Indulge in the heartwarming embrace of a truly homemade sensation: our Moist Apple Dapple Cake, crowned with a luscious brown sugar cream icing. This isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience, a perfect symphony of warm spices and tender apples, ideal for ushering in the cozy ambiance of fall. Prepare to delight your senses with every forkful of this exquisite, comfort-food classic.
THE ULTIMATE HOMEMADE APPLE DAPPLE CAKE: A FALL FAVORITE
There’s something undeniably magical about the aroma of apples and warm spices baking in the oven. It’s the scent of home, comfort, and cherished memories. Our Apple Dapple Cake captures this essence perfectly. This simple yet sophisticated sheet cake is generously packed with tender, diced apple pieces, infused with a harmonious blend of warm spices, and then gloriously finished with a rich, buttery brown sugar cream icing. Unlike typical frostings, this unique boiled icing is poured warm, allowing it to seep gently into the cake, creating an incredible depth of flavor and an irresistibly moist texture that will leave you craving more.
Whether you’re seeking a comforting treat for a casual weeknight, a crowd-pleasing dessert for a potluck gathering, or an elegant centerpiece for your holiday dessert table, this apple cake rises to every occasion. Its humble charm and exquisite taste make it a versatile addition to any menu. The secret to its exceptional moisture and flavor lies in the combination of fresh apples baking directly into the batter and that glorious, melt-in-your-mouth icing. It’s a recipe that has been loved for generations, and once you try it, you’ll understand why.
This was excellent! I didn’t change a thing and everyone at church loved it and wanted the recipe. Thank you!
– Theresa
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT APPLE DAPPLE CAKE
Got questions about making the perfect Apple Dapple Cake? We’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common inquiries to help you master this delicious recipe and enjoy it to its fullest.
While this recipe is crafted for a homemade, from-scratch experience, you certainly could adapt it using a boxed cake mix if time is a constraint. However, be aware that the baking time for a boxed mix will be shorter than for this scratch recipe. The original baking duration is specifically designed to ensure the diced apples become perfectly tender and infuse their flavor throughout the cake. The texture of your finished cake will also differ slightly from the homemade version. To ensure your apples are soft in a boxed mix cake, we recommend partially cooking them first with a splash of water or lemon juice in a pot before adding them to the batter. This pre-treatment helps them reach that delightful soft consistency during the shorter baking cycle.
Absolutely! While our warm brown sugar cream icing is a signature element that truly makes this cake special, you can definitely experiment with other toppings to suit your preference. A classic cream cheese frosting would be delightful, or perhaps a simple powdered sugar glaze made with milk and vanilla for a lighter touch. However, for the authentic, melt-into-the-cake experience that sets this Apple Dapple Cake apart, we highly recommend sticking with the original brown sugar cream icing – its unique preparation and warm application truly enhance the cake’s flavor and moisture.
To add an extra layer of texture and nutty flavor, consider folding in 1/2 cup of finely chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter along with the apples. These additions complement the apple and spice flavors beautifully, adding a delightful crunch to each slice. You could also sprinkle a handful over the warm icing for a decorative and tasty finish.
It’s common for boiled icings to thicken as they cool. If your brown sugar cream icing becomes too thick to pour smoothly over the cake, don’t worry! Simply place the saucepan back over very low heat on your stovetop and stir constantly. Warm it gently for a minute or two until it returns to a pourable consistency. Be careful not to overheat it, as this can change its texture.
This cake is incredibly delicious on its own, but it truly shines when paired with a few simple additions. A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream is a classic choice, melting slightly into the warm cake for a divine contrast of temperatures and flavors. A dollop of freshly whipped cream also adds a light, airy complement that balances the cake’s richness beautifully. For a sophisticated touch, a sprinkle of toasted pecans or a light drizzle of caramel sauce can elevate the experience even further.
Yes, this Apple Dapple Cake is an excellent make-ahead dessert, perfect for busy hosts. You can bake and ice the cake up to 1 day in advance and store it, covered tightly, at room temperature. If you need to store it longer, it can be refrigerated for up to 4 days. For optimal enjoyment, allow chilled cake to come to room temperature or warm it briefly in the oven before serving to revive its wonderful aromas and tender texture.
To maintain its freshness and moisture, cover any leftover Apple Dapple Cake tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. It will keep beautifully at room temperature for up to 2 days. For extended freshness, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Ensure it’s well-sealed to prevent it from drying out.
Yes, this cake freezes well! To freeze, we recommend cutting the cake into individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in an airtight freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty freezer bag. The cake can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw the slices overnight in the refrigerator. For an even more delightful experience, warm a thawed slice gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
ESSENTIAL INGREDIENTS FOR YOUR APPLE DAPPLE CAKE
Crafting this delightful Apple Dapple Cake requires a few pantry staples and, of course, fresh, crisp apples. Here’s a visual overview of the key ingredients you’ll need to bring this comforting dessert to life. For the precise measurements and full instructions, refer to the detailed recipe card below.
