As the leaves begin to turn and a crispness fills the air, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a freshly baked apple cake wafting through your home. This exquisite Apple Dapple Cake recipe is the quintessential embodiment of fall flavors, a dessert that promises to delight with every forkful. Imagine a cake that’s incredibly moist, generously spiced, and brimming with succulent, tender chunks of apple. Each bite offers a delightful texture contrast, complemented by the satisfying crunch of toasted pecans and crowned with a luscious, rich caramel glaze that melts into pure indulgence. It’s the perfect treat to savor on a cozy afternoon, perhaps paired with a steaming cup of coffee or a warm mug of spiced cider, making any moment feel special and seasonally appropriate. This old-fashioned gem is more than just a cake; it’s a celebration of autumn, a testament to simple, wholesome ingredients transformed into something truly extraordinary.
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Why You’ll Adore This Apple Dapple Cake
This old-fashioned apple dapple cake recipe isn’t just a dessert; it’s an experience. Its enduring popularity stems from a perfect blend of tradition, rich flavors, and an incredibly satisfying texture. You’ll find yourself reaching for another slice, and here’s why this apple bundt cake will become a cherished recipe in your collection:
- Unbelievably Moist and Tender Texture – The secret to this cake’s heavenly texture lies in the generous inclusion of fresh, juicy apples and a thoughtful amount of oil. Unlike some cakes that dry out quickly, this apple dapple cake stays incredibly moist and tender for days, ensuring each bite is a delectable, melt-in-your-mouth delight. The apples release their natural moisture during baking, contributing to a soft crumb that’s simply irresistible.
- Crispy, Caramelized Edges – While the interior of this apple cake remains wonderfully soft, the edges, particularly when baked in a bundt pan, develop a subtle crispness. This golden crust provides a fantastic textural contrast to the moist, apple-studded cake. Plus, these edges absorb the rich caramel glaze beautifully, creating pockets of intensely sweet and chewy goodness that are utterly divine.
- The Ultimate Fall and Holiday Treat – With its warm, comforting blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, this apple cake recipe captures the essence of autumn. It’s an ideal dessert to enjoy as the weather cools, making it a comforting and festive addition to holiday gatherings, especially Thanksgiving and Christmas. Its robust flavors and cozy appeal make it a standout on any dessert table.
- Effortlessly Simple Preparation – Despite its impressive appearance and gourmet taste, this apple dapple bundt cake recipe is surprisingly easy to make. It requires straightforward steps and common ingredients, making it accessible even for novice bakers. The simplicity ensures that you can whip up this delightful dessert without any fuss, leaving more time to enjoy the seasonal festivities.
- Decadent Caramel Glaze Perfection – The crowning glory of this apple dapple cake is its rich, buttery caramel glaze. This homemade caramel adds a luxurious layer of sweetness and a velvety texture that perfectly complements the spiced apple cake. It’s not just a topping; it’s an integral part of the flavor profile, soaking into the cake and enhancing its moistness and overall decadence.
If you’re looking to expand your repertoire of delightful autumn desserts, we also highly recommend exploring other fall dessert recipes. Favorites include the intensely rich Dark Chocolate Fudge, classic and chewy Old Fashioned Molasses Cookies, elegant Gingerbread Biscotti, and the perfectly spiced Jumbo Pumpkin Muffins. Each offers its own unique charm for the season.
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Apple Dapple Cake
Crafting this irresistible apple bundt cake requires a careful selection of ingredients that work in harmony to create its signature moist texture, warm spice, and rich caramel finish. Below is a breakdown of the essential components. For a precise list of quantities and detailed instructions, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card located further down the page.
- Dry Ingredients – The foundation of our cake batter includes all-purpose flour for structure, baking soda as the leavening agent to ensure a light and airy crumb, and kosher salt to balance the sweetness and enhance all the flavors. Accurate measurement of these ingredients is crucial for the cake’s success.
- Warm Flavorings – A symphony of spices defines the comforting taste of this fall apple cake. Ground cinnamon offers a classic warmth, while freshly grated nutmeg provides a more intense, aromatic note than pre-ground varieties. Ground allspice adds a complex, sweet-spicy depth, marrying beautifully with the apples. A good quality vanilla extract ties all these flavors together with its fragrant sweetness.
