๐Ÿฅ„ Homestyle recipes, tested & loved
๐Ÿฅ˜Recipes by Nani
Dessert

Old Fashioned Apple Dapple Cake

This cozy apple cake is packed with fresh fruit and finished with a buttery caramel glaze that soaks right into every bite.

By Recipes By Naniยท ๐ŸŒ Americanยท September 28, 2026
Old Fashioned Apple Dapple Cake
recipesbynani.com
Prep
15 minutes
Cook
45 minutes
Total
1 hour
Serves
12

There is something so comforting about a simple apple cake cooling on the counter. This classic recipe uses plenty of fresh apples and warm cinnamon, which is why it is always a hit during the fall season when fruit is at its best. It is the perfect low stress dessert to bring to a gathering because you just bake it, poke some holes in the top, and pour that lovely caramel sauce over everything.

I love that you do not need any fancy decorating skills for this one. The caramel glaze does all the hard work for you by sinking deep into the sponge to keep it moist and rich. If you want a little extra crunch, try stirring a half cup of chopped walnuts or pecans into the batter before you put it in the oven.

๐Ÿงบ Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 3 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 3 1/2 cups chopped fresh apples
  • 1/2 cup salted butter
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

๐Ÿ‘ฉโ€๐ŸณInstructions

  1. 1

    Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish with nonstick spray.

  2. 2

    In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, granulated sugar, eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract until smooth.

  3. 3

    In a separate bowl, stir together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt.

  4. 4

    Add the dry mixture into the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined, then gently fold in your chopped apples.

  5. 5

    Spread the batter into your prepared pan and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

  6. 6

    While the cake is still warm, use a skewer or a fork to poke holes all over the top.

  7. 7

    In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the butter, brown sugar, heavy cream, and the remaining vanilla.

  8. 8

    Bring the glaze to a boil and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then pour it evenly over the warm cake and let it soak in before slicing.

๐Ÿ’ก Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. This cake is delicious served warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream.

Made this recipe? Let us know how it went.

You might also like