Apple Fritter Cake

You know that smell of warm apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen? That’s what this Apple Fritter Cake reminds me of. It’s like turning your favorite bakery treat into a cozy homemade dessert.

When I first made it, I couldn’t believe how soft and fluffy it turned out. The sweet apple chunks and brown sugar swirl melt right into the cake. Every bite tastes like fall in the best way.

I love drizzling a simple glaze on top while it’s still warm. It soaks in and makes the cake even more tender and sweet. Honestly, it never lasts a full day at my house.

So, grab some apples and let’s bake something that smells amazing and tastes even better. You’re going to love this one.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: It’s the perfect combination of cinnamon-spiced cake, tender apple filling, and a glaze that takes it to the next level. You’ll hear plenty of “Wow! This is amazing!” from anyone who tries it.
• Apple-licious: A generous amount of apples mixed into the cake batter adds a moist texture and great flavor that really makes this cake stand out.
• Simple to Make: No complicated techniques or ingredients—just a few steps to create an unforgettable treat.
• Perfectly Sweet: The combination of the sugar and glaze adds a perfect sweetness without overwhelming the flavor of the apples.
• Great for Meal Prep: This cake can be made ahead, stored, and enjoyed for several days—ideal for busy mornings or when you’re craving something sweet.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this Apple Fritter Cake, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:

• Mixing Bowls: For mixing dry and wet ingredients separately.
• Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer: Helps with beating the butter and sugar, plus mixing the cake batter evenly.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure out your ingredients accurately.
• 9×13-inch Baking Dish: Ideal for this cake’s size and will ensure even baking.
• Rubber Spatula: To fold the apples into the cake batter.
• Small Saucepan: For making the apple filling.
• Cooling Rack: To cool the cake before glazing.
• Whisk: To mix the powdered sugar and milk for the glaze.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Apple Fritter Cake:

For the Apple Filling:

• 2 cups peeled and large diced Granny Smith Apples (about 2 medium apples)
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For the Cake:

• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

For the Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/3 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Variations for Apple Fritter Cake

Apple Fritter Cake is incredibly versatile, so feel free to get creative with it! Here are some variations you can try:

• Different Apples: While Granny Smith apples are tart and perfect for baking, you can substitute with other apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. The sweetness and texture will vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.
• Add Nuts: If you love the crunch of nuts, feel free to add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. The nutty texture complements the cake and apples beautifully.
• Spice It Up: If you want a deeper spice flavor, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the cake batter or the apple filling for an extra kick of warmth.
• Make It Vegan: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, the eggs with flax eggs or a vegan egg substitute, and use a plant-based yogurt to make this cake completely vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apple Filling

Start by making the apple filling, as it needs time to cool while you prepare the cake. In a small saucepan, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. Cook this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Next, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a small bowl, then add it to the apples. Stir well, allowing the mixture to thicken. Once the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool.

2. Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, cream together the butter and granulated sugar using a hand mixer or stand mixer. Beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy.

Add the applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs to the bowl. Mix on low speed until the ingredients are combined. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure everything is incorporated evenly.

3. Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and cinnamon. This will ensure that the leavening agents and spices are evenly distributed throughout the cake batter.

4. Combine the Wet and Dry Ingredients

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing on low speed. Once all the dry ingredients are added, increase the speed to medium and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as that can lead to a denser cake.

Once the batter is mixed, add the Greek yogurt or sour cream to the bowl. Mix it in until fully incorporated—this will help keep the cake moist and tender.

5. Fold in the Apple Filling

Gently fold the cooled apple filling into the cake batter using a rubber spatula. You want to make sure the apples are evenly distributed throughout the batter without overmixing.

6. Bake the Cake

Preheat your oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and pour the batter into the dish. Spread it out evenly using a spatula.

Bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The top of the cake should be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch. If needed, rotate the pan halfway through baking to ensure even cooking.

7. Make the Glaze

While the cake is cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. The glaze should be smooth and pourable, but not too runny. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

8. Glaze the Cake

Once the cake has cooled for about 10-15 minutes, pour the glaze over the top of the cake. Use a spoon or spatula to spread it evenly across the surface. Let the glaze set for about 30 minutes to allow it to harden slightly before serving.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake

This Apple Fritter Cake can be enjoyed in many ways, whether it’s for breakfast, dessert, or a special treat with your afternoon coffee.

• Serve it as a dessert: Pair with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
• As a breakfast cake: The spiced apple filling and tender cake make it perfect for a comforting morning breakfast.
• For afternoon tea: Serve slices with a hot cup of tea or coffee, making it the ideal snack for a cozy afternoon break.

Storing Apple Fritter Cake

This cake stays fresh for about 3-4 days if stored properly:

• At room temperature: If you plan to eat it within a couple of days, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature.
• In the refrigerator: If you want it to last longer, store the cake in the fridge for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
• Freezing: You can freeze this cake for up to 3 months. Wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil before freezing. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before glazing and serving.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutrition for one serving of Apple Fritter Cake (based on 12 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	320
Total Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	45mg
Sodium	180mg
Total Carbohydrates	50g
Dietary Fiber	1g
Sugars	32g
Protein	3g

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Cake is an irresistible treat that combines the flavors of apple fritters with the ease and comfort of cake. With a soft and spiced cake, a delicious apple filling, and a sweet glaze, it’s sure to become a family favorite! Whether you serve it for breakfast, as a dessert, or enjoy it as a snack, this cake is guaranteed to please.

Try this recipe today and experience the warm, comforting flavors of an apple fritter in cake form. You’ll be glad you did!