Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

This old fashioned Apple Dapple cake recipe makes a moist cake with tender chunks of fresh apples "dappled" in the batter, warm spices and caramel brown sugar icing drizzled over and soaked into the cake. It is a classic Southern dessert, that is perfect for parties, cook-outs and family dinner. It is sure to become one of your family's favorite apple desserts.

I make Apple Dapple cake in a 9x13 baking dish but this apple cake can also be baked in a Bundt pan. Either way the fresh diced apples and buttery brown sugar glaze elevate this simple cake into a super moist and delectable dessert.

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake

Lets' make this moist apple cake with brown sugar icing. It is an easy cake to make, but the results are so yummy! Follow along here for directions, complete with step-by-step pictures or hop down to the printable recipe card if you prefer.

Prep time: 30 minutes Bake time: 60 minutes

The recipe makes a 9x13 cake which yields 12 servings.

Apple Dapple Cake Ingredients:

Here is everything you need to make this recipe for apple dapple cake.

• 3 cups all-purpose flour*
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 1 ½ cups oil (any flavorless oil or melted unsalted butter)
• 1 ½ cups granulated sugar
• ½ cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 3 large eggs
• 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks (Optional: Toss diced apples with a splash of lemon juice to enhance tart flavor and prevent browning.)

*Note: You can substitute with self rising flour; if using self rising flour, omit the baking soda and salt.

Brown Sugar Caramel Frosting:

• ⅓ cup butter (if using unsalted butter, add a pinch or two of salt)
• ⅓ cup light brown sugar, packed
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup heavy cream
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Optional toppings for serving: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Preparation

Preheat oven to 325F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside the prepared baking dish. Prepping the pan well ensures even baking and easy removal of your apple dapple cake.

 In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in the vanilla and the eggs one at a time.

Add the dry mixture a little at a time, mixing well between each addition. Note: the cake batter will be very thick, which helps create just the right amount of moisture and sweetness in the finished cake.

Using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, fold the fresh apples into the cake batter. The fresh apples add a rich apple flavor and moist texture.

Spread the batter into the prepared 9x13-inch pan and bake at 325F for 50-60 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

While the cake is baking, make the frosting. Add all the ingredients for the frosting to a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from the and cool for 5 minutes.

Pour the frosting over the cake while it’s still warm.

Let the cake cool or cool completely before slicing, unless you want warm cake to top with ice cream. Then just let it cool a few minutes.

Variations

Here are a few simple swaps and add-ins you may like to try when making this recipe.

• I used Granny Smith in this cake, but any firm, tart apple that is good for baking will work well.
• For a nutty apple cake add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the apples.
• Boost the caramel flavor in the cake by adding caramel bits to the batter.
• Add a light sprinkle of coarse salt over the warm glaze for a salted caramel taste.

Storing

To keep your apple dapple cake tasting as fresh and delicious as the day it was baked, proper storage is key. Once your dapple cake has cooled completely, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to lock in moisture and keep the caramel sauce topping from drying out. You can store the cake at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

If you’d like your apple dapple cake to last even longer, simply refrigerate it. Make sure to cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or foil before placing it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to 5 days.

For longer storage of leftover cake freezing is a great option. Wrap the entire cake or individual slices in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Your dapple cake will keep beautifully in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to indulge, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator or let it come to room temperature for a few hours.

If you are a fan of apple desserts, be sure to also try my Caramel Apple Dump Cake, Baked Apple Fritters and Snickers Apple Salad recipes.