- Moist, dense cake with juicy apple chunks and warm spices creates nostalgic, comforting flavor perfect for fall gatherings.
- Balanced oil content and glazing keep the crumb tender and prevent dryness.
- Prep-ahead tips: chop apples in lemon water, measure dry ingredients, toast nuts, and bring butter/eggs to room temp.
- Key baking tips: don’t overmix, use tart apples, grease the pan well, and glaze while cake is hot.
- Versatile variants: Amish classic, caramel, vegan, gluten-free, and apple-pear adaptations suit many diets and tastes.
Apple dapple cake has long been a heartwarming staple in my kitchen, especially when the crisp air of fall rolls in. Bursting with tender apple chunks and enveloped in fragrant spices, this cake is a perfect pairing for cozy afternoons or festive gatherings. It’s not just any dessert, it’s a bite of nostalgia, with its moist texture and luscious glaze that makes every forkful comforting. Whether you’re craving a weekend treat or an impressive yet easy dessert for friends, this apple dapple cake fits the bill with its blend of homely charm and delicious simplicity. Let’s dive into why this recipe shines!
Table of contents
Recipe Card
Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
12-14
servings20
minutes15
minutes480
kcalThis moist and fragrant apple dapple cake combines tender chunks of tart apples with toasted pecans, warmly spiced and topped with a rich buttery glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or any comforting dessert craving.
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Ingredients
1.5 cups canola or vegetable oil
2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
3 cups all-purpose flour
1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
0.5 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 teaspoon baking soda
0.5 teaspoon salt
4 cups peeled, diced Granny Smith apples
1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
0.5 cup unsalted butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
0.25 cup whole milk or cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Start by preheating your oven to 325°F (165°C), and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray. In a large bowl, beat together the oil and sugar until well combined and smooth, then add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Next, stir in the vanilla extract for a boost of aromatic flavor.
- In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add this dry mix to the wet ingredients, stirring gently just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—some lumps are totally fine.
- Fold in the diced apples and toasted nuts, ensuring they’re well distributed throughout the batter. Pour the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan and smooth the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour and 15 minutes. When you have about 5 minutes remaining on the cake, start making the glaze. In a small saucepan, melt the butter and brown sugar together over medium heat. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract and bring it to a boil. Allow it to bubble for about 3 minutes, then remove it from heat.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and immediately pour the warm glaze evenly over the hot cake, allowing it to soak in and add a beautiful glossy finish. Let the cake cool before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Using tart Granny Smith apples balances sweetness and prevents the cake from becoming mushy.
- Toast nuts lightly in a dry pan for 5 minutes until fragrant, this adds depth to your cake.
- Cooling the cake before slicing prevents it from crumbling and helps the glaze set perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 38g
- Protein: 4g
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Why This Apple Dapple Cake Recipe Works Wonders
What makes this apple dapple cake exceptional is the harmony of dense cake and juicy apple chunks that keep it moist and flavorful throughout. The use of warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg combined with fresh apples creates a fragrant, mouthwatering aroma that sets this cake apart from your ordinary apple desserts. Unlike many recipes that can dry out quickly, this one’s secret lies in its balanced oil content that ensures a tender crumb.
Customization is easy too, you can add toasted pecans or walnuts for crunch, swap apples for pears, or even try a dairy-free version using coconut oil and almond milk for sensitive diets. Plus, the signature brown sugar glaze or a warm vanilla cream sauce drizzled on top takes this cake from simple to spectacular.
If you want to explore more about apple cakes and their history, this Not Quite Nigella article offers fascinating insights into its origins and variations.
Prep Ahead Like a Pro: Stay Stress-Free When Baking
To ensure your apple dapple cake experience is joyful and relaxed, here’s what you can prepare in advance:
- Apples: Peel, core, and chop them a day before; store in a bit of lemon water to keep them fresh.
- Dry Ingredients: Measure and whisk flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in an airtight container.
- Toast Nuts: Toast pecans or walnuts for 5-7 minutes and cool completely to bring out their full flavor.
- Butter and Eggs: Bring to room temperature for a smoother batter.
How to Nail Your Cake
- Don’t overmix the batter: Mix just until the ingredients are combined to avoid a dense cake.
- Use tart apples: Granny Smiths or Pink Ladies hold their shape and add a lovely tart contrast.
- Grease your pan thoroughly: This cake can stick due to moisture; a well-greased pan ensures easy removal.
- Check doneness with a toothpick: Insert it in the center; if it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready.
- Make the glaze warm: Pour it over the hot cake so it soaks in rather than just sitting on top.
For more essential baking wisdom, check out this guide by King Arthur Baking.
Apple Dapple Cake Variants to Savor
1. Classic Amish Apple Dapple Cake
This is the traditional version, characterized by its simple yet rich batter filled with tart Granny Smith apples and toasted nuts. The cake is moist and dense, with warm cinnamon and nutmeg spices permeating every bite. It’s usually topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze that seeps into the cake for extra indulgence. This version is perfect for an old-fashioned dessert experience.
2. Caramel Apple Dapple Cake
A luscious upgrade involves drizzling a homemade caramel sauce over the warm cake right out of the oven. This variant balances the tangy apples with a buttery, sweet caramel that creates a sticky, irresistible finish. For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sea salt to the caramel for salted caramel apple decadence.
3. Vegan Apple Dapple Cake
By substituting eggs with flax or chia seeds soaked in water and replacing butter with coconut oil or a plant-based margarine, you get a dairy-free, egg-free cake that still delivers on flavor and moisture. Use almond milk or another plant milk for the glaze. This is a fantastic option for those on vegan or allergy-friendly diets who still want to enjoy the comforting appeal of apple dapple cake.
4. Gluten-Free Apple Dapple Cake
Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend that contains xanthan gum for structure. This version mimics the texture of the original while accommodating those with gluten intolerance. Adding finely ground oats or almond flour can enhance the crumb and add nuttiness.
5. Apple Pear Dapple Cake
Mix things up by adding chopped pears alongside or in place of apples. Pears bring a softer texture and extra sweetness that works beautifully with the spices and nuts. This variant is a lovely fall twist that introduces a subtle complexity and hallmark juiciness.
An excellent complementary recipe is the Classic Bundt Cake, another fall classic that shares similar spices and moist cake qualities but offers a different flavor profile to your dessert repertoire.
FAQs
Avoid overmixing the batter, and use oil or a mix of oil and butter to ensure a tender, moist crumb. Adding apples adds natural moisture. Also, a good glaze or cream sauce on top helps lock in moisture.
Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend with xanthan gum included. Be aware that texture might be slightly different but still delicious, especially if you toast nuts for extra crunch.
Dense cake usually results from overmixing the batter or using too much flour. Mix just until combined and measure your flour accurately by spooning it into your cup and leveling it off.
Final Thoughts: Time to Treat Yourself with Apple Dapple Cake
Baking the apple dapple cake is like welcoming a warm hug in dessert form. Its tender crumb, spiced apples, and rich glaze create a perfect harmony of flavors that feels like a cozy story told through food. This cake is a true crowd-pleaser, ideal for holiday feasts, weekend tea, or celebrating simple moments.
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