Some recipes just feel like a warm hug. They often have charming, slightly quirky names passed down through generations, and they promise a level of comfort and nostalgia that is simply unmatched. If you’ve never had the pleasure of trying a classic Southern Apple Dapple Cake, you are in for an incredible treat. This isn’t just any apple cake; it’s a dessert that redefines the meaning of moist.

Contents

What You’ll Need: Ingredients
Timing
Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Bundt Pan
Step 2: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients
Step 3: Fold in the Apples and Pecans
Step 4: Bake the Cake
Step 5: Prepare the Luscious Caramel Glaze
Step 6: The Secret to an Ultra-Moist Cake (The First Glaze)
Step 7: Cool, Invert, and Finish with More Glaze

Nutritional Information
Healthier Alternatives
Serving Suggestions
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Storing and Make-Ahead Tips
Conclusion
FAQs

Q1. What are the best apples to use for this cake?
Q2. Can I make this in a different pan if I don’t have a Bundt pan?
Q3. Can I make this cake without nuts?

The Best Apple Dapple Cake with Caramel Glaze

Description
Ingredients

For the Apple Dapple Cake
For the Caramel Glaze

Instructions
Notes
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?

The secret to this unbelievably tender Apple Dapple Cake lies in a brilliant technique: a hot, buttery caramel glaze is poured over the warm cake, soaking into every nook and cranny. Packed with finely chopped apples and toasted pecans, and infused with warm spices, this Bundt cake is a true showstopper that is perfect for fall gatherings, holiday celebrations, or any time you need a slice of pure comfort.

What You’ll Need: Ingredients

This cake uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create a spectacular result. The warm caramel glaze is the perfect finishing touch for the apple and pecan-studded cake.

Component	Ingredient	Amount/Quantity
For the Apple Dapple Cake	All-purpose flour	3 cups (about 12 3/4 oz.)
	Ground cinnamon	2 tsp.
	Kosher salt	1 1/2 tsp.
	Baking powder	1 tsp.
	Baking soda	1/2 tsp.
	Ground nutmeg	1/2 tsp.
	Granulated sugar	2 cups
	Canola oil	1 1/2 cups
	Pure vanilla extract	1 Tbsp.
	Large eggs	3
	Large Gala apples, finely chopped	3 (about 3 1/2 cups)
	Toasted chopped pecans	1 cup
	Baking spray with flour	For the pan
For the Caramel Glaze	Light brown sugar, packed	1 cup
	Unsalted butter, softened	3/4 cup (6 oz.)
	Heavy whipping cream	1/4 cup
	Kosher salt	1/2 tsp.

Timing

While this cake has a longer bake time, the hands-on preparation is quick and easy. The majority of the time is spent letting the oven and then the glaze work their magic.

Preparation Time: 25 minutes
Bake Time: 1 hour, 15 minutes
Cooling & Glazing Time: Approximately 2 hours, 25 minutes
Total Time: Approximately 4 hours, 5 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create a perfectly moist and flavourful Apple Dapple Cake.

Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Your Bundt Pan

First, get your oven ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). The key to a successful Bundt cake is a well-prepared pan. Generously grease a 12-cup Bundt pan with a baking spray that contains flour, making sure to get into every single crevice to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Combine the Dry and Wet Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cinnamon, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and nutmeg. In a separate large bowl, stir together the granulated sugar, oil, vanilla, and eggs. Beat this wet mixture with an electric mixer on medium speed for 2 to 3 minutes, until it has lightened in color and is well combined.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples and Pecans

Gradually add the flour mixture to the egg mixture, beating on low speed only until it is just combined and you no longer see any streaks of dry flour. Be careful not to overmix! Finally, using a rubber spatula, gently fold the finely chopped apples and toasted pecans into the batter until they are evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bake the Cake

Pour the thick batter into your prepared Bundt pan and use a small spatula to spread it into an even layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 1 hour, 10 minutes to 1 hour, 15 minutes. You’ll know the cake is done when a wooden pick or skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove the cake from the oven and place the Bundt pan on a wire rack to cool for 10 minutes.

Step 5: Prepare the Luscious Caramel Glaze

While the cake is cooling for those 10 minutes, make your glaze. In a medium saucepan, stir together the brown sugar, softened butter, heavy cream, and salt. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Once it’s boiling, continue to boil for 2 additional minutes, then remove the pan from the heat.

