Apple Dapple Cake: Amazing Moist Recipe

Name: Apple Dapple Cake: Amazing Moist Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped (firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking soda; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ½ cup vegetable oil; ½ cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 ½ cups granulated sugar; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 large eggs; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted; For the glaze:; ½ cup brown sugar; ¼ cup unsalted butter; ¼ cup heavy cream or milk; Pinch of salt; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

by Fatima Garcia

•

22 de January de 2026

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Apple Dapple Cake has always been my go-to comfort dessert, especially when the air starts to get crisp and the leaves begin to turn. I remember my mom making this Easy Apple Dapple Cake for the first time; the smell of cinnamon and baked apples filled our entire house, a scent so warm and inviting it felt like a hug. The cake itself is wonderfully dense and incredibly moist, studded with tender chunks of fresh apple and crunchy pecans, all swimming in a sweet, sticky brown sugar glaze that just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of cake that makes everyone gather in the kitchen, eager for a slice. Let’s get baking this delightful treat!

What is Apple Dapple Cake?

So, What is Apple Dapple Cake? It’s a classic, vintage-style dessert that brings a comforting warmth to any table. This isn’t your light, airy sponge cake; it’s dense, incredibly moist, and packed with flavor. The “dapple” in its name comes from the way the rich brown sugar glaze, when poured over the hot cake, seeps down and creates beautiful, dappled patterns. Its Apple Dapple Cake flavor profile is a delightful blend of sweet, tender apples, warm autumn spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and the satisfying crunch of toasted nuts. It truly embodies that cozy, homemade goodness we all crave.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

You’re going to adore this recipe for so many reasons! It truly lives up to its reputation as the Best Apple Dapple Cake. Here’s why it’s a winner:

Incredibly Moist apple cake recipe: The combination of oil, butter, and fresh apples creates a crumb that stays wonderfully tender.
Bursting with Fresh Apples: You get delightful pockets of sweet, tender apple in every single bite.
Satisfying Pecan Crunch: Toasted pecans add a lovely texture and nutty depth that complements the apples perfectly.
Irresistible Brown Sugar Glaze: This warm, sweet glaze seeps into the cake, adding incredible moisture and flavor.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This cake actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for entertaining or busy weeks.
Comforting Spice Blend: The warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg evoke that cozy, homemade feeling we all love.
Simple to Assemble: Despite its decadent taste, it’s surprisingly easy to whip up.

Ingredients for Homemade Apple Dapple Cake

Gathering your Apple Dapple Cake ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful treat. You’ll need about 3 cups of peeled and chopped apples; firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work wonderfully here because they hold their shape. For that signature moist crumb, we’re using a combination of ½ cup vegetable oil and ½ cup unsalted butter, melted. While this recipe doesn’t use applesauce directly, the high moisture content from the fresh apples and the fats contribute to that incredibly tender texture often associated with apple cake recipes that *do* use applesauce. Whisk together 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg for our dry base. Then, for sweetness and moisture, we have 1 ½ cups granulated sugar and ½ cup brown sugar, plus 2 large eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Don’t forget 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted, for that essential crunch!

For the glaze:

½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup heavy cream or milk
Pinch of salt
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake

Follow these simple Apple Dapple Cake instructions to create a truly memorable dessert. This recipe is designed for ease, ensuring a moist and flavorful cake every time. The Apple Dapple Cake baking time is around 45-55 minutes, but always trust the toothpick test to know for sure!

Preparing the Batter

First, get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) and thoroughly grease and flour your chosen baking pan. In a medium bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, combine the wet ingredients: ½ cup vegetable oil, ½ cup melted unsalted butter, 1 ½ cups granulated sugar, ½ cup brown sugar, 2 large eggs, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. Beat them until well combined, then gradually add the dry mixture to the wet, stirring until just incorporated. Finally, gently fold in your 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted, and your 3 cups of chopped apples.

Baking the Cake

Pour the luscious batter into your prepared 9×13 inch baking pan or bundt pan, spreading it evenly. Slide it into the preheated oven. You’ll want to bake for approximately 45 to 55 minutes. For a 9×13 pan, start checking around the 45-minute mark. If you’re using a bundt pan, it might need closer to 50-55 minutes. The cake is ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, meaning the interior is perfectly cooked through.

Apple Dapple Cake: Amazing Moist Recipe - Close-up of the dappled glaze on the cake

Making and Applying the Glaze

While your cake bakes, whip up the irresistible glaze. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup brown sugar, ¼ cup unsalted butter, and ¼ cup heavy cream or milk. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for about 2 to 3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove it from the heat and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, immediately pour this warm glaze all over the hot cake. This is key for that signature “dappled” effect and allows the glaze to seep deep into the cake, creating the perfect Apple Dapple Cake frosting experience.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Dapple Cake

Want to elevate your Apple Dapple Cake game? I’ve picked up a few tricks over the years that make a huge difference. These tips will ensure your cake is moist, flavorful, and perfectly textured every single time.

