Irresistible Apple Fritter Cake Recipe You’ll Love

I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you: Apple Fritter Cake. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, perfect for those cozy days when you want something sweet and comforting.

This recipe combines the deliciousness of apple fritters with the ease of making a cake. Get ready for a treat that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, it takes only about an hour to make, start to finish! Let’s dive into this amazing Apple Fritter Cake recipe!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

I promise, this isn’t just any cake! Here’s why I think you’ll absolutely adore it:

• Easier than traditional fritters: Forget deep-frying and all that fuss. This cake gives you the same amazing flavor with so much less effort.
• Simple ingredients: I’ve designed this recipe using everyday ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.
• Comforting flavor: The combination of apples, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze is like a warm blanket for your taste buds. It’s the perfect comfort food!
• Perfect for any occasion: This cake is fantastic for brunch, dessert, or just a special treat any time of day.

Key Ingredients for the Best Apple Fritter Cake

To make this Apple Fritter Cake truly shine, we’re using a mix of ingredients that work together beautifully. The apple filling provides a soft, fruity center, while the cake itself is moist and tender. Finally, the glaze adds the perfect touch of sweetness. Let’s take a quick look at the key players.

For the filling, we have tart Granny Smith apples, sugar, and cinnamon. The cake features staples like flour, butter, and applesauce, plus a hint of Greek yogurt for extra moisture. And, of course, we can’t forget the simple yet divine glaze, made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Each component plays a crucial role in making this cake unforgettable.

If you’re looking for other easy desserts, you might enjoy trying an easy apple spice cake using box cake.

Ingredients for Apple Fritter Cake

Here’s everything you’ll need to bake this amazing Apple Fritter Cake. I’ve broken it down into sections for the apple filling, the cake itself, and that luscious glaze.

Apple Filling:

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

Apple Fritter Cake:

• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/3 cup butter, room temperature
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

Glaze:

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

Best Apples to Use for Apple Fritter Cake

Choosing the right apples can really elevate your Apple Fritter Cake! I usually go for Granny Smith apples because their tartness balances the sweetness of the cake and glaze perfectly. They also hold their shape well during baking, which is a plus.

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, Honeycrisp apples are a great choice. Their crisp texture and sweet-tart taste add a lovely dimension to the cake. Feel free to experiment by mixing different types of apples! A combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp can give you the best of both worlds. The key is to use apples that complement each other and provide a well-rounded flavor profile. According to Harvard’s The Nutrition Source, one medium apple provides about 95 calories.

Don’t forget to browse our other bakes and sweets recipes for more inspiration!

Recommended Equipment

Having the right equipment can make baking this cake a breeze!

• 9×13 inch baking pan: This is the perfect size for ensuring your cake bakes evenly and has a nice, thick profile. I prefer a light-colored metal pan for even baking.
• Stand mixer (or hand mixer): A mixer makes creaming the butter and sugar together much easier and ensures a smooth, well-combined batter. If you don’t have a stand mixer, a hand mixer works just as well.
• Saucepan: You’ll need a medium saucepan to cook the apple filling.
• Whisk: For blending your dry ingredients.
• Mixing bowls: A variety of sizes for different components.
• Rubber spatula: For scraping the sides of the bowl.

How to Make Apple Fritter Cake: Step-by-Step Instructions

Don’t worry, this recipe is super easy to follow! I’ve broken it down into simple steps so you can bake with confidence. I know you’ll love the results!

Make the Apple Filling

1. In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups peeled and large diced Granny Smith Apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons water.
2. Heat on medium heat for 5-6 minutes until apples soften and the liquid thickens.
3. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and the sauce is glossy.
4. Set aside to cool.

Prepare the Cake Batter

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. In the bowl of your stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, mix 1/3 cup butter (room temperature) and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together for 3 minutes until fluffy.
3. Add 1/2 cup applesauce, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 eggs and mix on medium until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as necessary.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoons baking powder, 1 teaspoons baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon.
5. Add the dry mixture and 1 cup Greek yogurt in alternating parts, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix the batter, as this can make the cake tough.

Assemble and Bake the Apple Fritter Cake

1. Mix 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl.
2. Spread 1/2 of the cake batter in the bottom of the prepared pan.
3. Top with the apple mixture, spreading carefully to cover the batter. Then top with 2/3 of the brown sugar, sprinkling all over the apple mixture.
4. Cover with the remaining batter and sprinkle the remaining 1/3 of the brown sugar all over the top.
5. Bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.

Make the Glaze

1. When the cake has only a few minutes left baking, prepare the glaze.
2. In a medium bowl, mix 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla until smooth.
3. Add more milk, one tablespoon at a time, if needed, to reach the desired consistency.

Glaze the Cake

1. When the cake is done, immediately poke holes in the cake using a butter knife, about 30 pokes.
2. Pour the glaze over the top of the cake spreading to cover it completely.
3. Let the glaze set up for about 20 minutes before serving. The glaze should create a sweet, slightly crunchy coating over the top of the cake.

Tips for Baking the Perfect Apple Fritter Cake

Here are a few of my favorite tips to help you achieve Apple Fritter Cake perfection:

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter, eggs, and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. This helps them blend together smoothly and creates a more even batter.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
• Applesauce Magic: The applesauce adds moisture to the cake, keeping it tender and delicious.
• Greek Yogurt: I love using Greek yogurt or sour cream because it adds a lovely tang and richness to the cake, as well as extra moisture.
• Even Baking: Rotate the cake halfway through baking to ensure it bakes evenly.
• Poking Holes: Don’t skip the step of poking holes in the cake before glazing. This allows the glaze to seep into the cake, making it extra flavorful and moist.

Gluten-Free and Vegan Adaptations

Yes, you absolutely can adapt this recipe to fit dietary restrictions!

• Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I recommend using a blend that contains xanthan gum, as it helps to bind the ingredients together.
• Vegan: Replace the butter with a vegan butter substitute. Use applesauce to replace the eggs (1/4 cup of applesauce per egg). Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative, such as soy or almond yogurt.

How to Store Your Apple Fritter Cake

To keep your Apple Fritter Cake fresh and delicious, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for up to a week. If refrigerating, let it come to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

For other storage tips, check out our snacks and drinks category.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Here are a few common mistakes people make when baking this cake, and how to avoid them:

• Cake Sinking in the Middle: This can happen if the oven temperature is too low, or if the batter is overmixed. Make sure your oven is properly preheated and avoid overmixing the batter.
• Glaze Being Too Thin: If your glaze is too thin, add more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
• Glaze Being Too Thick: If your glaze is too thick, add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until it thins out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some of the most common questions I get about this recipe:

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy this Apple Fritter Cake as much as I do! It’s a simple, comforting, and utterly delicious treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re baking for a crowd or just treating yourself, this cake is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Now, I’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite apple varieties to bake with? Have you tried this recipe? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! And if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy baking!

Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy homemade desserts like this Apple Fritter Cake, simple, sweet, and bursting with warm apple-cinnamon flavor!