- Wet Ingredients – Large eggs contribute to the cake’s structure and richness, especially when beaten until light and fluffy. Vegetable oil (or canola oil) is key to the cake’s exceptional moistness, keeping it tender for days. Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps create that wonderful crispy crust.
- Apples and Pecans – The stars of the show! For the apples, we recommend varieties like Granny Smith for a tart counterpoint, Honeycrisp for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, or Gala for a milder flavor. A combination often yields the best results. Ensure they are peeled and finely diced for even distribution. Toasted and chopped pecans add a delightful nutty flavor and a pleasing crunch that complements the soft cake.
- Luxurious Glaze – The rich caramel glaze is made with dark brown sugar for deep molasses notes, unsalted butter for richness, and heavy cream for a smooth, luscious texture. A pinch of kosher salt balances the sweetness, and vanilla extract adds a final touch of aromatic warmth.
How to Make a Heavenly Apple Dapple Cake
Creating this delicious apple cake is a rewarding process, and following these steps will ensure a perfect result every time. Pay close attention to the details, from preparing your bundt pan to achieving that ideal caramel glaze. Let’s get baking!
Pro Tip
To prevent your beautiful cake from sticking, refrigerate the greased and floured bundt pan while you prepare the cake batter. This extra step helps solidify the coating, creating a more robust non-stick barrier for a clean release every time.
- Begin by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare a 12-cup bundt pan by generously greasing it with butter or baking spray, then lightly flouring it, ensuring all crevices are coated. This crucial step helps prevent the cake from sticking. In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, ground cinnamon, freshly grated nutmeg, ground allspice, and kosher salt until they are evenly combined. Set this dry mixture aside. In a separate, large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the large eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil (or canola oil), and vanilla extract together for at least 2 minutes. Continue beating until the mixture becomes visibly light, fluffy, and slightly pale in color. This aeration step is important for the cake’s tender texture.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the whisked dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in the large bowl, mixing until just combined. It’s important not to overmix; stop as soon as you see only a small amount of dry flour remaining. Overmixing can lead to a tough cake, and we want this apple bundt cake to be as tender as possible.
- Gently fold in the peeled and finely diced apples along with the toasted and chopped pecans. Mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Pour the cake batter into your prepared bundt pan, spreading it out evenly with a spatula to ensure an even bake. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick or skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean, indicating it’s fully cooked. The precise baking time may vary slightly depending on your oven.
- While the cake is baking, prepare the rich caramel glaze. In a small saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and kosher salt. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once it reaches a boil, whisk constantly for precisely 2 minutes. This vigorous whisking helps the sugar dissolve completely and creates a smooth, emulsified sauce. Remove the pan from the heat immediately after 2 minutes and stir in the vanilla extract. The glaze will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Once the cake is baked and still hot in the pan, carefully use a wooden skewer or a thin wooden stick to poke numerous holes all over the top surface of the cake. These holes will allow the glaze to seep deep into the cake, maximizing its moistness and caramel flavor. Pour approximately ¾ of the prepared caramel glaze evenly over the hot cake, ensuring it penetrates the holes. Reserve the remaining ¼ of the glaze for later. Allow the apple dapple cake to cool in the bundt pan on a wire rack for about 1 hour. This cooling period is crucial for the cake to set and absorb the glaze.
- After the hour of cooling in the pan, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate or wire rack and allow it to cool completely to room temperature. This complete cooling is vital for the cake’s structure and for the glaze to set properly. Once the cake is entirely cooled, take the reserved ¼ of the brown sugar glaze. If it has thickened too much, microwave it in 10-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until it returns to a smooth and creamy consistency. Drizzle this remaining glaze artfully over the top of the cooled cake, letting it cascade down the sides. This final touch adds an extra layer of sweetness and a beautiful presentation to your stunning caramel apple bundt cake.
Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Dapple Cake
This fresh apple bundt cake is an absolute delight on its own, showcasing a perfect harmony of spices, tender apples, and rich caramel. However, its versatility allows for many delicious serving options, making it suitable for various occasions, from a casual morning treat to an elegant dinner party dessert.