What’s the secret to a moist Apple Dapple Cake?

The real magic for a moist apple cake recipe lies in the balance of fats and the type of apples you use. Using both oil and butter in the batter contributes to a tender crumb, while firm, slightly tart apples (like Granny Smith) hold their structure and add moisture without turning mushy. Don’t overmix the batter once the flour is added!

Can I make Apple Dapple Cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! This cake is a fantastic make-ahead option. In fact, I think it tastes even better a day later as the flavors meld beautifully. Once completely cooled, store it tightly wrapped at room temperature for up to three days. This makes it ideal for holiday baking or potlucks. For more make-ahead dessert ideas, check out these delicious recipes.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Apple Dapple Cake?

A couple of common pitfalls can affect your cake. First, avoid overmixing the batter after adding the flour; this develops gluten and can lead to a tough cake. Second, ensure you’re using firm apples that won’t disintegrate during baking. Lastly, don’t skip toasting the nuts—it really enhances their flavor and texture. For more baking tips, you might find this guide on baking techniques helpful.

Best Ways to Serve Apple Dapple Cake

This delightful cake is wonderful on its own, but I love serving it in a few different ways to really make it shine. The typical Apple Dapple Cake serving size is about 1/12th of the cake, which is usually a generous slice. For a truly comforting experience, especially on a cool evening, a warm slice is divine served with a scoop of creamy vanilla bean ice cream. The contrast between the warm cake and cold ice cream is pure bliss! If you’re enjoying this cake with your morning coffee or afternoon tea, a simple dusting of powdered sugar or a dollop of whipped cream is also lovely. For a more decadent treat, a drizzle of extra glaze or even a caramel sauce takes this cake to the next level. Consider pairing it with a warm beverage from our drink recipes.

Variations of Apple Dapple Cake You Can Try

While the classic version is absolutely divine, there are so many fun Dapple cake variations to explore! If you’re looking for a lighter option, try a gluten-free version by substituting the all-purpose flour with a good quality gluten-free baking blend; you might need to adjust the liquid slightly. For a different flavor profile, consider adding ½ cup fresh or frozen cranberries along with the apples – the tartness is a wonderful contrast. You can also amp up the spice by adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients for an even more complex Apple Cinnamon Cake flavor. And of course, if you prefer the elegance of a bundt cake, simply adjust the baking time as needed for that shape. Each variation offers a unique twist while keeping that beloved comforting apple cake essence. Explore more cake recipes for inspiration.

Nutrition Facts for Apple Dapple Cake

Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving for this delicious cake. Keep in mind that these are approximate values as the final numbers can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Calories: 350 kcal
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 35g
Sodium: 200mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients used. For more information on general nutrition, you can refer to resources like the USDA’s guide to nutrition labels.

How to Store and Reheat Apple Dapple Cake

This cake is a fantastic make-ahead dessert, perfect for busy schedules. Once your delicious Apple Dapple Cake has completely cooled on a wire rack, it’s time to think about storing it. For enjoying it within a few days, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. It will stay wonderfully fresh at room temperature for up to three days. If you want to keep this treat for longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap, then add a layer of aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy a slice, simply let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator. For a warm treat, gently reheat individual slices in a microwave for about 15-20 seconds, or place them in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) for a few minutes until warmed through. This ensures your cake is just as delightful as when it was first baked. For more storage tips, see our guide on food storage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Dapple Cake

Why is it called Apple Dapple Cake?

The name “Apple Dapple Cake” comes from the beautiful, dappled appearance the cake gets after the warm brown sugar glaze is poured over it. As the glaze seeps down into the hot cake, it creates streaks and patterns that look like dappled sunlight or shadows. It’s a visual cue that hints at the rich, moist texture and comforting flavor within this classic dessert.

Is this an Easy Apple Dapple Cake to make?

Yes, absolutely! This recipe is designed to be quite straightforward, even for beginner bakers. The steps for mixing the batter are simple, and the glaze comes together quickly on the stovetop. While it has a wonderfully decadent flavor and appearance, the process itself is very manageable, making it an Easy Apple Dapple Cake to whip up for any occasion.

Can I use pre-cut apples for this cake?

While you can technically use pre-cut apples, I highly recommend peeling and chopping them yourself just before you start baking. Freshly chopped apples will have the best texture and moisture content, which is crucial for this Apple Dapple Cake recipe. Pre-cut apples can sometimes be drier or start to brown, affecting the final outcome of your cake.

What apples are best for Apple Dapple Cake?

For the best results, opt for firm, slightly tart apples that hold their shape well during baking. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala are excellent choices. They provide a lovely balance to the sweetness of the cake and glaze, and they won’t turn into mush during the Apple Dapple Cake baking time.