Step 6: The Secret to an Ultra-Moist Cake (The First Glaze)

Here comes the magic step that makes this Apple Dapple Cake so special. Using a wooden skewer, poke holes all over the top of the warm cake while it is still in the Bundt pan. Carefully pour about 3/4 cup of the hot caramel glaze evenly over the cake. Let the cake stand in the pan for 15 minutes, allowing that delicious glaze to soak deep into the crumb. Cover the remaining glaze in the saucepan to keep it warm.

Step 7: Cool, Invert, and Finish with More Glaze

After the cake has soaked up the glaze for 15 minutes, it’s time to invert it. Carefully turn the Bundt pan over onto a wire rack. The cake should release easily. Let the cake cool completely on the wire rack, which will take about 2 hours.

Once cooled, gently warm the remaining caramel glaze over low heat until it’s smooth and pourable, about 1 minute. Drizzle the remaining glaze over the top of the cooled cake, letting it drip down the beautiful sides.

Nutritional Information

This is a rich, decadent cake perfect for a celebration. Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per slice, assuming the cake is cut into 16 slices.

Calories: ~520 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 60 g (Sugar: 40 g)
Fat: 30 g (Saturated Fat: 10 g)

Healthier Alternatives

While this cake is an indulgence, here are a few possible swaps:

Flour Choice: For a slightly heartier texture and a boost of fiber, you can replace 1 cup of the all-purpose flour with white whole wheat flour.
Oil Choice: While canola is neutral, you could use a light-tasting olive oil or avocado oil.
Reduce Sugar: You can slightly reduce the sugar in both the cake and the glaze, though this will affect the final texture and moistness.

Serving Suggestions

This Apple Dapple Cake is so incredibly moist and flavourful that it needs very little accompaniment to shine.

Perfectly Simple: This cake is at its best served as is, in a generous slice at room temperature. The built-in caramel glaze provides all the flavour and richness you need.
With a Hot Drink: It is the perfect partner for a hot cup of black coffee or a cozy spiced tea, which helps to balance its sweetness.
A La Mode: For a truly decadent dessert experience, serve a slightly warm slice with a small scoop of high-quality vanilla bean ice cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Follow these simple tips to ensure your Apple Dapple Cake is a stunning success.

The Cake Sticking to the Pan: This is the most common fear when using a detailed Bundt pan.
- Solution: Be meticulous when preparing your pan. Use a baking spray that contains flour and ensure you coat every single nook and cranny. Alternatively, you can grease the pan thoroughly with softened butter and then dust it with flour.
An Overmixed, Tough Cake: Overmixing the batter after adding the flour can develop the gluten and result in a dense, tough cake.
- Solution: Mix the dry ingredients in on the lowest possible speed and stop the second you no longer see streaks of flour. Finish incorporating everything with a gentle fold using a spatula.
A Dry Cake: This can happen if the cake is overbaked.
- Solution: Start checking for doneness at the 1-hour and 10-minute mark. A wooden skewer inserted into the thickest part of the cake should come out completely clean.

Storing and Make-Ahead Tips

This cake stores wonderfully, and its flavour and texture are just as amazing on day two or three.

Storing: Cover and store the finished cake at room temperature for up to 3 days. The oil base and the caramel glaze help to keep it incredibly moist.
Freezing: This cake also freezes beautifully. You can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. Wrap them well in two layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Let the cake thaw at room temperature before serving.

Conclusion

The Apple Dapple Cake is a true Southern classic for a reason. It’s a simple, unassuming Bundt cake that delivers an astonishing level of moistness and flavour. The genius technique of pouring hot caramel glaze over the warm cake creates a tender, decadent crumb that is perfectly complemented by the warm spices, sweet apples, and crunchy pecans. This is a recipe that is guaranteed to earn a permanent place in your heart and your recipe box.

We are so excited for you to experience the comforting magic of this Apple Dapple Cake. Give this recipe a try for your next family gathering and let us know how much you loved it in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate the recipe and subscribe for more timeless and delicious baking inspiration.

FAQs

Q1. What are the best apples to use for this cake?

The recipe specifies Gala apples, which are a fantastic choice because they are firm enough to hold their shape but also sweet. Other great options that are firm and flavourful include Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, or Jonagold.

Q2. Can I make this in a different pan if I don’t have a Bundt pan?

Yes, you can. This cake can be baked in a 9×13-inch pan. The baking time will likely be shorter, so start checking for doneness with a toothpick around the 45-50 minute mark.

Q3. Can I make this cake without nuts?

Absolutely! If you have a nut allergy or simply prefer a nut-free cake, you can omit the toasted pecans entirely. The cake will still be wonderfully moist and delicious.