There's something wonderfully comforting about the scent of cinnamon and apples baking together, and this Apple Dapple Cake fills your kitchen with that irresistible aroma. This old-fashioned cake is incredibly moist, filled with chunks of fresh apples, and topped with a rich, buttery glaze that soaks into every bite. It’s a dessert that’s perfect for fall but delicious any time of year.

I first tasted this cake at a family gathering, and it was love at first bite. Since then, it’s become a staple in my kitchen, especially when apple season hits. It’s simple to make, keeps well, and is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser every single time.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Dapple Cake

Get ready to fall in love with this classic, homey dessert. Apple Dapple Cake is so much more than a simple apple cake – it’s a rich, tender treat that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day.

First, this cake is packed with fresh, juicy apple chunks that add natural sweetness and moisture. Unlike cakes that rely on artificial flavors, this one tastes like pure apple goodness in every bite.

The buttery glaze that goes on top is the true star here. It’s poured over the cake while it’s still warm, allowing it to soak in and add a caramel-like richness that’s absolutely addictive. You’ll find yourself going back for seconds – maybe even thirds!

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With no need for fancy equipment, just basic kitchen tools, you can have this cake mixed and in the oven in no time.

And finally, Apple Dapple Cake is incredibly versatile. It works beautifully as a dessert, but it’s also perfect with your morning coffee or as an afternoon snack. It stays moist for days, making it ideal for baking ahead and enjoying all week long.

Ingredients Notes

The ingredients in this Apple Dapple Cake are straightforward and pantry-friendly, but each one plays an essential role in creating that signature flavor and texture.

Apples: The heart of this cake! Use a firm, slightly tart apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold up well during baking and balance out the sweetness of the cake and glaze. Peel and chop the apples into small cubes to ensure they cook through and distribute evenly.
Vegetable Oil: Instead of butter, this recipe uses vegetable oil to keep the cake ultra-moist. It also gives the cake a soft, tender crumb that stays fresh longer. Canola oil works great too if that’s what you have on hand.
Sugar: Both brown and white sugars add sweetness, but brown sugar also brings in a slight caramel-like flavor that enhances the cake’s richness. If you’re out of brown sugar, you can substitute with more white sugar, though the depth of flavor might change a bit.
Eggs: Eggs help bind the cake together and add richness. Room temperature eggs work best as they blend more smoothly with the other ingredients.
Cinnamon: A must for that warm, comforting fall flavor! A teaspoon of cinnamon brings out the natural sweetness of the apples without overpowering the cake.

For the glaze, you’ll need butter, brown sugar, milk, and a touch of vanilla extract. These simple ingredients combine to create a rich, caramel-like sauce that soaks into the cake, making each slice sweet and decadent.

You won’t need any special equipment to make this cake. A large mixing bowl, a whisk, and a 9x13-inch baking dish will do the trick.

How to Make This Apple Dapple Cake

Making this Apple Dapple Cake is simple and rewarding. Let’s go step by step to get it just right.

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing your baking dish. While the oven heats, prepare your apples by peeling and chopping them into small cubes.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the oil, sugar, and eggs until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This should only take a couple of minutes, and it helps create a stable base for the cake batter.

Next, add in the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture gently. Be careful not to overmix – you want a batter that’s just combined to keep the cake light and fluffy.

Once the batter is ready, fold in the chopped apples. The batter will be quite thick, but don’t worry – the apples release moisture as they bake, making the cake perfectly tender and moist. Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Bake the cake for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. While the cake is baking, you can prepare the glaze by melting butter in a small saucepan, then adding brown sugar, milk, and vanilla. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm glaze over the top. Let it soak into the cake as it cools. This glaze hardens slightly on top, creating a deliciously sweet crust.

Storage Options

This Apple Dapple Cake keeps beautifully, making it a great make-ahead dessert or treat to enjoy over several days.

Room Temperature: You can store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze helps keep it moist, but make sure the container is tightly sealed.
Refrigerator: For longer storage, place the cake in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week in an airtight container. Before serving, let it sit at room temperature or warm it slightly for the best texture.
Freezer: If you want to make this cake well in advance, it freezes well too! Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let the slices thaw at room temperature or heat them briefly in the microwave.

To reheat, a few seconds in the microwave will bring back the cake’s soft, moist texture and make the glaze gooey again – just like it’s freshly baked!

Variations and Substitutions

This Apple Dapple Cake is as adaptable as it is delicious. Here are a few ways you can change it up to suit your tastes and dietary needs.

Nuts: If you like a little crunch, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They add great texture and a nutty richness that complements the apples beautifully.
Gluten-Free: To make a gluten-free version, use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
Less Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet cake, you can reduce the sugar by ¼ cup. The apples provide natural sweetness, so you won’t lose much flavor by cutting back.
Spices: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for an extra-warm, spiced flavor.
Whole Wheat Flour: For a healthier twist, substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It adds a slight nuttiness and boosts the fiber content without making the cake too dense.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with this recipe – it’s incredibly forgiving and easy to customize. Just remember to keep the basics in place, and you’re bound to have a cake that’s full of flavor and irresistibly moist.