Name: Apple Dapple Cake
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 60 min
Total time: 75 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups all-purpose flour.; 1 teaspoon baking soda.; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon.; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.; 1/2 teaspoon salt.; 1½ cups vegetable oil.; 1½ cups granulated sugar.; 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed.; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.; 3 large eggs.; 4 cups apples, peeled and chopped.; 1/3 cup butter.; 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed.; 1/3 cup granulated sugar.; 1/3 cup heavy cream.; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.

A slice of moist apple cake topped with a creamy caramel glaze, served on a white plate with green apples in the background. | recipesim.com

My Apple Dapple Cake brings back memories of autumn afternoons in my grandmother's kitchen. The aroma of apples and warm spices fills the house while it bakes. This recipe has been in my family for generations and creates the most incredible moist cake packed with fresh apples and topped with a rich brown sugar frosting that makes everyone ask for the recipe.

Fall in Every Bite

I make this cake as soon as apple season hits. The combination of tart apples sweet spices and that incredible brown sugar frosting creates something truly magical. My kitchen always fills with family when this cake comes out of the oven the smell alone brings everyone running.

From My Kitchen to Yours

Flour: 2 cups all purpose flour sifted for the perfect texture.
Baking Soda: 1 teaspoon gives just the right lift.
Spices: 1 teaspoon cinnamon ½ teaspoon nutmeg my secret blend.
Sugars: 1 cup each white and brown creates perfect sweetness.
Vegetable Oil: ¾ cup makes it incredibly moist.
Eggs: 2 large room temperature they blend better.
Vanilla: 1 teaspoon pure extract no imitations.
Apples: 3 cups diced I use Granny Smith for tang.
Frosting: My special brown sugar glaze you'll love it.

Let's Bake Together

First Things First: Get your oven warming to 325°F and grab your favorite 9x13 baking dish give it a good spray.
Mix the Dry Team: Sift your flour baking soda spices and salt together. Sifting makes such a difference in the texture.
Create the Base: Beat those oils and sugars until they're friends. Add your eggs one at a time then that splash of vanilla.
Bring It Together: Gradually mix in your dry ingredients then fold in those diced apples with love.
Time to Bake: Pour it all in your pan and let it bake about an hour. Your kitchen will smell amazing.

A slice of moist apple cake topped with a glossy glaze, positioned on a white plate with a green apple in the background. | recipesim.com

That Magic Frosting

While the cake bakes I make my signature brown sugar frosting. Melt butter in a pan add your sugars cream and vanilla. Let it bubble gently until it thickens. Pour it over the warm cake and watch it create the most beautiful glaze.

My Best Tips

Always sift your dry ingredients it prevents any lumps in your batter. I love using a mix of apples Granny Smith for tartness Pink Lady for sweetness. Pour that glaze while the cake is still warm it soaks in beautifully that way.

Add Some Crunch

Sometimes I toss in a cup of chopped pecans or walnuts. My grandmother always added pecans and on special days I do too. They add such a lovely crunch and nutty flavor that works perfectly with the apples.

Frosting Choices

While I love the traditional brown sugar glaze sometimes I mix things up. A cream cheese frosting works beautifully too. My daughter likes when I poke holes in the warm cake before glazing it helps the frosting seep down inside.

A freshly baked chocolate cake topped with a glossy caramel glaze in a white dish. | recipesim.com

Fresh and Ready

This cake stays perfect at room temperature for two days if it lasts that long. Pop it in the fridge if you need longer. Just let it come back to room temperature before serving the flavors really shine when it's not too cold.

Perfect Partners

Nothing beats a slice of this cake with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. During fall I love serving it with hot apple cider. For breakfast yes I said breakfast a cup of coffee makes it perfect.

Make It Early

This cake is perfect for making ahead. I often bake it the day before a gathering. Keep the frosting separate then warm it slightly and pour over just before serving. Everyone thinks you just pulled it from the oven.

Holiday Memories

This cake has graced our Thanksgiving table for generations. The smell of it baking brings my whole family together. Even my pickiest eaters love this cake something about those warm spices and sweet apples wins everyone over.

A variety of baking ingredients, including flour, sugar, apples, and spices, are arranged on a marble countertop. | recipesim.com

For Everyone

My gluten free friends love this cake too. Just swap in your favorite cup for cup gluten free flour blend. Make sure it has xanthan gum and nobody will know the difference. I've served it both ways and it's always a hit.

Southern Roots

This recipe comes from my grandmother's southern kitchen. She learned it from her mother and now I'm teaching it to my daughter. Some recipes just carry love through generations and this is definitely one of them.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I add cranberries during the holidays or try different spice combinations. My sister loves it with pumpkin pie spice. The basic recipe is so good but it welcomes creativity. Make it your own that's what cooking is all about.

Apple Choices

Granny Smith apples are my go to for this cake. They keep their shape while baking and that tartness balances the sweet frosting perfectly. During fall I love mixing in local apples from our farmers market each variety adds its own character.

A slice of moist cake topped with caramel sauce and fresh apple slices on a white plate. | recipesim.com

Save Some For Later

This cake freezes beautifully without the frosting. I wrap individual pieces and pull them out when company drops by unexpected. A quick warm in the microwave and fresh frosting makes them good as new.

Sharing Is Caring

Every potluck or family gathering someone requests this cake. It travels well and feeds a crowd. The combination of fresh apples warm spices and that incredible frosting makes it impossible to resist.

Lighter Options

Sometimes I swap half the oil for applesauce it works surprisingly well. My sister makes it with monk fruit sweetener for her diabetic husband. The recipe adapts beautifully and still tastes amazing.

Sweet Memories

This Apple Dapple Cake is more than just dessert in our family. It's part of our traditions celebrations and everyday moments. The simple combination of apples spices and love creates something truly special that brings people together.

A slice of apple cake topped with a glossy glaze, served on a white plate with a green apple in the background. | recipesim.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What kind of apples work best?: Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for baking. You can use a combination of apple varieties, but make sure they're good baking apples that hold their shape.
→ Can I add nuts to this cake?: Yes, you can add 1 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter along with the apples for extra texture and flavor.
→ How long does this cake keep?: The cake keeps for up to five days at room temperature or refrigerated. You can also freeze it for up to three months.
→ Why is the batter so thick?: The thick batter is normal and helps suspend the apple chunks throughout the cake, ensuring even distribution during baking.
→ Should I pour the glaze while the cake is hot?: Pour the glaze while the cake is still warm. This helps the glaze soak into the cake slightly while still creating a nice topping.

Apple Dapple Cake