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Slice of Old-Fashioned Apple Dapple Cake on a white dessert plate

APPLE DAPPLE CAKE

This Apple Dapple Cake is made with fresh apples, warm apple pie spice, and real butter for a rich, homemade flavor. Finished with a buttery caramel glaze, it's an easy fall dessert that's perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or anytime you're craving a cozy slice of apple cake.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Servings: 15 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Cake
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 2 teaspoons Apple pie spice
  • 1 cup unsalted butter softened
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups peeled and diced apples about 3 to 4 medium apples
  • 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts optional
For the Caramel Glaze
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt optional

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Mixing bowls
  • Hand mixer or stand mixer
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Rubber spatula
  • Saucepan (for the glaze)
  • Cooling rack

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, and apple pie spice.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  4. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing just until combined.
  6. Fold in the diced apples and chopped nuts, if using. The batter will be thick.
  7. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish.
  8. Bake at 325°F for 45 to 55 minutes. Start checking the cake at 45 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
  9. While the cake is baking, make the caramel glaze. Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  10. Stir in the brown sugar and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
  11. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, if using.
  12. Allow the baked cake to cool for about 10 minutes. Poke holes over the top with a skewer or fork, if desired.
  13. Slowly pour the warm caramel glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow the glaze to soak into the cake before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Dice the apples into small, even pieces so they bake evenly throughout the cake.
  • The batter will be thick. That's exactly how it should be.
  • Pour the caramel glaze over the cake while it's still warm so it can soak into every bite.
  • I like using Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Pink Lady apples, but a mixture of sweet and tart apples works beautifully.
  • This cake tastes even better after the glaze has had a few hours to soak in.