Apple Dapple Cake Recipe Like Grandma Used to Make

Last Updated on November 19, 2025 by Souhail

I first tasted Apple Dapple Cake at a potluck in Brooklyn, tucked between a sea of overly frosted cupcakes and store-bought pies. Someone’s grandma had made it, and it was one of those recipes that instantly transports you to a kitchen filled with cinnamon-scented air and the hum of cozy conversation. That first bite? A moist, spiced apple-packed cake soaked in a buttery brown sugar glaze that made my knees buckle a little. I knew right then—I needed to recreate it.

This Apple Dapple Cake is pure comfort in a bundt pan. It’s perfect for fall gatherings, cozy weekend baking, or when you just want something nostalgic and soul-soothing. The flavor is rich and warmly spiced, with juicy bites of fresh apple and a sticky-sweet glaze that seeps into every nook of the cake. Whether you’re baking for friends, family, or just yourself (no shame), this is the kind of dessert that makes people ask for the recipe before they’ve even finished the slice.

Why This Apple Dapple Cake Recipe Just Works So Well

I love a recipe that feels like a warm hug—and this Apple Dapple Cake is exactly that. It’s one of those retro desserts that has stood the test of time, and for good reason. Between the rustic chunks of tart apple, the rich, nutty flavor of pecans, and that buttery brown sugar glaze that sinks right into the cake, every bite delivers deep, comforting flavor.

Here’s why this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your fall baking rotation:

• It’s incredibly moist (and stays that way for days!)
  The moisture from the apples, along with oil and the sweet brown sugar glaze, keeps this cake beautifully soft. No dry crumbs here.
• Simple pantry-friendly ingredients
  Nothing fancy or fussy—just good old-fashioned baking basics. That’s part of its charm!
• The flavor only gets better with time
  This is one of those magical cakes that actually tastes better the next day. Letting it sit allows the glaze to fully soak in, intensifying the apple-cinnamon flavor.
• Perfect for entertaining or gifting
  Whether you’re feeding a crowd or wrapping up slices as edible gifts, this cake holds up like a dream.
• Make it your own
  Want to go nut-free? Skip the pecans. Craving a bit more spice? Add some nutmeg or cardamom. You can even swap in pears or a mix of fall fruits if you’re feeling adventurous.

Quick Customization Tips:

• Gluten-Free? Use a good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and check your baking soda for gluten-free certification.
• Vegan Option: Swap eggs for flax eggs (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg) and use a plant-based butter for the glaze.
• Nut-Free? Omit pecans entirely or swap them with sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds for a little crunch.

If you’re a fan of cozy autumn desserts like this, you’ll probably love this Apple Crisp Recipe With Oats too—especially when served warm with vanilla ice cream.

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Recipe by Kenza

0.0 from 0 votes

Course: DessertCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

12

servings

Prep time

20

minutes

Cooking time

1

hour 

5

minutes

Calories

480

kcal

A warm, old-fashioned Apple Dapple Cake recipe made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and pecans, topped with a buttery brown sugar glaze. It’s moist, comforting, and perfect for cozy gatherings.

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Ingredients

• For the Cake:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

• 1.5 cups vegetable oil

• 2 cups granulated sugar

• 3 large eggs

• 3 cups peeled and finely chopped apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• For the Glaze:

• 0.5 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter

• 0.5 cup packed brown sugar

• 0.25 cup milk

Directions

• First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 10-inch bundt or tube pan generously. You can also lightly flour the pan after greasing to help the cake release cleanly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine 3 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon of baking soda, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon. Give it a good whisk so the dry ingredients are well mixed.
• In a separate large bowl, whisk together 1½ cups of vegetable oil, 2 cups of granulated sugar, and 3 large eggs until smooth and slightly thickened. You’re looking for a creamy texture.
• Now, slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring until just combined. Don’t overmix—just enough to incorporate all the flour.
• Gently fold in 3 cups of peeled and finely chopped apples (Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps work great here), 1 cup of chopped pecans, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. The batter will be thick and chunky, and that’s exactly what we want.
• Spoon the batter into your prepared bundt pan and smooth out the top with a spatula.
• Bake in the center rack of the oven for about 60–70 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Your kitchen will smell amazing while it bakes!
• While the cake is baking, make the brown sugar glaze. In a small saucepan, melt ½ cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter with ½ cup of brown sugar and ¼ cup of milk over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Once the cake is out of the oven, let it cool in the pan for 15–20 minutes, then carefully invert it onto a serving plate.
• While the cake is still warm, slowly pour the warm glaze all over the top, allowing it to seep into every delicious crevice. Some of it will pool around the bottom—perfect for spooning over each slice.
• Let the glaze set for about 10 minutes before serving, or dig in while it’s still a little warm (my personal favorite time to slice it!).

Notes

• For best texture, chop your apples finely but not mushy—about ¼-inch pieces work well.
• If you prefer a less sweet glaze, reduce the brown sugar to ⅓ cup.
• Cake can be made a day ahead—it gets even more flavorful overnight!
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or clove for deeper fall spice vibes.
• Toast your pecans before folding in for extra crunch and flavor.
• Want a little extra indulgence? Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel drizzle.

Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 480kcal
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Carbohydrates: 56g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 37g
• Protein: 4g

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Pro Tips to Bake the Best Apple Dapple Cake Ever

Let’s make sure your Apple Dapple Cake turns out perfectly golden, moist, and packed with flavor every single time. Here are a few of my go-to tips to set you up for success:

• Use tart apples for balance
  Granny Smiths are a classic choice, but Honeycrisp or Braeburns also work beautifully. You want apples that hold their shape and balance out the sweet glaze.
• Don’t skimp on the glaze
  It may feel indulgent, but trust me—this glaze is what takes the cake from good to unforgettable. Pour it slowly over the warm cake so it sinks in evenly.
• Chop the apples, don’t grate
  Small chunks of apple give this cake texture and little juicy bursts. Grating them can make the batter too wet.
• Let the cake cool slightly before glazing
  You want the cake to be warm (not hot!) so it absorbs the glaze without it sliding right off.
• Bake in a bundt pan or tube pan
  These pans help the cake bake evenly and make it easy to pour glaze into the crevices.
• Make it a day ahead
  Seriously—this is one of those desserts that actually improves overnight. Just wrap it tightly and store at room temp.

If you’re in the mood for more cozy bakes, you might also enjoy this dreamy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe—soft, spiced, and bursting with fall flavor.

Let’s Play Around: Variants of Apple Dapple Cake You’ll Love

The beauty of Apple Dapple Cake is that it’s super forgiving and endlessly customizable. Once you’ve made the classic version, it’s only natural to start dreaming up ways to tweak it—because why not have a little fun in the kitchen?

Here are a few tried-and-true variations that bring their own delicious twist:

Caramel Apple Dapple Cake

Take the cozy factor up a notch by replacing the brown sugar glaze with a homemade caramel sauce. The richness of caramel and apple together is just chef’s kiss. Drizzle it warm over the cake and top with a pinch of flaky sea salt for balance.

Spiced Chai Apple Cake

Infuse the batter with warm chai spices like cardamom, ginger, and cloves along with the usual cinnamon. This gives the cake a little spiced flair and makes it perfect for chilly afternoons with a mug of tea.

Apple Dapple Cake with Cream Cheese Swirl

Add dollops of sweetened cream cheese mixture into the batter and swirl gently with a knife before baking. It creates gorgeous ribbons of creamy tang that contrast beautifully with the spiced cake.

Apple-Pear Dapple Cake

Use a 50/50 mix of diced apples and pears for a slightly softer texture and a bit more natural sweetness. This combo works especially well if you’re using tart apples like Granny Smith.

Apple Dapple Sheet Cake

Don’t have a bundt pan? Pour the batter into a 9×13-inch pan and bake it as a sheet cake. It’s easier to slice and serve for potlucks, picnics, or weekday desserts.

Serving Ideas That’ll Make You Swoon

This cake shines all on its own, but let’s be real—it never hurts to dress it up. Whether you’re serving it for a party or a quiet night in, here are a few ways to elevate your Apple Dapple Cake experience:

• A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream: The warm cake plus cold creamy ice cream combo is irresistible.
• A dollop of whipped cream with cinnamon sugar: Light and fluffy, it complements the richness of the glaze.
• Drizzle with extra glaze or caramel: For those with an extra-sweet tooth (you’re among friends here).
• Serve with coffee or chai: Especially if you went the chai-spiced route, this pairing is magic.
• Garnish with thin apple slices or candied pecans: It adds a touch of elegance for special occasions.

Looking for another show-stopping apple dessert? You might fall in love with these Apple Cheesecake Bars—they’re creamy, crunchy, and full of fall charm.

How to Store & Reheat Your Apple Dapple Cake

Good news: this cake is just as fabulous the next day—maybe even better.

• To Store:
  Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it at room temperature for up to 3 days. If it’s really humid where you are, refrigerate it to be safe.
• To Refrigerate:
  You can keep it in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temp before serving or give it a quick warm-up.
• To Freeze:
  Wrap individual slices or the whole cake (unglazed is best for freezing) in plastic wrap, then foil. Freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slightly.
• To Reheat:
  Microwave slices for about 15–20 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes. If it’s feeling a little dry, a light drizzle of warm glaze or caramel will bring it back to life.

Fun and Creative Ways to Use Leftovers (If You Have Any!)

This cake rarely lasts long in my kitchen, but if you do find yourself with extra, here are some fun ideas:

• Apple Cake Trifle
  Layer chunks of cake with whipped cream and cinnamon apples in a glass for a rustic trifle that looks fancy but is totally no-fuss.
• French Toast Casserole
  Cube the cake, let it dry out slightly, and use it in place of bread in a baked French toast recipe. Hello, brunch perfection.
• Crumbled on top of yogurt or oatmeal
  A few toasted crumbs of this cake add cozy sweetness to your morning bowl.
• Turn it into mug cake magic
  Crumble leftover cake into a mug, add a splash of milk, and microwave for a gooey dessert in seconds. (If that sounds fun, check out this Oreo Mug Cake too!)

FAQs About Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

Let’s Wrap This Up!

Whether you’re baking for a potluck, a weekend treat, or just because you’re craving a cozy bite of nostalgia, this Apple Dapple Cake is a must-try. It’s easy to make, endlessly customizable, and packed with warm, homey flavor. Don’t be surprised if people ask for seconds (and the recipe!).

If you loved this, check out Neapolitan Cake Recipe for another retro-inspired dessert, or keep things easy with this Oreo Mug Cake for a single-serve sweet fix.