Introduction

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist, spiced dessert loaded with tender apple chunks and topped with a rich, creamy frosting. This cozy cake is perfect for fall gatherings or whenever you want a comforting sweet treat made from scratch.

A thick slice of moist cake sits on a white plate with a textured base in light and dark brown shades, showing chunks of apple inside. The top is covered with a smooth, shiny, beige sauce that drips down the sides unevenly. In the background, out of focus, there are apples and a white baking dish with more cake on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks)
For the frosting:

1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar (packed)
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat the vegetable oil with granulated sugar and brown sugar using an electric mixer on medium speed. Add the vanilla extract, then beat in the eggs one at a time until fully combined.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet ingredients, mixing well after each addition. The batter will be quite thick.
Step 5: Fold the chopped apples gently into the batter using a sturdy wooden spoon.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the cake bakes, prepare the frosting. Combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the mixture starts to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Pour the slightly cooled frosting evenly over the warm cake.
Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor. You can also mix apple varieties for texture.
For extra spice, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger to the dry ingredients.
If you prefer, substitute half the vegetable oil with melted butter for a richer taste.
To make it nut-free, omit any optional nuts that some variations call for, or add chopped walnuts for crunch.

Storage

Store the Apple Dapple Cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave to soften the frosting, or enjoy chilled.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baking dish filled with a single layer of soft, bumpy brown cake with a shiny, light tan glaze spread unevenly over its top, creating a wet look that pools slightly in the crevices. The edges of the cake are raised and cracked in places, showing a moist texture underneath. The white baking dish has ridges on the side and is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples work best for maintaining texture, but you can use frozen apples if thawed and drained well. Excess moisture may affect the cake’s consistency.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the regular flour. Be sure the blend includes xanthan gum or another binder for best results.