Craving the flavors of a classic apple fritter but without the hassle of frying? This apple fritter cake recipe is your answer. It’s packed with chunks of tart apples, spiced with cinnamon, and finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. The best part? It’s all baked into a soft, moist cake that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Serve it warm for an irresistible dessert, snack, or even breakfast treat.
Looking for more cozy fall treats? You might also enjoy this Pumpkin Pie Cake, which is another seasonal favorite that brings rich flavors to your table.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Cake
This recipe brings all the best flavors of a traditional apple fritter into a simple, delicious cake. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with it:
- Full of Apple Flavor: Tart apples add a juicy, slightly tangy bite that balances the sweetness.
- Warm Spices: Cinnamon and nutmeg bring that warm, comforting taste that makes this cake irresistible.
- Easy Vanilla Icing: A sweet vanilla glaze on top gives the cake that perfect finishing touch.
- No Frying Required: Unlike traditional apple fritters, this cake is baked, not fried—making it easier and less messy.
- Perfect for Any Time: Whether for dessert, brunch, or an afternoon snack, this cake is always a hit.
If you’re a fan of comforting, homemade desserts, check out these Banana Chocolate Chip Cookies for a delicious mix of banana and chocolate that pairs wonderfully with a hot drink on a chilly day.
What Is Apple Fritter Cake?
Think of it as a baked version of an apple fritter but in cake form. It’s a light, spiced cake with chunks of apples scattered on top. As it bakes, the apples soften, and the sugar and cinnamon form a slightly caramelized layer. The cake is then topped with a smooth vanilla glaze that soaks into the warm cake, adding a sweet and creamy element.
This recipe is perfect for using up seasonal apples or when you’re craving a comforting, homemade dessert. For more fall-inspired cakes, don’t miss out on this Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Casserole for a warm, cinnamon-laden treat.
Tips for Making the Best Apple Fritter Cake
- Choose the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith work best here. They hold their shape while baking and add a nice contrast to the sweetness.
- Brown the Butter: Don’t skip this step! Browning the butter gives the cake a rich, nutty flavor that takes it to the next level.
- Generous Glaze: Pour the glaze on while the cake is still warm, so it can seep into the cake and make it extra moist.
- Serve Warm: For the best flavor and texture, serve the cake warm. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds if needed.
For more creative dessert ideas, check out these Easy Dessert Recipes that are sure to please any crowd.
Baking Instructions for Apple Fritter Cake
This cake is straightforward to make, and the results are well worth the effort. Start by preparing the apple mixture with tart apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Toss it all together and let it sit while you prepare the batter.
The batter comes together easily. First, brown the butter in a saucepan. Once cooled, mix in the sugars, spices, eggs, and sour cream. The flour, baking powder, and baking soda get added last, forming a smooth batter.
Pour the batter into a prepared baking dish, then scatter the apple mixture over the top. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean. Once the cake is slightly cooled, drizzle it with a homemade vanilla glaze.
Craving more unique desserts? Give these Coconut Flour Brownies a try, especially if you’re looking for a gluten-free option that doesn’t skimp on rich, chocolatey flavor.
How to Serve and Store Your Apple Fritter Cake
This cake shines when served warm, with the vanilla glaze still slightly sticky and the apples soft and sweet. It pairs perfectly with:
- Vanilla Ice Cream: Add a scoop on top of a warm slice for a creamy, cool contrast.
- Whipped Cream: Light and fluffy, it complements the spiced cake without overpowering the flavors.
- Hot Coffee or Tea: Whether for breakfast or an afternoon treat, this cake goes great with a cup of your favorite warm drink.
Storing: You can keep the cake covered at room temperature for up to two days. For longer storage, refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheating: Reheat slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to bring back that warm, just-baked taste.
Freezing: Want to make it ahead? This cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat before serving.
For more fall dessert inspiration, you might like to try these 30 Easy Fall Desserts that capture all the warm and cozy flavors of the season.
Variations and Add-Ons
This apple fritter cake recipe is versatile, so you can customize it to suit your tastes. Here are a few ideas:
- Add Chopped Nuts: Pecans or walnuts add crunch and extra flavor to the cake. Sprinkle them on top with the apples or mix them into the batter.
- Try Different Apples: Don’t have tart apples? Use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala for a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Swap out the regular flour for a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and you’ve got a gluten-free version of this cake.
- Add a Caramel Drizzle: For even more indulgence, drizzle caramel sauce over the vanilla icing.
For those who love experimenting with flavors, these White Chocolate Raspberry Cookies offer a fruity twist to a classic treat that pairs well with the richness of the apple fritter cake.
FAQ
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, you can bake the cake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Before serving, reheat the slices to enjoy that fresh, warm taste.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling the apples is recommended. The skin can affect the texture of the cake and may not break down fully during baking.
What other fruits can I use?
This recipe works well with other fruits like pears or peaches. Just be sure to adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the fruit.
This apple fritter cake is an easy and delicious way to enjoy all the flavors of a classic apple fritter without the fuss. The combination of tart apples, warm spices, and sweet vanilla icing is absolutely perfect. Whether you’re baking for a special occasion or just looking for a comforting treat, this cake delivers.
The soft, moist cake paired with the slightly caramelized apples and a generous drizzle of vanilla glaze will have you coming back for more. Give this recipe a try, and watch it become a favorite in your kitchen!
For more comforting fall desserts, explore this Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread for a lighter but equally delicious alternative to your traditional fall treats.
Apple Fritter Cake: The Perfect Fall Dessert
16
servings20
minutes1
hour5
minutes346
kcalIngredients
- For the Cake:
1 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing the pan)
4 ½ cups tart apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup packed light brown sugar (divided)
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
¾ cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs (room temperature)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup full-fat sour cream (room temperature)
⅓ cup apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
¼ teaspoon baking soda
- For the Icing:
1 cup confectioner’s sugar
1 pinch salt
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons heavy cream (or as needed)
Directions
- Brown the Butter:
In a medium saucepan, melt 1 cup of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Stir frequently until the butter becomes browned and fragrant. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. - Transfer the browned butter to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 15 minutes before using.
- Prepare the Apples:
In a large bowl, combine the finely chopped tart apples and lemon juice. Toss them together to prevent the apples from browning. - Add ½ cup of brown sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the apples, mixing until the apples are evenly coated. Set this mixture aside to let the flavors blend.
- Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and generously grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter to prevent sticking. - Make the Batter:
In the bowl with the cooled brown butter, add the white sugar, remaining ½ cup of brown sugar, ½ teaspoon of cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. Whisk everything together until well combined. - Next, whisk in the eggs and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth.
- Add in the sour cream and apple cider, mixing until fully incorporated.
- Gradually fold in the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir until the batter is smooth but don’t overmix it.
- Assemble the Cake:
Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it into an even layer. - Spread the apple mixture evenly over the top of the batter, including any juices that may have accumulated in the bowl.
- Bake the Cake:
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 65 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the cake; it should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. - Once baked, allow the cake to cool for 15 to 20 minutes before adding the icing.
- Make the Icing:
While the cake is cooling, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, pinch of salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Continue whisking until the icing is smooth and pourable. If it’s too thick, add more cream, one tablespoon at a time. - Ice the Cake:
Pour the icing over the warm cake, using a spatula to spread it evenly over the top. Let the icing set for a few minutes before serving. - Serve Warm:
For the best flavor and texture, serve this apple fritter cake warm. Enjoy the combination of tender spiced cake, juicy apples, and sweet vanilla icing with your favorite cup of tea or coffee!
