Apple Dapple Cake is a classic Southern dessert that’s known for its rich apple flavour, warm spices, crunchy pecans, and buttery brown sugar glaze. This cake is incredibly moist and dense, making it the perfect treat for fall gatherings, Thanksgiving, or just a cozy weekend bake.
What makes this cake special is the glaze that soaks into the warm cake, creating an irresistible caramel-like texture. If you love fall-inspired cakes, you might also enjoy this Spiced Cream Cheese Bundt Cake for another delicious seasonal treat.
Additionally, baking with apples requires choosing the right variety. According to King Arthur Baking, the best apples for baking include Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn, as they provide the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Moist and rich – The combination of apples, nuts, and glaze keeps the cake soft and flavorful.
- Old-fashioned classic – A Southern favourite passed down for generations.
- Easy to make – No special equipment t required, just a mixing bowl and a bundt pan.
- Perfect for storage – This cake stays moist for days and tastes even better with time.
Ingredients for Apple Dapple Cake
Below is a breakdown of everything you need to make the perfect Apple Dapple Cake.
Cake Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| All-Purpose Flour | Provides structure and stability. |
| Baking Soda | Ensures proper rise and fluffy texture. |
| Cinnamon & Nutmeg | Adds warm, spiced flavour. |
| Granulated & Brown Sugar | Balances sweetness and caramel-like depth. |
| Vegetable Oil | Keeps the cake moist without butter. |
| Eggs | Helps bind the batter together. |
| Vanilla Extract | Enhances overall taste. |
| Chopped Pecans or Walnuts | Adds crunch and texture. |
| Fresh Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) | Provides natural moisture. |
Brown Sugar Glaze Ingredients
| Ingredient | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Brown Sugar | Creates a rich, caramel-like topping. |
| Butter | Adds smoothness and a glossy finish. |
| Milk | Helps achieve the perfect pouring consistency. |
Looking for another apple-infused dessert? Try Applesauce Crumb Cake, a moist and spiced apple cake with a crunchy crumb topping.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Apple Dapple Cake
1. Preparing the Bundt Pan (Prevent Sticking!)
- Grease your bundt or tube pan generously with butter or non-stick spray.
- Lightly dust with flour to ensure easy cake release.
- Follow Serious Eats’ bundt pan greasing tips for a flawless release.
2. Mixing the Batter (Avoid Overmixing!)
- In a large bowl, mix vegetable oil, granulated sugar, brown sugar, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Gently mix the dry ingredients into the wet batter, ensuring even consistency.
3. Folding in Apples & Nuts
- Peel and chop 3 cups of fresh apples into bite-sized chunks.
- Fold apples and pecans into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
4. Baking the Cake
- Transfer the batter into a greased bundt pan, spreading it evenly on top.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Making the Brown Sugar Glaze
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add brown sugar and milk, stirring to combine.
- Keep stirring until the mixture begins to simmer gently.
- Let it simmer for 3 minutes, then remove from heat.
Glazing the Cake (Let the Flavor Soak In!)
- Once the cake is out of the oven, keep it in the pan and pour the hot glaze over the top.
- Allow it to sit for 20 minutes before flipping onto a cooling rack.
Storage & Keeping It Fresh
- At room temperature, keep the cake in a sealed container for up to two days to maintain freshness.
- Refrigeration: Keeps fresh for up to 5 days.
- For long-term storage, wrap each slice separately before freezing for up to three months.
For another bundt-style cake, check out Red Velvet Bundt Cake for a stunning, vibrant dessert with cream cheese flavour.
FAQs About Apple Dapple Cake
1. What is Apple Dapple Cake?
- A moist, spiced apple cake topped with a rich brown sugar glaze.
2. What Apples Work Best?
- Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, and Jonagold are ideal for baking.
3. Can I Make This Cake Without Nuts?
- Yes! Simply omit the pecans or walnuts without affecting the texture.
4. How Do I Keep My Cake Moist?
- Use oil instead of butter, don’t overbake, and store properly.
Final Thoughts
A spiced apple dapple cake is the ultimate fall dessert—moist, packed with flavour, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you serve it for Thanksgiving, a cozy coffee break, or a holiday party, it’s guaranteed to impress.
Looking for more comforting dessert ideas? Try these:
✅ The Best Crumb Cake Muffins
✅ Baked Feta Eggs
Now it’s your turn—bake this delicious cake and let me know how it turns out! 😊