Apple Dapple Cake

Introduction

There’s something timeless about the combination of apples, cinnamon, and warm spices baked into a cake. Enter Apple Dapple Cake a vintage Southern dessert that’s been passed down through generations and continues to win hearts with every bite. This cake is rustic yet elegant, dense yet moist, and overflowing with chunks of juicy apples that bake into tender sweetness.

What truly sets it apart is the buttery brown sugar glaze poured over the cake while it’s still warm. The glaze seeps into the nooks and crannies, creating a caramel-like coating that makes each slice rich, glossy, and utterly irresistible. Think of it as part apple cake, part sticky toffee pudding, with all the charm of a homemade fall dessert.

This cake is perfect for just about any occasion holiday gatherings, Sunday dinners, potlucks, or a cozy fall evening with coffee. It’s hearty enough to stand alone but also pairs beautifully with whipped cream or ice cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with apples – Four cups of fresh apples ensure every bite is tender and juicy.
• Warm spices – Cinnamon and nutmeg give that unmistakable autumn flavor.
• Foolproof recipe – Simple steps with guaranteed delicious results.
• Irresistible glaze – The buttery caramel glaze elevates it from good to unforgettable.
• Perfect make-ahead dessert – Tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld.
• Crowd-pleaser – Ideal for family gatherings, Thanksgiving, or gifting.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe yields 12–14 servings depending on slice size.

Dry Ingredients

• 3 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure.
• 1 teaspoon baking soda – Leavening for lift.
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon – Warm spice essential to apple desserts.
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – Adds depth and subtle spice.
• ½ teaspoon salt – Balances sweetness and enhances flavor.

Wet Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups vegetable oil – Keeps the cake moist and tender.
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar – Sweetens and balances apple tartness.
• ½ cup packed brown sugar – Adds caramel-like richness.
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Enhances flavor and aroma.
• 3 large eggs – Provide structure, moisture, and richness.

Apples

• 4 cups peeled, chopped apples (½-inch chunks) – Use firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji.

Glaze

• ⅓ cup butter – Base for richness.
• ⅓ cup packed brown sugar – Caramel flavor.
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar – Sweetness balance.
• ⅓ cup heavy cream – Creamy, luscious texture.
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – Rounds out the glaze.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Whisk & spatula
• Electric mixer (optional)
• 10-inch bundt pan (or tube pan)
• Saucepan (for glaze)
• Wire cooling rack
• Sharp knife & cutting board (for apples)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Pan

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Grease and flour a 10-inch bundt pan (or use baking spray with flour).

2. Mix Dry Ingredients

• In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients

• In another large bowl, whisk together oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, vanilla extract, and eggs until smooth.

4. Add Dry to Wet

• Gradually fold the dry mixture into the wet mixture until just combined (don’t overmix).

5. Add Apples

• Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed. The batter will be thick — that’s expected.

6. Bake the Cake

• Pour batter into prepared bundt pan, spreading evenly.
• Bake for 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

7. Make the Glaze

• About 10 minutes before the cake finishes baking, prepare glaze.
• In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cream. Stir constantly until mixture comes to a gentle boil. Simmer for 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract.

8. Glaze the Cake

• Remove cake from oven and place on wire rack. Let cool for 10 minutes, then carefully invert onto a serving platter.
• While still warm, poke holes in the cake with a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour glaze over the cake, letting it soak in.

9. Serve & Enjoy

• Allow glaze to set slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips & Variations

• Apple choice – Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or mix for balance.
• Nutty twist – Add 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter.
• Extra spice – Add cardamom, allspice, or ginger.
• Gluten-free – Swap flour with a 1:1 gluten-free blend.
• Vegan – Use flax eggs and coconut cream; replace butter with vegan butter.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

This Apple Dapple Cake is:

• Moist and dense with tender apple chunks.
• Sweet and spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.
• Glossy and caramel-like from the glaze.

Pair with:

• Coffee or tea for a cozy afternoon.
• Sparkling cider or a sweet Riesling.
• Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for indulgence.

Nutritional Overview (Per Serving, Approx.)

• Calories: 480
• Carbs: 65g
• Fat: 23g
• Protein: 4g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 42g

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Bake ahead – Cake keeps well for 3 days at room temp.
• Glaze ahead – Prepare glaze fresh for best results.
• Freezer-friendly – Freeze cooled cake (without glaze) for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this in a loaf pan?
Yes, divide batter into two loaf pans; adjust baking time to 50–55 minutes.

Q2: Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for tender texture, but you can leave skins for a rustic look.

Q3: Can I reduce the sugar?
Yes — cut sugar by ½ cup without affecting structure, though flavor will be less sweet.

Q4: Why is my cake dense?
This is a dense cake by nature, but overmixing can make it heavy. Mix just until combined.

Cooking Timeline

Step	Time
Prep & mix batter	20m
Bake cake	60–70m
Make glaze	10m
Cool & glaze	15m
Total	~1h 45m

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle with extra glaze before serving.
• Garnish with apple slices or cinnamon sticks for presentation.
• Serve with warm spiced cider during the holidays.

Recipe Variations

1. Caramel Apple Dapple Cake – Add a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
2. Apple-Pear Dapple Cake – Replace half the apples with pears.
3. Spiced Rum Glaze – Add a splash of rum to the glaze for depth.
4. Apple Pecan Dapple Cake – Fold in chopped pecans for nutty crunch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Apples

The heart of this cake. Use firm, tart-sweet apples like Granny Smith for structure, or mix varieties for complexity. Store apples in a cool place or fridge to keep fresh.

Cinnamon

This spice defines the flavor. Fresh, high-quality cinnamon makes all the difference — Ceylon cinnamon is softer and more fragrant, while Cassia cinnamon is bolder.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Chop apples evenly so they bake consistently.
• Grease bundt pan thoroughly — this cake tends to stick.
• Pour glaze while cake is warm so it absorbs deeply.
• Store cake covered with foil to retain moisture.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Room temp – 2–3 days, covered.
• Fridge – Up to 5 days, wrapped tightly.
• Freezer – Wrap unglazed cake in plastic + foil; freeze up to 3 months.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	480
Protein	4g
Carbs	65g
Fat	23g
Fiber	3g
Sugar	42g

Expanded Conclusion

Apple Dapple Cake is more than just a recipe it’s tradition on a plate. From the tender apple-studded crumb to the sticky-sweet glaze, it’s a dessert that feels like home. Rustic yet elegant, simple yet deeply satisfying, this cake proves that the classics never go out of style.

Whether you bake it for a family gathering, a holiday feast, or just because the apples on your counter are calling, this cake will deliver comfort and joy in every bite.

So preheat your oven, chop those apples, and let your kitchen fill with the aroma of cinnamon and sugar. Once you taste that first slice of glazed perfection, you’ll understand why Apple Dapple Cake has stood the test of time.

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