- As a Morning or Afternoon Indulgence: Transform this cake into a luxurious apple coffee cake by serving it alongside a steaming cup of coffee, a comforting tea, or even a glass of cold milk. Its rich flavors and moist texture make it an ideal companion for a leisurely breakfast or a cozy afternoon break.
- A Classic Dessert Pairing: For a truly decadent dessert experience, serve a generous slice of this apple dapple cake with a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The light, airy cream provides a beautiful contrast to the cake’s richness. Alternatively, a scoop of premium vanilla ice cream, especially a good quality bean vanilla, will melt slightly over the warm cake, creating an incredible sauce that combines the caramel and vanilla notes. For an extra touch of fall, consider a cinnamon or caramel swirl ice cream.
- Add a Touch of Crunch: Sprinkle a few extra toasted pecans or walnuts over each slice just before serving to enhance the nutty flavor and add another layer of texture.
- Warm it Up: While delicious at room temperature, gently warming individual slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds can soften the cake and make the caramel glaze slightly gooey again, creating an even more comforting experience.
- Cheese Pairing: For the more adventurous palates, a thin slice of sharp cheddar cheese served alongside a piece of apple dapple cake is a traditional pairing in some regions, offering a surprising yet delightful sweet and savory contrast.
Expert Tips for a Flawless Apple Dapple Cake
Achieving the perfect caramel apple dapple cake is all about paying attention to a few key details. These tips will help ensure your cake turns out moist, flavorful, and beautifully presented every time.
- Measure Flour Accurately: Precision in baking is paramount, especially when it comes to flour. To measure correctly, first aerate your flour by fluffing it with a spoon. Then, spoon the flour into your measuring cup until it’s overflowing, and finally, level it off with a straight edge (like the back of a knife). Avoid scooping directly with the measuring cup, as this can compact the flour and lead to a denser, drier cake.
- Choose the Right Apples: The type of apple you use significantly impacts the flavor and texture of your cake. For the best balance of sweet and tart, we highly recommend a mix of Granny Smith apples for their firm texture and tartness, and Honeycrisp apples for their crispness and balanced sweetness. Other excellent choices that hold up well to baking include Gala, Braeburn, Jonagold, or Fuji. Avoid overly soft or mealy apple varieties.
- Uniform Apple Dicing: To ensure that the apples cook evenly throughout the cake and distribute their flavor and moisture consistently, dice them into small, uniform pieces. Aim for about ¼ to ½ inch cubes. This prevents large chunks from sinking or creating uneven pockets in the batter.
- Proper Bundt Pan Preparation is Key: A common pitfall with bundt cakes is sticking. Always grease your bundt pan thoroughly with solid shortening or butter, making sure to get into all the intricate designs. Then, dust it with flour, rotating the pan to coat every surface, and tap out any excess. For added assurance, consider using a baking spray that contains flour. The pro tip of refrigerating the greased and floured pan also significantly helps prevent sticking.
- Room Temperature Eggs: Using room-temperature eggs is not a trivial step. They emulsify more easily with other ingredients, creating a smoother, more uniform batter. This leads to a better rise and a finer crumb in your finished apple dessert. If you forgot to take them out, place them in a bowl of warm water for 5-10 minutes.
- Do Not Overmix the Batter: Once you add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mix only until they are just combined and you see a small amount of dry flour remaining. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in a tough, rubbery cake. After the dry ingredients are almost incorporated, gently fold in the apples and pecans by hand until they are just evenly distributed.
- Perfecting the Caramel Glaze: When making the caramel glaze, consistency is crucial. Cook it until it’s smooth and slightly thickened, but be vigilant not to overcook it. If the caramel boils for too long, it can become overly thick and hard to pour or spread. Keep an eye on it and remove it from the heat as soon as it reaches the desired consistency after boiling for two minutes. If it does get too thick, you can gently warm it with a tablespoon of heavy cream to thin it out slightly.
Delicious Variations for Your Apple Dapple Cake
While the classic apple dapple cake is a masterpiece on its own, a few simple tweaks can introduce exciting new flavors and textures. Feel free to experiment with these variations to customize this beloved fall dessert to your liking.
