If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dessert, you absolutely need to try my Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze Recipe. This cake has been a total game-changer in my kitchen—moist, packed with tender apple chunks, and topped with a glaze that’s bursting with warm cinnamon flavor. Trust me, once you make it, you’re gonna want to keep this one in your regular rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Perfect Balance of Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, nutmeg, and real apple chunks creates a comforting and nostalgic taste.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to the vegetable oil and apple pieces, the cake stays super soft even after a few days.
Cinnamon-Infused Glaze: This glaze adds a shiny, sweet, and slightly spicy finish that makes every bite irresistible.
Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this cake at gatherings and holidays, and I bet yours will too!

A large white rectangular baking dish holding a thick baked dessert with a golden-brown, slightly uneven cracked surface. The top is covered with a shiny, smooth glaze softly pooling into some crevices. The texture of the bake looks soft and moist with some risen, puffy areas giving it a fluffy look. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze, apple cake with cinnamon glaze, moist apple cake recipe, cinnamon apple dessert, cozy fall cake ideas

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze Recipe really comes from how the spices, apples, and sugars all work together to build layers of flavor and texture. I always suggest using fresh apples — crisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith give really nice contrast.

Flat lay of a small mound of all-purpose flour, a white ceramic bowl of light brown baking soda powder, a white ceramic bowl filled with ground cinnamon, a white ceramic bowl containing ground nutmeg, a small pile of coarse salt, a white ceramic bowl of golden vegetable oil, a white ceramic bowl of white granulated sugar, a white ceramic bowl of packed dark brown sugar, a small white ceramic bowl of clear vanilla extract, three whole large brown eggs with clean shells, a simple white ceramic bowl heaped with peeled, chopped crisp apple chunks, a small white ceramic bowl holding smooth golden butter, a white ceramic bowl filled with packed brown sugar, a white ceramic bowl with white granulated sugar, a white ceramic bowl of rich heavy cream, and a tiny white ceramic bowl with vanilla extract placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze, apple cake with cinnamon glaze, moist apple cake recipe, cinnamon apple dessert, cozy fall cake ideas

All-purpose flour: Acts as the structure of the cake; make sure it’s properly measured for the best texture.
Baking soda: Helps the cake rise and keeps it light.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that infuses every bite with warming flavor.
Ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle hint of earthiness and depth.
Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Vegetable oil: Keeps the cake super moist—don’t skip it!
Granulated sugar: For sweetness and that classic cake crumb.
Brown sugar: Brings rich molasses notes to the batter and glaze.
Vanilla extract: Boosts overall flavor with a lovely aroma.
Large eggs: Provide structure and richness.
Apples: Peeled and chopped into ½-inch chunks; fresh, crisp apples work best.
Butter (for glaze): Adds richness and a velvety texture to the glaze.
Heavy cream (for glaze): Makes the glaze luxuriously smooth and creamy.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love that this Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze Recipe is so versatile — a blank canvas for your creativity. Depending on what you have on hand or your preferences, it’s easy to tweak it.

Use Different Apples: I once swapped half the apples for crisp pears and loved the subtle twist in flavor and texture.
Gluten-Free: I experimented with a gluten-free flour blend and the cake still came out delicious, just be sure to add a little extra xanthan gum for structure.
Spice it Up: If you like a punchier spice flavor, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger — it’s delightful.
Nutty Add-In: I often throw in chopped walnuts or pecans with the apples for extra crunch and earthiness.

How to Make Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prepping the Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 325°F and greasing a 9×13-inch pan. In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Sifting is one trick I’ve learned that really helps prevent any clumps and distributes your spices evenly, so the cake bakes beautifully.

Step 2: Mixing the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until well combined and smooth—using an electric mixer at medium speed works best here. I add the vanilla extract next, then beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. This method makes the batter nice and uniform.

Step 3: Combining Everything

Now, gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet mixture, a little at a time, mixing well after each addition. Heads up: The batter will be quite thick, but that’s exactly how it should be. Next, fold in your peeled, chopped apples using a sturdy wooden spoon — this gentle folding technique prevents bruising the apples and keeps the cake texture intact.

