There's something magical about the smell of warm apples, cinnamon, and caramel wafting through the kitchen as an Apple Dapple Cake bakes. This cozy dessert is a nostalgic fall favorite, packed with fresh apples, chopped nuts, and topped with a rich caramel glaze that soaks into every inch of the cake.

I first came across this recipe in my grandmother’s collection, and it's been a staple in our family ever since. With its moist, spiced crumb and gooey glaze, this cake is the ultimate comfort dessert for crisp autumn days. Let’s dive into the details!

Why You'll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

Get ready to fall head over heels for this Apple Dapple Cake. With its deliciously moist texture and layers of spiced sweetness, it’s a dessert that's perfect for any occasion.

First off, this cake is incredibly easy to make. You won’t need any fancy equipment or unusual ingredients – just mix it all in one bowl and bake! It’s perfect for busy days when you want a homemade treat without too much fuss.

Another reason this cake shines is its amazing flavor profile. With fresh, crisp apples and a hint of warm cinnamon, it brings all the cozy flavors of fall to your table. Add in the caramel glaze, and you get a dessert that’s sweet, buttery, and full of warmth.

If you’re into make-ahead desserts, Apple Dapple Cake is your new best friend. It actually tastes better the next day, as the flavors meld together and the caramel glaze fully soaks into the cake.

Finally, this cake is incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert, or have it plain with a cup of coffee for a lovely afternoon treat. Either way, it’s bound to impress!

Ingredients Notes

This Apple Dapple Cake comes together with simple ingredients that pack a lot of flavor. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each one essential to the recipe’s success.

Apples: The star of the show! Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for a lovely contrast to the sweetness of the cake. The chunks of apple provide texture and juiciness, keeping every bite moist and flavorful.
Oil: Instead of butter, this cake uses oil, which adds moisture and makes for a tender crumb. Vegetable or canola oil works best here.
Sugar and Brown Sugar: A mix of granulated sugar and brown sugar gives the cake depth. The brown sugar adds a hint of caramel and complements the apple and cinnamon flavors beautifully.
Spices: A touch of cinnamon is all you need to warm up this cake and bring out the flavor of the apples. Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg if you want an extra layer of warmth.
Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans add crunch and pair perfectly with the apples and caramel. Toast the nuts beforehand if you want a richer flavor.
Caramel Glaze: This simple glaze made with butter, brown sugar, and a splash of cream is poured over the warm cake, creating a luscious topping that soaks into the cake as it cools. It’s the cherry on top of this irresistible dessert!

No special equipment is needed for this cake – just a mixing bowl, a spoon, and a bundt pan to achieve that classic shape. A whisk and a saucepan come in handy for making the caramel glaze.

How To Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Making this Apple Dapple Cake is as simple as mixing, baking, and glazing. Follow these easy steps for a show-stopping dessert!

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a bundt pan. This will ensure your cake comes out easily once baked. Dice your apples into small chunks and set them aside – no need to peel them unless you prefer.

In a large mixing bowl, combine your oil, sugars, and eggs. Whisk them together until smooth. The mixture should be creamy and well-blended, as this will be the base of your batter.

Next, add in your dry ingredients: flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Stir until just combined – you don’t want to overmix, or the cake could become dense. Then, fold in the apples and nuts, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Pour the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown with a slight spring when touched.

While the cake is baking, make the caramel glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and cream. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly and takes on a rich, caramel color.

Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the pan for 10 minutes. Then, turn it out onto a wire rack. While still warm, drizzle the caramel glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in and create a gorgeous, sticky finish.

The cake is now ready to enjoy! It takes about an hour from start to finish, and it’s well worth every minute.

Storage Options

This Apple Dapple Cake is easy to store, making it ideal for leftovers – if you manage to have any!

For room temperature storage, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will keep for up to three days without losing any of its moistness.

To store in the refrigerator, place the cake in an airtight container or wrap it in foil. It will last for up to a week and stays just as delicious, especially with a quick reheat in the microwave.

If you’d like to freeze the cake, slice it into pieces first and wrap each piece in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped slices in a freezer-safe bag. The cake will keep for up to three months. Just thaw a slice at room temperature when you're ready for a treat!

To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds. This brings back that freshly-baked warmth and makes the caramel glaze gooey all over again.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Apples: Try mixing in different apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, for added complexity. Or, go for a mix of apples and pears for a unique twist.
Nuts: If you’re not a fan of nuts or have an allergy, simply omit them, and the cake will still be delicious. You can also swap in other nuts like hazelnuts for a different flavor.
Gluten-Free: Substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, and the cake should turn out beautifully. Just ensure the blend you use includes xanthan gum or a similar binding agent.
Spices: Feel free to add other spices, like nutmeg or cardamom, to customize the flavor. These spices add extra warmth and complement the apples perfectly.
Caramel Sauce: For a quicker version of the glaze, you can drizzle the cake with store-bought caramel sauce. It won’t be quite the same, but it’s still absolutely delicious!

This Apple Dapple Cake is a true classic, and experimenting with different ingredients is a fun way to make it your own. Enjoy every warm, gooey bite!