Apple Dapple Cake

There are desserts that instantly make you feel like you’re wrapped up in a cozy sweater on a crisp fall day—and this Apple Dapple Cake is absolutely one of them. From the first bite, you get that nostalgic warmth of cinnamon, juicy apple chunks, and a buttery brown sugar glaze that soaks right into the cake while it’s still warm. If you’re a fan of simple, homey desserts with big flavor, you’re in for a treat.

I first came across this recipe at a family gathering years ago. My aunt brought it in a well-worn 9×13 pan, still warm from the oven, and we all hovered around it like it was a Thanksgiving turkey. One bite, and I was hooked. The apples were tender but not mushy, the crumb was rich and moist, and that glaze—oh my goodness—that glaze was pure comfort. It’s one of those cakes that doesn’t need any frosting or frills because it shines all on its own.

Even better? It’s incredibly easy to make. No mixer needed, no fancy ingredients—just pantry staples, fresh apples, and a little love. Whether you’re baking for a fall potluck, holiday gathering, or just craving something sweet and simple, this Apple Dapple Cake never disappoints.

Let’s Get This Cozy Cake Started

Before we dive into the steps, here’s a quick tip: choose apples that balance tart and sweet for the best flavor. Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work beautifully. And yes, peeling them is worth it—it helps the cake texture stay perfectly soft and smooth.

Let’s get baking!

Ingredients for the Cake:

• 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are best)

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil

• 2 large eggs

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional but delicious)

Ingredients for the Glaze:

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter

• 2 tablespoons milk

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

STEP 1: PREP THE PAN AND OVEN

Go ahead and preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This cake works well in a 9×13-inch pan if you want that classic sheet-cake feel, or you can use a bundt pan for a more elegant presentation. Either way, grease and flour your pan so nothing sticks.

STEP 2: MIX THE DRY INGREDIENTS

In a medium bowl, whisk together:

• 2 cups of flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• ½ teaspoon salt

This step ensures the cinnamon and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so you don’t end up with any clumps or bitter bites. Set it aside for now.

this recipe

STEP 3: COMBINE THE SUGARS, OIL & EGGS

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• 1½ cups granulated sugar

• ½ cup packed light brown sugar

• 1 cup vegetable oil

Give it a good stir until the sugars start to dissolve into the oil. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing after each one. Stir in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out the flavor.

You’ll notice the mixture gets glossy and a little thick—that’s exactly what you want. It’s the base for that ultra-moist crumb that makes this cake so irresistible.

STEP 4: BRING IT ALL TOGETHER

Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Don’t rush—just stir until everything is just combined. The batter will be thick (kind of like a quick bread), so don’t worry if it’s not pourable.

Now fold in those beautifully chopped apples—and nuts if you’re using them. The apples will add moisture and texture, while the nuts give a little crunch and warmth.

STEP 5: BAKE TO PERFECTION

Spoon the batter into your prepared pan and spread it out evenly with a spatula. It’s a thick batter, so take your time smoothing it into the corners.

Pop it into the oven and bake for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing at this point—warm spices, sweet apples, and that nostalgic homemade cake aroma that makes everyone wander into the kitchen asking, “What are you baking?”

If the scent of warm apple cake baking in the oven isn’t enough to make your mouth water, just wait until you pour on the glaze. This brown sugar glaze is where the magic really happens—it seeps into the cake while it’s still warm, making every bite incredibly moist, rich, and downright crave-worthy.

This is the kind of glaze that turns a simple apple cake into something people ask you to bring to every family gathering, potluck, and holiday event. And the best part? It’s only four ingredients and takes about five minutes to make.

Let’s Make That Buttery Brown Sugar Glaze

The glaze comes together in just a few minutes, and it’s best made while the cake is still in the oven, so it’s warm and ready to pour as soon as your cake is done baking.

STEP 6: MAKE THE GLAZE WHILE THE CAKE BAKES

In a small saucepan, combine:

• ½ cup packed brown sugar

• ¼ cup butter

• 2 tablespoons milk

Set the pan over medium heat and bring it to a simmer, stirring constantly. You want the sugar to fully dissolve and the butter to melt completely. It should be smooth, glossy, and just starting to bubble around the edges.

Once it reaches that point, remove it from the heat and stir in:

• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Now set it aside. It will thicken slightly as it cools, but you want to pour it while it’s still warm so it soaks into the cake.

STEP 7: POUR THE GLAZE OVER THE HOT CAKE

As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, don’t wait—poke small holes all over the top using a skewer, toothpick, or fork. This helps the glaze seep into every nook and cranny.

Then, slowly pour the warm glaze over the top of the cake, letting it absorb naturally. You can use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently guide it across the surface, but don’t press or spread it too hard.

Let the cake cool in the pan so the glaze has time to fully soak in. And yes—it’s totally normal for the top to look a little rustic. That’s part of the charm!

Serving Ideas and Simple Variations

This Apple Dapple Cake is incredibly versatile. You can serve it warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. Each version has its own little something special.

If you want to make it even more indulgent (you’re among friends here—no judgment), try one of these serving suggestions:

• Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream – the cool creaminess against the warm, spiced cake is perfection.

• Dust with powdered sugar for a little old-school charm.

• Serve with hot apple cider or a spiced latte for the coziest fall treat imaginable.

Tips for the Best Apple Dapple Cake Every Time

Want to make sure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and perfect every single time? Here are a few quick tips to help you nail it:

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the glaze. Honeycrisp also works well for a slightly sweeter version with great texture.

• Don’t overmix the batter. Stir just until everything is combined—overmixing can make the cake dense.

• Chop the apples into small, even pieces (about ½ inch). This helps them cook evenly and distribute better throughout the cake.

• Let the cake rest. While it’s amazing warm, it’s even better the next day once the glaze has fully soaked in.

• Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the fridge for up to a week.

Can I Make This Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! This is actually one of those cakes that tastes better the next day. Make it the night before, let it cool completely, then cover and store. The flavors deepen overnight, and the texture gets even more moist as the glaze continues to work its way through the crumb.

You can even freeze it—just skip the glaze, wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to serve, thaw it at room temp and then warm it slightly before pouring over fresh glaze.