The Famous Apple Dapple Cake Recipe
Apple Dapple Cake is a very old and famous treat that many people in America love to eat. It is packed with fresh apples and crunchy nuts, which make it taste like a dream for everyone who sits at your big kitchen table for a meal.
This cake is very special because it stays moist for many days and has a sweet smell. You do not need any fancy tools to make this cake look like it came from a professional shop in the big city. It is a very easy recipe to make.
If you love baking with fruit, you should also try our Healthy Oatmeal Apple Cake for a party. This apple cake is a real winner for your family and your best friends.

Why This Cake Is A Sweet Southern Classic
This cake started in the Southern part of the United States a long time ago. Families would bake it using apples from their own trees to share with neighbors. It is a very sweet part of our history for sure, and it brings people together.
People love it because the name sounds fun and the taste is even better. It is a hearty cake that feels like a warm hug on a cold day. You will want to bake this for every holiday with your best friends and your family in your own home.
The Secret To A Very Moist Apple Cake
The secret to this cake is the vegetable oil and the fresh fruit. Unlike butter cakes which can get dry, the oil keeps this bread very soft for a long time. It creates a fudgy texture that melts in your mouth as soon as you take a bite.
When the apples cook, they release their sweet juices into the batter. This adds even more moisture and a natural sugar flavor. Your house will smell like a warm orchard while the cake is baking in your hot oven during the afternoon.
Choosing The Best Apples For Baking
Picking the right apple is a very important part of making a great cake. You want an apple that is firm and sweet so it stays chunky after it cooks. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great choices for this recipe in your kitchen.
A firm apple will not turn into mush while it is in the hot oven. This gives your cake a nice texture that people really enjoy eating. You can even use a mix of different apples to get a very complex and bright fruit flavor for everyone.
The Simple Ingredients You Will Need
- 3 cups all-purpose white flour
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3 large fresh eggs
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 cups chopped fresh apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts
- 1 cup light brown sugar for the glaze
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter for the glaze
- 1/4 cup whole milk for the glaze

Exactly How To Make It Step By Step
Step 1: Prepare The Fresh Apple Mix
You should start by washing and peeling your fresh apples very carefully. Cut them into small cubes so that every bite of the cake has plenty of fruit. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples is a smart idea for a very good flavor balance.
Put the apple chunks into a bowl and sprinkle them with a little bit of white sugar. This helps the fruit release its sweet juices. The smell of the fresh apples will make you feel very excited to start baking this treat for your family.
Step 2: Whisk The Sugars And Eggs
Get a large mixing bowl and add your eggs and white sugar together. Use a big whisk to stir them until the mixture looks very smooth and pale. This creates a sweet base that holds the whole cake together well while it is in the pan.
Add the vegetable oil and the vanilla extract to the bowl. Stir it again until everything is blended nicely. The oil is the secret that makes the Apple Dapple Cake stay so soft for many days in your home without ever getting dry or hard.
Step 3: Stir In The Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl you should whisk your flour, baking soda and salt. Slowly add this dry mix into your wet bowl. Use a big spoon to stir it gently until you do not see any white flour spots at all in the dark and rich cake batter.
The batter will be very thick and heavy, which is exactly what you want. This thickness helps hold the heavy apples and nuts in place. It ensures that the fruit does not just sink to the bottom of the pan while it is cooking in the heat.
Step 4: Folding In The Fruit And Nuts
Now it is time to add your chopped apples and pecans to the thick batter. Use a spatula to fold them in so they are spread out. Make sure every part of the dough has plenty of crunchy nuts and fruit for a perfect bite in every single slice.

Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan or a large baking dish. Spread it out so the top is flat and even. It is now ready to go into the hot oven, where it will turn into a golden and sweet masterpiece that your whole family will love.
Step 5: Cooking The Hot Caramel Glaze
While the cake is in the oven, you can make the sweet glaze on the stove. Mix your butter and brown sugar and milk in a small pot. Bring it to a boil and let it cook for three minutes until it gets thick and looks like golden syrup.
This glaze is the best part of the whole Apple Dapple Cake. It tastes just like warm caramel, and it will soak into the cake. You must pour it over the hotcake as soon as it comes out of the oven so it can go deep into the warm bread.

Fun Ways To Serve Your Apple Cake
- Serve a warm slice with a big scoop of cold vanilla ice cream.
- Place a few fresh apple slices on the side of the plate for a pretty look.
- Drizzle some extra caramel sauce over the top for a very rich taste.
- Enjoy a piece for breakfast with a hot cup of coffee or cold milk.
- Pack a square in a lunchbox for a very happy school day surprise.
- Sprinkle a few extra chopped pecans on top for a nice little crunch.
- Add a dollop of whipped cream for a very light and airy dessert finish.

Helpful Tips For Success
- Always use firm apples like Granny Smith so they do not turn into mush.
- Grease your pan very well so the sticky cake does not get stuck inside.
- Pour the glaze over the cake while it is still hot for the best results.
- Measure your flour with a spoon so the cake stays light and very soft.
- Let the cake sit for at least one hour so the glaze can soak in deep.
- Check the cake with a toothpick to make sure the middle is fully cooked.
- Use fresh nuts so that they have a very bright and crunchy flavor today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use walnuts instead of pecans?
Yes, you can use walnuts or any other nut you like best. Some people even like to leave the nuts out if they want a smooth cake. It will still be very yummy and sweet for your whole family to enjoy during a lazy Sunday afternoon meal.
How do I store the leftovers?
You should keep your cake in a container with a tight lid. It stays fresh on your counter for two days. If you want it to last longer, you can put it in the fridge to keep the fruit fresh and very moist for your family and your guests.
Why did my glaze stay thin?
This usually happens if you did not let it boil for the full three minutes. The heat helps the sugar and milk turn into a thick syrup. Make sure you stir it the whole time so that the butter does not burn on the bottom of the small pot.
What is the best pan to use?
A Bundt pan is the most traditional way to bake this cake. It has a hole in the middle, which helps the heat reach the center of the thick batter. This ensures that the cake cooks evenly and looks very beautiful on a large serving plate.
Is this cake good for kids?
Most kids really love this cake because it is sweet and soft. The apples are cut small so they are easy to chew. It is a great way to give them a fruit snack that feels like a real treat. They will love the caramel glaze on the top too.
A Sweet Victory For Your Kitchen Table
Baking an Apple Dapple Cake is a wonderful way to find joy in your kitchen. It is a simple recipe that turns fresh fruit into a masterpiece. You will feel so proud when you see the beautiful cake on your counter for your whole family.
We hope you enjoy every single bite of this chewy treat with your family. It is a great way to try new things and share love through food. Thank you for visiting us to learn this recipe. We wish you many happy days of baking at home.
