If ever a dessert deserved a spot in your fall baking lineup, it’s Apple Dapple Cake. This classic Bundt cake is a nostalgic treasure, famous for its incredibly moist crumb, rich cinnamon-swirled flavor, and a buttery brown sugar glaze that seeps into every bite. With big chunks of juicy apples and crunchy pecans folded into the batter, each slice bursts with autumn comfort. Whether you’re gathering with friends or craving a cozy treat with your coffee, Apple Dapple Cake is as heartfelt and homey as it gets.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Apple Dapple Cake brings something special to the table. From crisp apples to heady spices, nothing is wasted, and even the simplest items work together to create a cake bursting with flavor and comfort. Here’s what you’ll need, plus how each helps make this dessert irresistible:
- All-purpose flour: Acts as the sturdy base, giving the cake its tender but substantial structure.
- Baking soda: Provides lift that helps the cake rise beautifully, ensuring a light, airy crumb.
- Salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness while awakening the spices.
- Ground cinnamon: Delivers that unmistakable, cozy warmth that pairs perfectly with apples.
- Ground nutmeg: Adds depth and a gentle spice that elevates the cake’s flavor complexity.
- Vegetable oil: Keeps the crumb supremely moist and soft, even after days on the counter.
- Granulated sugar: Lends sweetness and aids in that beloved golden crust.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together, giving the cake richness and stability.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out flavors with a fragrant, mellow note.
- Peeled and finely chopped apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties bring juicy bursts of fresh apple in every forkful.
- Chopped pecans or walnuts (optional): Add irresistible crunch and nutty depth (go for it if you love some added texture!).
- Unsalted butter (for the glaze): Creates a luscious, velvety base for the glaze.
- Whole milk (for the glaze): Ensures the glaze is smooth, creamy, and pourable.
- Packed light brown sugar (for the glaze): Infuses the cake with a caramel-like sweetness that’s simply dreamy.
How to Make Apple Dapple Cake
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan thoroughly, making sure to get every nook and cranny so that your beautiful Apple Dapple Cake unmolds effortlessly when it’s done baking.
Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only combines the flavors evenly but ensures those cozy spices get mixed into every bite of your cake.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and slightly creamy. This step is where all that sweetness and richness begins to come together.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures
Gradually add your dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing just until everything is combined. You don’t want to overmix—this keeps your Apple Dapple Cake delightfully tender. The batter should be thick and fragrant.
Step 5: Fold in Apples and Nuts
Gently fold in your chopped apples and, if you’d like extra crunch, the chopped pecans or walnuts. The apples add natural juiciness and a hint of tartness, while the nuts bring an earthy depth and texture.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 60–70 minutes; you’ll know it’s ready when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean (a few moist crumbs are perfect). The house will already smell like spiced apples and buttery nostalgia!
Step 7: Make the Brown Sugar Glaze
While the cake bakes, get ready for the show-stopping finish. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the unsalted butter, whole milk, and brown sugar. Bring it to a gentle boil and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and glossy. Remove from heat—don’t be surprised if you find yourself sneaking a spoonful.
Step 8: Glaze and Cool
As soon as your cake emerges from the oven, poke holes all over the top with a skewer or toothpick. Slowly pour the warm glaze over the cake (while still in the pan), letting every drop soak in. Let it rest for 15 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack or serving plate and allow to cool completely. What awaits is utter Apple Dapple Cake bliss.
How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake
Garnishes
For a beautiful finishing touch, dust your Apple Dapple Cake with a light sprinkle of powdered sugar—simple, classic, and always elegant. If you’re feeling festive, a handful of finely chopped toasted nuts or even a little extra drizzle of glaze will turn every slice into a celebration.
Side Dishes
This cake is a showstopper on its own, but why not pair it with creamy vanilla ice cream or a big dollop of homemade whipped cream? The cool, milky flavors create a luscious and dreamy contrast to the spiced warmth of the cake.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Apple Dapple Cake into individual trifles by layering cubes of cake with caramel sauce and whipped cream in glasses. Or, serve warm slices alongside spiced apple compote for a truly autumnal dessert spread. Don’t be afraid to slice it up and offer it at brunch, where it’ll be just as welcome with a mug of coffee as it is at the dinner finale.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Apple Dapple Cake tightly wrapped or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. The cake just keeps getting moister, as the glaze continues to infuse the crumb with flavor.
Freezing
For longer storage, slice the cake and wrap each piece in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. This way, you can thaw individual servings at a moment’s notice, making spontaneous treats possible anytime.
Reheating
To revive that just-baked magic, warm a slice in the microwave for 10–15 seconds. The glaze will get gooey again, and the apples will soften, making the Apple Dapple Cake taste as if it just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples lend the perfect balance of tartness and crispness, feel free to use your favorite variety or a mix. Just steer clear of apples that turn mushy when baked.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
For the silkiest bite, it’s best to peel the apples first. The peels can become chewy during baking and disrupt the tender texture that makes Apple Dapple Cake so comforting.
Can I make this cake without nuts?
Yes, you can leave out the nuts without any problems. The Apple Dapple Cake will still be deliciously moist and flavorful, perfect for those who prefer their cake nut-free.
How long does the glaze need to soak in?
Let the glaze soak into the next-level-delicious cake for about 15 minutes before inverting onto a cooling rack. This ensures the glaze fully infuses every slice without sticking to the pan.
Can I make Apple Dapple Cake in advance?
Definitely! In fact, it tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen and meld. Store it covered at room temperature and enjoy the improved texture and taste with every slice.
Final Thoughts
There’s something magical about sharing a cake that’s as simple, moist, and full of flavor as Apple Dapple Cake. Bake it for a celebration or as a surprise treat—it’s guaranteed to make anyone’s day a little sweeter. Give it a try, and watch it become a new family favorite!
Print
Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the warm, comforting flavors of this moist and delightful Apple Dapple Cake. With a perfect blend of spices, tender apples, and a decadent glaze, this cake is a must-try for any dessert lover.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Add-Ins:
- 3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 cup packed light brown sugar
For the Glaze:
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and prepare a 10-inch Bundt or tube pan.
- Prepare Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, beat oil, sugar, eggs, and vanilla until smooth. Gradually add dry ingredients, mixing just until combined.
- Add Apple and Nuts: Fold in chopped apples and nuts if using. Pour batter into the prepared pan.
- Bake: Bake for 60–70 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Make Glaze: In a saucepan, combine butter, milk, and brown sugar. Boil gently for 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Glaze the Cake: While warm, poke holes in the cake and pour the glaze over. Let it cool and absorb the glaze before serving.
Notes
- For enhanced flavor, allow the cake to rest overnight before serving.
- Pair with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for a delightful treat.
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