Dessert

Apple Dapple Cake Recipe

ByZoe Lane November 22, 2025November 22, 2025

Introduction

Apple Dapple Cake is a moist, warmly spiced dessert filled with tender chunks of apple and topped with a luscious creamy caramel frosting. This classic treat is perfect for cozy gatherings or whenever you crave a comforting homemade cake.

A square piece of cinnamon roll with three visible layers shows a golden-brown, slightly textured base with swirls of cinnamon filling inside. On top, there is a thick layer of creamy beige icing that drips slowly down the sides, covering most of the roll's surface. The roll sits on a clean white plate against a soft white marbled texture background with a hint of a white and red striped cloth in the blurred background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon salt
1 ½ cups vegetable oil
1 ½ cups granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar (packed)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3 large eggs
4 cups apples (peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks)
1/3 cup butter
1/3 cup brown sugar (packed) for frosting
1/3 cup granulated sugar for frosting
1/3 cup heavy cream
½ teaspoon vanilla extract for frosting

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 325°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; set aside.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed. Beat in the vanilla extract and add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each.
Step 4: Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture a little at a time, mixing well between each addition. The batter will be very thick.
Step 5: Using a sturdy wooden spoon, fold the chopped apples into the batter until evenly combined.
Step 6: Spread the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Step 7: While the cake is baking, make the frosting. Combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat, stirring often, until the mixture begins to simmer. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
Step 8: Pour the warm frosting evenly over the cake as soon as it comes out of the oven.
Step 9: Allow the cake to cool slightly, then slice and serve.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, try adding a handful of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter before baking.
You can substitute the apples with pears for a different but equally delicious twist.
Make sure to use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Bring to room temperature or warm slightly before serving for best texture and flavor. The frosting may be richer when chilled, so warming helps soften it again.