- Ginger Spice Boost: For those who love a bit more warmth and zing, consider adding ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground ginger to the dry ingredients along with the other spices. Ginger’s peppery notes pair beautifully with apple and caramel, adding another layer of complex flavor to your cake.
- Nutty Alternatives: If pecans aren’t your preference or if you simply want to try something different, toasted walnuts make an excellent substitute. Their earthy, slightly bitter notes offer a wonderful contrast to the sweet apples and caramel. You could also try a mix of different nuts, such as almonds or even a combination of various nuts for a richer flavor profile. Ensure they are toasted to bring out their full flavor before adding them to the batter.
- Bourbon or Whiskey Glaze: Elevate your caramel glaze by swapping out the vanilla extract for a good quality bourbon or whiskey. The alcohol will cook off, leaving behind a sophisticated depth and subtle smoky sweetness that perfectly complements the apple and spice. Start with 1 to 2 tablespoons, adjusting to your taste preference. This variation is particularly popular during holiday seasons.
- Adding Dried Fruit: Introduce another layer of chewiness and sweetness by folding in a half cup of dried cranberries, raisins, or chopped dried apricots along with the fresh apples and nuts. These fruits will plump up slightly during baking, adding delightful bursts of flavor.
- Citrus Zest: A teaspoon of finely grated orange or lemon zest folded into the batter can brighten the cake’s flavors, adding a subtle, refreshing counterpoint to the rich spices and caramel.
- Cream Cheese Drizzle: Instead of, or in addition to, the caramel glaze, consider a simple cream cheese drizzle. Beat together 4 oz softened cream cheese, ½ cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake for a tangy-sweet finish.
Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Dapple Cake
Here are answers to some common questions about baking and storing your apple bundt cake. These insights will help you achieve the best results and enjoy your delicious creation for longer.
Yes, you absolutely can! While a bundt pan is traditionally used for apple dapple cakes and is excellent for achieving those lovely crispy edges and an exceptionally moist interior, a 9×13 inch baking pan works just as well. When using a 9×13 pan, you’ll need to adjust the baking time slightly. Bake the cake for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Be sure to grease and flour the 9×13 pan thoroughly as you would a bundt pan to prevent sticking.
To maintain its incredible moistness and flavor, place the cooled apple dapple cake (either whole or sliced) in an airtight container. Store it at room temperature for up to 4 days. If your kitchen is particularly warm, or if you prefer, you can store it in the refrigerator. Just be aware that refrigeration can sometimes slightly alter the texture of cakes, making them a little firmer, but it will still be delicious!
Yes, this apple dapple cake freezes beautifully! To freeze, ensure the cake is completely cooled. Then, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. This double-layer protection helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze the whole cake or individual slices. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator. For best results, let it come to room temperature or gently warm individual slices before serving.
For the best flavor and texture, use a combination of tart and sweet apples that hold their shape well when baked. Granny Smith apples are excellent for tartness and firm texture, while Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples offer a pleasant sweetness and crispness. Using a mix ensures a balanced flavor profile in your apple cake.
If your caramel glaze is too thick, you can gently reheat it over low heat, stirring in a teaspoon of heavy cream at a time until it reaches your desired drizzling consistency. If it’s too thin, return it to the saucepan and simmer gently for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, to allow some of the moisture to evaporate and thicken it. Be careful not to burn it.
More Delightful Apple Recipes to Explore
If you’ve fallen in love with the flavors of this Apple Dapple Cake, you’re in for a treat! Apples are incredibly versatile in baking, offering a wonderful balance of sweetness and tartness that shines in a variety of desserts. Here are a few more apple-centric recipes from our kitchen that we know you’ll adore. Each one brings a unique twist to the classic apple flavor, perfect for expanding your seasonal baking repertoire or simply enjoying more of autumn’s bounty.
Apple Cider Doughnut Loaf Cake
Apple Cider Pound Cake
Easy Puff Pastry Apple Turnovers
Apple Dapple Cake Recipe (Apple Bundt Cake)
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Ingredients
Cake
- 3 cups All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Baking soda
- 1/2 tsp Kosher salt
- 1 tsp Ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Ground nutmeg fresh is best
- 1/4 tsp Ground allspice
- 2 cups Granulated sugar
- 3 large Eggs room temperature
- 1 cup Vegetable oil or Canola oil
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- 3 cups Apples peeled and finely diced (Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
- 1 cup Pecans toasted and rough chopped
Caramel Glaze
- 1 cup Dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup Unsalted butter 1 1/2 sticks
- 1/4 cup Heavy cream
- 1/8 tsp Kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
Instructions
Cake
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Prepare your 12-cup bundt pan by generously greasing it with butter or baking spray, then lightly flouring it. Make sure all internal surfaces and intricate designs are coated to ensure a clean release.
