Apple Fritter Cake is the perfect combination of two beloved treats—warm, spiced apple fritters and a moist, tender cake. This delightful dessert brings the best of both worlds into one easy-to-make recipe, offering a comforting sweetness with every bite. Packed with chunks of fresh apples and dusted with cinnamon sugar, it’s like enjoying a freshly fried apple fritter, minus the frying!
With its soft crumb and sweet, sticky glaze, this cake is a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Whether you serve it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or as a dessert for your next gathering, this Apple Fritter Cake will fill your home with a mouthwatering aroma that’s sure to make everyone’s day a little brighter.
Perfect for cozy fall mornings or festive family get-togethers, this cake is an irresistible treat that brings the comforting flavors of apple fritters in a whole new way. Let’s bake up something special that’s sure to become a new favorite!
Apple Fritter Cake
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Butter knife or skewer for poking holes
- 9×13-inch baking pan
- Mixing bowls (2-3)
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cups peeled and large diced Granny Smith Apples
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup dark brown sugar
- ⅓ cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp water
Cake
- ⅓ cup butter, room temperature
- 1 tsp baking powder
- ½ cup applesauce
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2¼ cups flour
- 1 tsp vanilla
Glaze
- ⅓ cup milk
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
Instructions
- Cook apples, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until softened and thickened until it cools.
- Combine brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch pan.
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Mix in applesauce, vanilla, and eggs.
- Combine dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon) in a bowl.
- Add dry ingredients and Greek yogurt alternately to the wet mixture, starting and ending with the dry.
- Spread half the batter in the pan.
- Top with apple mixture and 2/3 of the brown sugar.
- Spread the remaining batter on top and sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, until set.
- Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze.
- Poke holes in the warm cake and pour glaze evenly.
- Let set for 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure apples are cooked until soft but not mushy for the perfect texture.
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 526kcal |
| Total Fat | 21.1g |
| Carbohydrates | 78.4g |
| Protein | 7.3g |
Tips To Make This Recipe Taste Even Better!
- Use Fresh, Tart Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well for a balance of sweetness and tartness, enhancing the cake’s overall flavor.
- Add Spices: Boost the flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice to the apple mixture or the batter for extra warmth.
- Use Brown Butter: Brown the butter before mixing it into the cake batter for a deeper, nutty flavor.
- Incorporate Chopped Nuts: Add chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter or sprinkle on top for a satisfying crunch.