to a potluck gathering as a homemade treat.
• Breakfast Companion: Cut into smaller squares and pair with Greek yogurt or cream cheese spread for a delightful morning meal that feels both indulgent and comforting.

Proper Storage for Apple Dapple Cake

• Store the Apple Dapple Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, keeping it fresh and moist.
• Refrigerate the cake for extended storage, which can preserve its quality for up to 5-7 days in a sealed container.
• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before refrigerating to prevent drying out.
• Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds, or warm the entire cake in a preheated 325F oven for 10-15 minutes until just heated through.

FAQs

• Why does this cake use oil instead of butter?

Oil creates a moister, softer texture and helps the cake stay fresh longer compared to butter-based cakes. It also ensures a more consistent crumb and prevents the cake from becoming dry.

• Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Yes, you can use various apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. Tart apples work best as they provide a nice contrast to the sweet glaze and add more flavor complexity to the cake.

• Is this cake considered a dessert or a breakfast item?

This Apple Dapple Cake is versatile and can be enjoyed as both a dessert and a breakfast treat. Its rich flavor and moist texture make it perfect for morning coffee or an after-dinner sweet.

Best Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Rich apple dapple cake celebrates classic Southern desserts with a moist, caramel-glazed delight. Homemade comfort shines through each slice, promising sweet memories for hungry guests.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups (473 ml) all-purpose flour
• 2 cups (300 g) apples, peeled and diced
• 1 cup (200 g) sugar
• 2 large eggs

Spices and Leavening:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Wet Ingredients and Optional Add-ins:

• 1/2 cup (120 ml) vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup (100 g) chopped nuts (optional)

Glaze Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (100 g) brown sugar
• 1/4 cup (57 g) butter
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) milk

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coat the bundt pan with cooking spray or butter.
2. Sift together the dry ingredients in a medium mixing bowl, ensuring an even distribution of flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon.
3. Using an electric mixer, blend oil and sugar until smooth and creamy, creating a uniform base for the cake mixture.
4. Incorporate eggs and vanilla extract into the oil-sugar mixture, beating until the texture becomes light and airy.
5. Gently fold the dry ingredient mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring carefully to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender cake texture.
6. Delicately fold diced apples and chopped nuts into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared bundt pan, spreading it smoothly and ensuring an even surface.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 50-60 minutes, checking doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should emerge clean and dry.
9. While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
10. Add brown sugar and milk to the melted butter, simmering the mixture for approximately 2 minutes until it becomes a smooth, glossy sauce.
11. Once the cake is baked and slightly cooled, remove it from the pan and drizzle the warm glaze generously over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides.

Notes

• Ensure apples are fresh and crisp for maximum flavor and texture in the cake.
• Use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to keep the cake moist without overpowering apple taste.
• Chop nuts finely to distribute evenly and prevent large chunks disrupting cake’s smooth texture.
• Adjust baking time based on your oven’s performance, checking cake’s doneness around 50-minute mark to prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 60 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 387 kcal
• Sugar: 28 g
• Sodium: 752 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 4 g
• Cholesterol: 38 mg