Easy Apple Dapple Cake with Warm Glaze
If you’re looking for a dessert that’s cozy, rustic, and bursting with fall flavors, this Easy Apple Dapple Cake with Warm Glaze is just the thing! Made with fresh apples and warm spices, this cake is soft, tender, and has just the right amount of sweetness. The warm glaze drizzled over the top seeps into every bite, making each slice moist and irresistible. Whether you’re serving it for a casual gathering or just a cozy night in, this apple-packed cake will quickly become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 Cups Flour: All-purpose flour serves as the foundation for the cake, providing structure and a soft texture.
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda: This leavening agent helps the cake rise, giving it a light and fluffy consistency.
- 2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm and comforting spice flavor, enhancing the sweetness of the apples.
- ½ Tsp Ground Nutmeg: A fragrant spice that complements cinnamon and adds depth to the cake’s flavor profile.
- ½ Tsp Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors in the cake.
- 1 ½ Cups Vegetable Oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender, ensuring it doesn’t dry out during baking.
- 1 Cup Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the cake, helping to create a golden crust.
- ½ Cup Brown Sugar (packed): Adds moisture and a subtle caramel flavor, enriching the cake’s sweetness.
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract: Provides a sweet and aromatic flavor that rounds out the cake’s taste.
- 3 Eggs: Binds the ingredients together and contributes to the cake’s richness and structure.
- 5 Medium Apples (peeled and cubed): Fresh apples add natural sweetness and moisture, making the cake fruity and delicious.
Warm Glaze:
- ⅓ Cup Butter: Adds richness and a buttery flavor to the glaze, helping it to achieve a smooth consistency.
- ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar (packed): Gives the glaze a deep sweetness and a hint of caramel flavor.
- ¼ Cup Sugar: Sweetens the glaze, balancing the richness of the butter.
- ⅓ Cup Heavy Cream: Creates a creamy texture for the glaze, making it luxurious and decadent.
- ½ Tsp Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor of the glaze, adding warmth and sweetness.
WHAT ARE THE BEST APPLES TO USE?
Apples that are firm are ideal for baking. Avoid soft or mealy apples. For depth of flavor, it’s best to bake with a mix of sweet and tart apples. For this fresh apple cake, I usually use about 3 Honeycrisp apples and 2 Granny Smith apples.
HOW TO PREPARE HOMEMADE APPLE CAKE?
Time needed: 1 hour
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a large Bundt pan to prevent sticking.
In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of vegetable oil, 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed. Crack in 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and fluffy. - Incorporate Dry Ingredients:
Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined and no dry streaks remain. - Fold in Apples
Gently fold in 5 medium peeled and cubed apples. Mix until the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter. I usually use about 3 Honeycrisp apples and 2 Granny Smith apples. - Pour and Bake:
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. - Prepare the Warm Glaze:
When the cake is almost finished baking, melt ⅓ cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup sugar, and ⅓ cup heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Let the glaze come to a gentle simmer, then cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract. - Glaze the Cake:
While the cake is still warm, pour the glaze over the top, letting it soak in for extra flavor and moistness. - Cool and Serve:
Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm for the best flavor!
FAQ – FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well in baking and add a nice balance of sweetness and acidity to the cake.
Peeling the apples is recommended for a smoother texture in the cake, but if you prefer a more rustic feel, you can leave the peels on.
Make sure not to overmix the batter, and don’t add too many apples. Folding the apples in gently also helps keep the texture just right.
Try substituting half of the flour with whole wheat flour, using less sugar, or adding oats for fiber. You can also use a plant-based oil like coconut oil.
HOMEMADE APPLE CAKE RECIPE ADD-INS AND VARIATIONS:
- Applesauce for Oil: Swap half of the oil with applesauce to reduce fat and add a subtle apple flavor, making the cake slightly healthier and even more moist.
- Whole Wheat Flour for All-Purpose Flour: Use whole wheat flour for half (or all) of the all-purpose flour to boost fiber. Note that it may make the cake slightly denser.
- Brown Sugar for White Sugar: Substitute part of the white sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like sweetness that pairs well with apples.
- Pecans or Walnuts for Extra Crunch: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter to add a nutty flavor and crunch, which complements the apples beautifully.
- Oats for Flour: For a heartier texture, replace up to ½ cup of flour with oats. This gives the cake a rustic feel and adds extra fiber.
- Spice It Up with Cloves or Allspice: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the warm, spiced flavor profile of the cake.
WHAT IS COMMONLY SERVED WITH GLAZED APPLE DAPPLE CAKE?
Apple Dapple Cake is often served with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream to add a creamy contrast. This cozy dessert is especially popular in fall, making it perfect for gatherings like Thanksgiving or family dinners. For a bit of sophistication, serve it with hot apple cider or a spiced latte, both complement the cake’s cinnamon and nutmeg notes. It also pairs wonderfully with black coffee or even a mild chai tea.
HOW DO YOU STORE AND REHEAT LEFTOVER APPLE CAKE?
To store leftover apple cake, place it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in plastic wrap to keep it moist. You can leave it at room temperature for up to two days, but for longer storage, pop it in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to restore that fresh, just-baked texture. For extra flavor, drizzle a little extra warm glaze on top before serving!
CAN LEFTOVER APPLE DAPPLE BE FROZEN FOR LATER CONSUMPTION?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers of apple dapple cake for later. To do this, make sure the cake is completely cooled, then slice it into individual pieces or keep it whole, depending on your preference. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and then place them in an airtight freezer bag or container. This way, the cake will stay fresh for up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it as desired.
LOOKING FOR MORE DELICIOUS DESSERT IDEAS? TRY THESE!
Irresistible Pear Cake with a Hint of Cinnamon: This cake blends the sweet taste of ripe pears with the warm, comforting flavor of cinnamon, making it perfect for any occasion.
Quick No-Bake Blueberry Cheesecake Pie: This delectable dessert combines the rich creaminess of cheesecake with the vibrant burst of fresh blueberries, all embraced by a heavenly graham cracker crust.
Best Banana Pineapple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting: This beloved dessert boasts a symphony of flavors, blending the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the juicy brightness of crushed pineapple.
Easy Apple Dapple Cake with Warm Glaze
Equipment
- 9 x 13 baking dish
Ingredients
- 3 Cups Flour
- 1 Tsp Baking Soda
- 2 Tsp Ground Cinnamon
- ½ Tsp Ground Nutmeg
- ½ Tsp Salt
- 1 ½ Cups Vegetable Oil
- 1 Cup Sugar
- ½ cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- 2 Tsp Vanilla Extract
- 3 Eggs
- 5 Apples (3 Honey Crisp and 2 Granny Smith) (medium) (peeled and cubed)
Warm Glaze:
- ⅓ Cup Butter
- ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar (packed)
- ¼ Cup Sugar
- ⅓ Cup Heavy Cream
- ½ Tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prep the Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan or a large Bundt pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon, ½ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine 1 ½ cups of vegetable oil, 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of packed brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Add Eggs: Crack in 3 eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition until the batter is smooth and fluffy.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined and no dry streaks remain.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold in 5 medium peeled and cubed apples. Mix until the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter. I usually use about 3 Honeycrisp apples and 2 Granny Smith apples.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread it out evenly. Bake for 50–60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Warm Glaze: When the cake is almost finished baking, melt ⅓ cup butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add ⅓ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup sugar, and ⅓ cup heavy cream, stirring until smooth. Let the glaze come to a gentle simmer, then cook for an additional 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Remove from heat and stir in ½ teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Glaze the Cake: While the cake is still warm, pour the glaze over the top, letting it soak in for extra flavor and moistness.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm for the best flavor!