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking soda, kosher salt, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice until they are well combined. This ensures the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture. Set this bowl aside for later.3 cups All-purpose flour, 1 tsp Baking soda, 1/2 tsp Kosher salt, 1 tsp Ground cinnamon, 1/2 tsp Ground nutmeg, 1/4 tsp Ground allspice
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer set to medium speed, combine the large eggs, granulated sugar, vegetable oil (or canola oil), and vanilla extract. Beat these ingredients together for at least 2 minutes. Continue mixing until the mixture appears noticeably lighter in color and fluffy, indicating that sufficient air has been incorporated.2 cups Granulated sugar, 3 large Eggs, 1 cup Vegetable oil, 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Reduce the mixer speed to low. Gradually add the reserved dry ingredients into the wet mixture, a third at a time. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and you can still see a small amount of dry flour streaks in the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to a dense and tough cake.
- Using a spatula, gently fold in the finely diced apples and the toasted, chopped pecans. Mix just until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter. Overmixing here can also hinder the cake’s texture.3 cups Apples, 1 cup Pecans
- Carefully transfer the cake batter into your prepared bundt pan. Use a spatula to spread the batter out evenly, ensuring it fills all the contours of the pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the thickest part of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
Caramel Glaze
- While the cake is baking, prepare the rich caramel glaze. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar, unsalted butter, heavy cream, and kosher salt. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Once boiling, continue to whisk constantly for exactly 2 minutes to ensure it thickens properly and prevents crystallization. Immediately remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Set aside.1 cup Dark brown sugar, 3/4 cup Unsalted butter, 1/4 cup Heavy cream, 1/8 tsp Kosher salt, 1/2 tsp Vanilla extract
- Once the cake is done baking, remove it from the oven but leave it in the bundt pan. While it is still hot, use a wooden stick or skewer to poke numerous holes all over the surface of the cake, especially in the deeper crevices. This will allow the glaze to soak in more effectively. Pour about 1 cup of the warm caramel glaze evenly over the cake, allowing it to seep into the holes. Reserve the remaining ½ cup of glaze for a final drizzle later. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for approximately 1 hour.
- After the hour of cooling in the pan, carefully invert the cake onto a serving plate or another wire rack. Allow the cake to cool completely to room temperature. This step is crucial for the cake’s structure and for the glaze to properly set.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, take the reserved brown sugar glaze. If it has thickened too much, microwave it in 10-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval, until it becomes smooth and creamy again. Drizzle this revitalized glaze decoratively over the top of the cake, allowing it to cascade beautifully down the sides. Your perfect apple dapple cake is now ready to serve and enjoy!
Notes
Apple Selection: For the most delicious results, select firm, tart, and sweet apples. A delightful blend of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples is highly recommended for their complementary flavors and textures. Other great choices include Gala, Braeburn, or Jonagold.
Dicing Apples: Ensure your apples are peeled and finely diced into small, uniform pieces. This not only promotes even cooking but also ensures a consistent distribution of apple flavor throughout every bite of the cake.
Toasting Pecans: To enhance the nutty flavor of the pecans, toast them before adding them to the batter. Spread chopped pecans on a baking sheet and toast in a 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 4-5 minutes, or until fragrant. Pecan halves will require a slightly longer time, typically 8-10 minutes.
Avoid Overmixing: This is a critical step for a tender cake. Once you introduce the dry ingredients to the wet, mix just until a small amount of dry flour remains. Then, gently fold in the apples and pecans by hand until they are just combined. Overmixing will develop gluten, leading to a tough and less desirable cake texture.
Storing and Freezing: For detailed instructions on how to properly store and freeze your Apple Dapple Cake, please refer to the comprehensive FAQ section located earlier in this post.