Step 4: Baking the Cake

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out with a spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 50 to 60 minutes. I usually start checking at 50 minutes by inserting a toothpick in the center — if it comes out clean, the cake is done. Be careful not to overbake; you want the cake moist, not dry.

Step 5: Making the Cinnamon-Infused Glaze

While the cake bakes, prepare your glaze. Combine the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, heavy cream, and vanilla extract in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently until the mixture just begins to simmer—this usually takes around 5 minutes. Once it’s ready, remove it from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes so it’s thickened slightly but still pourable.

Step 6: Glazing and Serving

Pour the warm glaze evenly over your freshly baked cake while it’s still warm. The glaze will soak into the cake, adding that perfect sticky cinnamon finish. Then slice and serve—you’re going to get the ooey-gooey apple goodness with every bite. Enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: I prefer tart apples like Granny Smith for balance, but feel free to mix varieties for a more complex flavor.
Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense or tough; fold the dry ingredients gently and just until combined.
Watch the Baking Time: Ovens vary, so start checking at 50 minutes to avoid drying out your cake.
Apply Glaze While Warm: Pouring the glaze on while the cake is still warm helps it soak in for that luscious finish.

How to Serve Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze Recipe

The image shows a square piece of apple cake on a white plate. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is dense and brown with visible apple chunks and a crumbly texture, while the top layer is a thick, smooth light brown glaze that drips slightly down the sides. Behind the plate, there is a white baking dish with more cake inside and a green apple resting near it, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze, apple cake with cinnamon glaze, moist apple cake recipe, cinnamon apple dessert, cozy fall cake ideas

Garnishes

I like topping this cake with a light dusting of powdered sugar and sometimes a few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts. The garnish adds a touch of elegance and an extra layer of texture that my guests always appreciate.

Side Dishes

This Apple Dapple Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy autumn vibe, I often serve it alongside a warm cup of cinnamon-spiced chai or a hot apple cider.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday dinners or special occasions, I’ve served this cake layered with cream cheese frosting in between slices for a rustic apple dapple cake “layer cake.” It’s always a hit! Also, cutting it into mini squares and serving on a pretty platter with a drizzle of extra glaze makes it perfect for parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cake cools completely, I cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container on the counter — it stays fresh for about 3 days that way. If your kitchen is warm, popping it in the fridge is fine too; just let it come to room temperature before enjoying.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake by cutting it into individual slices and wrapping each slice in plastic wrap, then placing them in a sealed freezer bag. When ready to eat, I thaw slices overnight in the fridge. The cake still tastes great and the glaze remains deliciously sticky.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop individual slices in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds, just long enough to warm it up without melting the glaze too much. Sometimes I finish with a quick minute in a toaster oven — it adds a little crisp edge to the top that’s quite nice.

FAQs

Can I use other apples besides Granny Smith for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples add a pleasant tartness, you can also use Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or a mix depending on your preference — just choose firmer apples that hold their shape when baked.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?

Yes! For a dairy-free version, swap the butter in the glaze for a plant-based alternative like coconut oil or vegan butter, and use a non-dairy cream like coconut cream. The cake itself is already dairy-free except for the glaze ingredients.
Can I make this cake in a different pan size?

You can, but it may affect the baking time. If you use a smaller pan, the cake will be thicker and require more time; a larger pan will make a thinner cake that bakes faster. Keep an eye on it and use the toothpick test to check doneness.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins adds a bit of texture and flavor contrast — I recommend about ½ cup. Fold them in with the apples before baking.
How long will this cake stay fresh?

Stored in an airtight container at room temperature, the cake stays fresh for about 3 days. Refrigeration can extend this by a couple more days but might slightly dry the cake, so bring it to room temp before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Dapple Cake with Cinnamon-Infused Glaze Recipe has truly become a staple in my home when the seasons shift and apples are in abundance. It’s one of those desserts that feels like a warm hug in cake form, and I can’t recommend it enough. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family meal or a festive celebration, it’s sure to bring smiles all around the table. Give it a try—you’ll be so glad you did!