This Apple Dapple Cake is moist, spiced, and packed with fresh Granny Smith apples and crunchy nuts. Topped with a rich caramel glaze, it’s the ultimate fall dessert. Perfect for family gatherings or holiday feasts!
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- Shortening and flour to prepare the pan (see note)
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 4 large Granny Smith apples (about 1 3/4 pounds), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped
For the Glaze:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
1. Prepare the Pan:
- Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly.
2. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat to 325°F. Place the rack in the upper third of the oven.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sift a second time for an even blend.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix well.
- Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.
5. Combine the Batter:
- With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients until fully incorporated. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again.
- Fold in the chopped apples and nuts until evenly distributed.
6. Bake the Cake:
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake in the top third of the oven for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
7. Prepare the Glaze:
- While the cake bakes, combine all the glaze ingredients in a small saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon.
- Boil for 1 minute, then remove from heat.
8. Add the Glaze:
- Once the cake comes out of the oven, pour the warm glaze evenly over the top.
- Let the cake cool slightly before cutting into 12 pieces (3 rows × 4 rows).
Notes
- Pan Prep Tip: To ensure the cake doesn’t stick, grease the pan with shortening and dust it lightly with flour, tapping out any excess.
- Apple Choice: Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tart flavor, but you can substitute Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter option.
- Storage: Cover and store leftovers at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 38g
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