HOW TO MAKE A MOIST & SPICED APPLE DAPPLE CAKE: A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Making this Apple Dapple Cake is a joyous journey, yielding a truly satisfying dessert. Follow these clear steps to achieve perfection.
- Prepare Your Baking Environment: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your oven is at the correct temperature for even baking from the moment your cake goes in. Generously spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the cake from sticking and makes for easy serving. Set the prepared dish aside.
-
Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients thoroughly. Whisking ensures that the leavening agents (baking soda) and spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour, preventing pockets of unmixed ingredients and guaranteeing a consistent rise and flavor in your cake.
Whisking the dry ingredients for a well-balanced flavor. -
Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a separate, larger bowl, stir together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. The oil contributes to the cake’s moistness, while the sugars add sweetness and depth of flavor. Next, add the large eggs one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. This helps to emulsify the batter, creating a lighter and more uniform texture.
Combining the wet ingredients for a rich and smooth batter. -
Combine and Fold in Apples: Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients into the wet mixture. Stir gently just until they are combined and no streaks of dry flour remain. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a tough cake. The goal is to develop just enough gluten for structure, but not too much. Finally, gently fold in the chopped apples. Folding ensures the apples are evenly distributed without bruising them or overworking the batter. For the best flavor and texture, we recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
Carefully combining batter and folding in the diced apples. -
Bake to Perfection: Pour the finished batter evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Place the dish on the middle rack of your preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Remember that oven temperatures can vary significantly, so always rely on the visual cues of doneness rather than strictly adhering to the time. A perfectly baked cake will be golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
Baking the cake until golden brown and perfectly cooked through. - Prepare the Signature Icing: While your cake is baking, prepare the incredible brown sugar cream icing. In a small saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the light brown sugar, granulated sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly with a whisk to prevent scorching and ensure the sugars dissolve properly. Bring this mixture to a gentle boil and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until it thickens slightly to a syrupy consistency. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. The vanilla adds a delightful aromatic finish to the rich brown sugar flavor.
-
Icing the Warm Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the baking dish for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the cake to set slightly before the icing is applied. While the cake is still warm (this is key!), pour the prepared brown sugar cream icing evenly over the entire surface. If needed, gently spread the icing with the back of a spoon or an offset spatula to ensure it covers the cake from edge to edge. The warmth of the cake will help the icing seep into the surface, creating that wonderfully moist and flavorful crust.
Pouring the warm, buttery brown sugar icing over the freshly baked cake. -
Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool completely at room temperature before cutting it into slices and serving. Cooling completely allows the icing to set and the cake’s flavors to fully develop, resulting in the best possible taste and texture. Once cooled, slice and serve this magnificent Apple Dapple Cake. Enjoy every comforting bite!
A delicious slice of Apple Dapple Cake, ready to be savored.
CRAVING MORE APPLE RECIPES?
If you’ve fallen in love with the comforting flavors of this Apple Dapple Cake, you’re in for a treat! The world of apple desserts is vast and wonderful. Explore more delicious apple-inspired recipes to satisfy your sweet tooth and celebrate the bounty of this versatile fruit. From moist cakes to gooey pies, there’s an apple dessert for every occasion:
- Traditional Irish Apple Cake
- Decadent Caramel Apple Cake
- Delightful Apple Surprise Cake
- Irresistible Apple Pie Poke Cake
- Easy Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
- Elegant Sparkling Apple Cider Pound Cake
Apple Dapple Cake
Print
Pin
Rate
20 minutes
50 minutes
1 hour 10 minutes
12
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
For the cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¾ cup vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 large eggs
- 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced (about ½ inch thick) apples (I used a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
For the glaze:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter can use salted
- ½ cup light brown sugar packed
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk until evenly blended. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, stir together 3/4 cup vegetable oil, 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Add 2 large eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Gradually incorporate the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring just until combined. Gently fold in 3 cups peeled, cored, and diced (about ½ inch thick) apples.
- Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake on the middle oven rack for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Note: Oven times can vary and many ovens have hot spots. Please go by doneness and not strictly by time.
- Let the cake cool for 10-15 minutes after baking. While the cake cools, make the icing.
- While the cake cools, prepare the icing. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup unsalted butter.
Add 1/2 cup light brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, and 1/4 cup heavy cream, whisking constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly. Remove from heat and whisk in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- Pour the icing evenly over the still slightly warm cake, spreading it gently if needed.
- Allow the cake to finish cooling completely before cutting into slices and serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Dessert
American
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.