Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful treat that combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a moist cake, topped with a sweet glaze reminiscent of classic apple fritters. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a comforting baked good.

Ingredients

• 3 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2-3 large honey crisp apples, 396 grams)
• 2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed, for topping)
• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted, for glaze)
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray an 8×8-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper with nonstick spray and set the pan aside.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and melt it. Stir in the diced apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are slightly tender and release their juices into a syrupy consistency, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup brown sugar and melted unsalted butter. Add the vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until smooth.
4. Step 4: Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and allspice. Whisk until just partially combined.
5. Step 5: Spoon all but ½ cup of the cooked apples (including the juices) into the batter. Fold gently using a rubber spatula until evenly distributed.
6. Step 6: Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Evenly distribute the reserved ½ cup of cooked apples and juices over the top of the batter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of brown sugar over everything.
7. Step 7: Bake for 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean with a few moist crumbs.
8. Step 8: While the cake bakes, prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust milk to achieve desired glaze consistency.
9. Step 9: When the cake is done, let it cool for 15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the cake, then slice and serve. It’s especially delicious served slightly warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use honey crisp apples for a sweet and crisp texture, or substitute with Granny Smith for a tart twist.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; use more milk for a thinner, more transparent glaze like traditional apple fritters.
• Adding a handful of chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before baking adds extra crunch.
• For a dairy-free version, replace milk with almond or oat milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.

Storage

Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for 4-5 days. Keep it in an airtight container to maintain moisture. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to enjoy a warm treat, or serve cold as preferred.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Fresh apples are best since they hold their texture well during cooking. If using frozen apples, thaw and drain excess liquid before cooking to avoid a soggy cake.

Is this cake suitable for making ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare and bake the cake a day ahead. Store it covered at room temperature and add the glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and moist.

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 58 reviews

This Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple fritters, combining tender diced apples and warm spices within a moist, spiced cake base, all topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, it offers the comforting flavors of apple fritters in a cake form, ideal for a breakfast treat, dessert, or snack.

• Author: nova
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 55 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 9 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 2 tablespoons butter (salted or unsalted)
• 3 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 396 grams, approximately 2–3 large Honeycrisp apples)
• 1/2 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cake

• 3/4 cup light brown sugar (packed)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup milk (whole or 2% preferred)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon allspice
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed, for topping)

Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2–3 tablespoons milk
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray an 8×8 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Spray the parchment paper lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking and set it aside.
2. Cook the Apples: Place a skillet over medium heat and melt the butter. Add the diced apples, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Stir occasionally and cook for about 8 minutes until the apples soften slightly and release their juices, creating a syrupy consistency. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 3/4 cup light brown sugar and melted butter. Add the vegetable oil, milk, vanilla extract, and eggs. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Combine Dry Ingredients: To the wet mixture, add the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and allspice. Whisk just until they are partially combined to avoid overmixing.
5. Fold in Apples: Take all but 1/2 cup of the cooked apple mixture (apples and juices) and fold them gently into the batter using a rubber spatula until combined.
6. Assemble the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared 8×8 inch pan, spreading it evenly. Distribute the reserved 1/2 cup of cooked apples with their juices on top of the batter. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of light brown sugar evenly over the top for added sweetness and texture.
7. Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes. Test doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs attached.
8. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, 2-3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Adjust milk quantity to achieve your preferred glaze consistency—thinner for a transparent glaze, thicker for a drizzle.
9. Finish and Serve: Once baked, remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake. Slice and serve for a deliciously comforting dessert or snack. Store leftovers covered at room temperature for 4-5 days.

Notes

• Use Honeycrisp or another sweet-tart apple variety for the best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a thicker glaze, use less milk; for a more translucent, thin glaze, add a bit more milk.
• Ensure not to overmix the batter once flour is added to keep the cake tender.
• You can substitute whole milk with 2% milk, but avoid skim milk for best results.
• Leftover cake is delicious slightly warmed but also tastes great at room temperature.
• For a dairy-free option, substitute butter and milk with plant-based alternatives.

Keywords: apple fritter cake, apple cake, spiced apple dessert, fall recipes, cinnamon apple cake, glazed apple cake