The Sweetest Apple Dapple Cake Recipe For Fall Gatherings

Sweet memories flood back with every slice of this irresistible apple dapple cake that promises pure comfort and nostalgia.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this classic dessert with its rich, moist texture and caramel-like undertones.

Chunks of fresh apples nestle throughout the cake, creating bursts of fruity goodness in every bite.

Warm spices dance delicately across the palate, inviting you to savor each incredible forkful.

The brown sugar glaze adds a luxurious finish that transforms this humble cake into a showstopping treat.

Simple ingredients come together with minimal effort to create a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

One taste will have everyone at the table asking for seconds – and the recipe.

Tips for a Perfect Apple Cake

• Select firm, sweet-tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your cake.
• Toss chopped apples with a bit of lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent discoloration during mixing.
• Insert a toothpick in the center – if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked, avoiding dryness.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt can replace milk for an extra tender, rich cake that stays moist longer.
• Keep the cake covered at room temperature for 3-4 days, or refrigerate for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Fun Twists on Apple Dapple Cake

• Gluten-Free Apple Delight: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour, ensuring the same moist texture and rich apple flavor.
• Vegan Apple Treat: Swap eggs with mashed banana or applesauce, use coconut oil instead of regular oil, and choose plant-based milk for a completely dairy-free cake.
• Low-Sugar Apple Classic: Substitute white and brown sugars with stevia or monk fruit sweetener, reducing overall calorie content while maintaining the cake's delicious taste.
• Nutty Apple Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra protein and a crunchy texture, enhancing the cake's overall complexity and nutritional value.

Great Ways to Serve Apple Dapple Cake

• Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair this warm, spiced cake with a steaming cup of coffee or freshly brewed tea for a delightful morning treat.
• Dessert Delight: Serve a slice with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to elevate the cake's rich apple flavors.
• Afternoon Snack Suggestion: Cut into smaller squares and pack in lunch boxes or enjoy with an afternoon tea for a satisfying midday pick-me-up.
• Festive Presentation: Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with thin apple slices or chopped nuts to create an elegant and inviting dessert display.

Storing Apple Dapple Cake Made Simple

• Store cake in an airtight container for up to 5 days, keeping it fresh and moist in the refrigerator.
• Wrap completely cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for 2-3 months.
• Wrap each slice separately in plastic wrap, place in freezer bag, and store for quick single-serving treats.
• Warm refrigerated slices in microwave for 15-20 seconds or in oven at 300°F for 5-7 minutes until slightly warm and soft.

FAQs

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

Yes, any firm baking apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work great. Choose apples that hold their shape and provide good texture.

• Is this cake considered a healthy dessert?

While delicious, it’s a treat with sugar and oil. You can make it slightly healthier by reducing sugar or using whole wheat flour, but it’s not a low-calorie option.

• Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Make sure to use a blend designed for baking to maintain the cake’s texture.

Apple Dapple Cake and Why You’ll Love It

• Bake with Seasonal Delight: Capture the essence of autumn with this apple-packed cake that transforms simple ingredients into a warm, comforting dessert perfect for fall gatherings.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spices or adding nuts, making it a versatile treat that suits different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Quick Family Crowd-Pleaser: Prepare this cake with minimal effort, creating a delicious homemade dessert that brings everyone together around the table, guaranteed to spark smiles and conversations.
• Stress-Free Baking Experience: No complicated techniques required – even novice bakers can confidently create this moist, flavorful cake that looks and tastes like it came from a professional bakery.

Ingredients for Sweet Apple Cake

• Apples: Tart and sweet fruit that provides moisture and natural sweetness to the cake.
• Eggs: Binding agent that helps create structure and richness in the cake.
• Flour: Primary dry ingredient that forms the base of the cake's texture.
• Oil: Adds moisture and helps create a tender cake crumb.

• Granulated Sugar, Brown Sugar: Provide sweetness and help create a golden brown color.

• Vanilla, Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Add warm, aromatic flavors that complement the apples.
• Baking Soda, Salt: Help with leavening and balance the cake's overall flavor.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth cake batter consistency.

Simple Steps for Apple Dapple Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F and grab your 9×13-inch baking dish.

Give it a generous coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Create a Sweet Mixture

In a roomy mixing bowl, blend sugars and oil until they become best friends.

Introduce eggs one by one, giving each a good beating to create a smooth, happy mixture.

Step 3: Add Fruity Goodness

Splash in vanilla and milk, then fold in those chopped apple pieces.

Watch your mixture transform into a delightful, fragrant blend.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients

• Flour
• Baking soda
• Salt
• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg

Make sure everything is evenly mixed and free of lumps.

Step 5: Marry Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly incorporate the dry ingredient mixture into the apple mixture.

Stir gently but thoroughly until everything is perfectly combined.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

Slide it into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes.

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Dress It Up

Let the cake cool slightly.

For extra indulgence, drizzle with a luscious caramel glaze if you’re feeling fancy.

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Sweet apple dapple cake celebrates autumn’s bounty with rich, caramel-glazed layers of moist goodness. Rich brown sugar and crisp apples meld into a comforting dessert you’ll savor with each delightful bite.

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Ingredients

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Cake Base Ingredients:

• 3 cups apples, peeled and chopped
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 3 large eggs

Liquid and Fat Ingredients:

• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk (60 milliliters)

Spices and Flavoring Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350°F and thoroughly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with grease to prevent sticking.
2. Combine sugars and oil in a large mixing bowl, creating a smooth, uniform mixture that blends seamlessly.
3. Incorporate eggs individually into the sugar-oil base, ensuring each is fully integrated before adding the next.
4. Infuse the mixture with vanilla extract, milk, and freshly chopped apples, stirring to distribute evenly.
5. Separately, sift together flour, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg to eliminate any potential lumps.
6. Gradually fold the dry ingredient mixture into the apple-based wet ingredients, mixing until a consistent batter forms without overmixing.
7. Transfer the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
8. Bake for 45-55 minutes, monitoring until a inserted toothpick emerges completely clean from the center.
9. Allow the cake to cool slightly, creating a perfect canvas for an optional caramel glaze drizzle.

Notes

• Swap vegetable oil with melted coconut oil for a healthier twist and subtle tropical flavor.
• Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter for extra crunch and nutty depth.
• Reduce sugar content by using unsweetened applesauce or replacing half the sugar with stevia for a lower-calorie version.
• Check cake doneness early to prevent drying out, as ovens can vary in temperature and baking times.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Desserts
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 335 kcal
• Sugar: 33 g
• Sodium: 235 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 47 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 4.5 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg