Best Apple Fritter Cake Recipe You’ll Love

There’s just something about the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking that instantly makes my kitchen feel like home. It’s a scent that evokes warmth, comfort, and so many wonderful memories for me. Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share one of my favorite comforting creations: this incredible Apple Fritter Cake Recipe.

I promise you, this cake delivers all the irresistible flavors of a classic apple fritter without any of the deep-frying fuss. It’s wonderfully easy to make and results in a moist, tender cake studded with sweet apples and topped with a lovely glaze. This delightful treat is perfect for breakfast, dessert, or any time you need a little something special.

What is an Apple Fritter Cake Recipe?

An Apple Fritter Cake is my answer to enjoying the beloved flavors of traditional apple fritters in a whole new, fuss-free way. Imagine a beautifully moist, spiced cake that’s generously loaded with tender, cinnamon-spiced apple pieces throughout. This delightful creation is then often crowned with a sweet, delicate glaze.

Essentially, I’ve taken all the goodness of a deep-fried apple fritter, like the warm spices and soft apple bits, and transformed it into an easy-to-bake cake. It offers that comforting, familiar taste profile but in a convenient, no-fry format that’s perfect for home baking.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

I truly believe this cake will become a cherished recipe in your home, just as it has in mine. Here are a few reasons why I think you’ll adore my Apple Fritter Cake Recipe:

• No Frying Needed: I love that you get all the delicious taste of an apple fritter without the mess or hassle of deep-frying. It’s so much simpler for a home cook!
• Incredibly Moist and Tender: Thanks to ingredients like applesauce and Greek yogurt, this cake stays wonderfully moist and tender for days, making every bite a delight.
• Comforting, Familiar Flavors: The classic combination of apples, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze creates a warm, inviting flavor profile that’s reminiscent of cozy autumn days.
• Family-Friendly Dessert: This cake is a crowd-pleaser that everyone, from little ones to adults, will enjoy. It’s perfect for gatherings, potlucks, or just a sweet treat at home.

Essential Equipment for Your Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Before I dive into the baking process, I want to make sure you have all the tools you need handy. Having the right equipment makes such a difference in the kitchen!

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Stand mixer (or a hand mixer)
• Medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowls
• Small mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Butter knife (for poking holes)

Ingredients for the Best Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

I always say that quality ingredients are the foundation of any truly delicious dish, and this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is no exception. Using fresh, good-quality items really makes all the difference in the final flavor and texture.

For this recipe, I specifically call for Granny Smith apples because their tartness beautifully balances the sweetness of the cake. Greek yogurt or sour cream adds incredible moisture and a lovely tang that enhances the overall flavor, making the cake tender and rich. And, of course, cinnamon is the star spice here; I use it in three places to ensure that warm, aromatic flavor permeates every bite.

If you love cinnamon as much as I do, you should also try this Easy & Delicious Tres Leches Cinnamon Rolls Recipe.

Here is everything I use for my cake:

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

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Baking this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is a joyful process, and I’m here to walk you through each step. Take your time, enjoy the process, and I know you’ll create something truly wonderful.

1. In a medium saucepan, I combine the peeled and diced apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, cornstarch, and water.
2. I heat this mixture on medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the liquid thickens. You’ll see the liquid become syrupy, which is exactly what I want. Then, I set it aside to cool completely.
3. In a small bowl, I mix together the dark brown sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. This is my delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl! I set this aside for later.
4. Next, I preheat my oven to 350°F. Then, I coat a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.
5. In the bowl of my stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, I mix the room temperature butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together for 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender cake.
6. I add the applesauce, vanilla, and eggs to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until everything is well combined. I make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure an even mix.
7. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and the last teaspoon of cinnamon. This ensures my dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. I gradually add the whisked dry mixture and the Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients in alternating parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. I mix until just combined; it’s important not to overmix here.
9. I spread about half of the cake batter evenly into the bottom of my prepared 9×13 pan.
10. Then, I carefully spoon the cooled apple mixture over the batter, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
11. Next, I sprinkle about two-thirds of the prepared brown sugar and cinnamon mixture all over the apple layer.
12. I then gently dollop and spread the remaining cake batter over the apple and brown sugar layer, covering it completely. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth; a little texture is charming.
13. Finally, I sprinkle the remaining one-third of the brown sugar mixture all over the top of the cake.
14. I bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
15. When the cake has only a few minutes left baking, I quickly prepare my glaze. In a medium bowl, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and the last teaspoon of vanilla until it’s smooth and pourable.
16. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, I immediately poke about 30 holes all over the top using a butter knife. This allows the glaze to soak in beautifully.
17. I pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, spreading it to cover completely. Then, I let the glaze set up for about 20 minutes before I slice and serve.

Expert Baking Tips for a Perfect Apple Fritter Cake

I want you to have the most delicious experience with this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe, so I’m sharing a few of my tried-and-true baking tips. These little secrets can truly elevate your results.

• Room Temperature Ingredients are Key: I always make sure my butter, eggs, and Greek yogurt are at room temperature. This helps them emulsify better with other ingredients, creating a smooth, cohesive batter that bakes up more evenly and yields a lighter, fluffier cake texture.
• Do Not Overmix the Batter: Once I start adding the flour, I mix only until just combined. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour too much, which can lead to a tough, dense cake. I want a tender crumb, so I stop mixing as soon as I no longer see streaks of dry flour.
• Cook the Apples Down Slightly: Pre-cooking the apples ensures they become tender and flavorful within the baking time of the cake. It also allows the spices to meld beautifully with the apples before they even hit the batter, resulting in a more robust apple flavor throughout the cake.
• Knowing When Your Cake is Done: Every oven is a little different, so I always rely on visual cues and the toothpick test. I look for the cake edges to pull away slightly from the pan and a light golden-brown color. When I insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out with just a few moist crumbs, not wet batter.

For another delightful treat, explore other treats and drinks recipes.

Variations & Customizations for Your Apple Fritter Cake

I love how versatile this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is! I often play around with different flavors and textures, and I encourage you to do the same. Here are some ideas for variations and substitutions I enjoy:

Troubleshooting Common Apple Fritter Cake Problems

I know baking can sometimes have its little challenges, and I want to help you overcome them. Here are some common issues I’ve encountered with this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe and my advice for them:

• Dry Cake: If your cake turns out dry, I suspect it might have been overbaked or the batter was overmixed. To prevent this, I always keep a close eye on the baking time and rely on the toothpick test. Also, I mix the wet and dry ingredients just until combined, never longer.
• Apples Not Soft Enough: This usually means the apples weren’t cooked quite long enough in the saucepan. I recommend ensuring they are tender when you test them after the initial cooking step. If they’re still firm, I’d cook them for another minute or two before setting them aside to cool.
• Glaze Not Setting: If your glaze seems too runny and isn’t setting up, it likely needs a bit more powdered sugar. I add it in small increments, a tablespoon at a time, until I reach a thicker, spreadable consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thick, I add a tiny bit more milk, a teaspoon at a time.

Interested in another apple recipe? Check out this The Ultimate Apple Spice Cake Using Box Cake.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips for Apple Fritter Cake

I find this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is fantastic for making ahead, and it stores beautifully. Here’s how I keep it fresh and delicious:

• Storage at Room Temperature: I store any leftover cake tightly covered with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
• Refrigeration: If I want it to last longer, I refrigerate the cake, still tightly covered, for up to 5 days. I usually let it come to room temperature or gently warm a slice before serving to bring out the flavors.
• Freezing: This cake freezes wonderfully! I can freeze the entire cake or individual slices. To freeze, I wrap the cooled cake tightly in plastic wrap, then again in aluminum foil, and place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep for up to 2-3 months.
• Thawing: When I’m ready to enjoy, I simply transfer the frozen cake (still wrapped) to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Individual slices can be thawed at room temperature for an hour or so.

Serving Suggestions for Your Apple Fritter Cake

While this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is absolutely divine on its own, I love to elevate the experience with a few simple additions. These are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• A Dollop of Whipped Cream: A light, unsweetened whipped cream provides a lovely contrast to the cake’s sweetness.
• Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream: For a truly decadent treat, I serve a warm slice of cake with a scoop of good quality vanilla bean ice cream. The warm-cold contrast is heavenly!
• Dusting of Powdered Sugar: For a simple yet elegant presentation, a light dusting of powdered sugar adds a touch of charm.
• With a Hot Beverage: This cake pairs perfectly with a freshly brewed cup of coffee, a warm mug of spiced chai, or a comforting glass of apple cider.

FAQs About Apple Fritter Cake

I often get questions about my recipes, and I love answering them! Here are some common queries I receive about this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe:

Conclusion

I truly hope you feel inspired to try my Apple Fritter Cake Recipe in your own kitchen! It brings me so much joy to create recipes that are not only delicious but also approachable for every home cook. This cake, with its warm spices, tender apples, and sweet glaze, is pure comfort in every bite, and I think you’ll find it incredibly simple and rewarding to make.

If you give this recipe a try, please let me know what you think! I love hearing about your baking adventures. Feel free to leave a comment below, ask any questions you might have, or share your own results with me. Happy baking, my friends!

Love bakery-style treats without the deep fryer? Follow us on Pinterest for more cozy, easy bakes like this Apple Fritter Cake. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or a sweet moment anytime!

Emily

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe You’ll Love

There’s just something about the aroma of apples and cinnamon baking that instantly makes my kitchen feel like home. Today, I am absolutely thrilled to share one of my favorite comforting creations: this incredible Apple Fritter Cake Recipe.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 12 serves

Course: Cake

Cuisine: Breakfast

Calories: 526

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

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Cake Ingredients

• 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
• 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 Ingredients

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

Equipment

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Stand mixer (or a hand mixer)
• medium saucepan
• Large mixing bowls
• Small mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Rubber Spatula
• Butter knife

Method

 

1. In a medium saucepan, I combine the peeled and diced apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, cornstarch, and water.
2. I heat this mixture on medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the apples soften slightly and the liquid thickens. You’ll see the liquid become syrupy, which is exactly what I want. Then, I set it aside to cool completely.
3. In a small bowl, I mix together the dark brown sugar and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. This is my delicious cinnamon-sugar swirl! I set this aside for later.
4. Next, I preheat my oven to 350°F. Then, I coat a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray and set it aside.
5. In the bowl of my stand mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, I mix the room temperature butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar together for 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step incorporates air for a tender cake.
6. I add the applesauce, vanilla, and eggs to the butter mixture and mix on medium speed until everything is well combined. I make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl as necessary to ensure an even mix.
7. In a separate, medium-sized bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and the last teaspoon of cinnamon. This ensures my dry ingredients are evenly distributed.
8. I gradually add the whisked dry mixture and the Greek yogurt into the wet ingredients in alternating parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. I mix until just combined; it’s important not to overmix here.
9. I spread about half of the cake batter evenly into the bottom of my prepared 9×13 pan.
10. Then, I carefully spoon the cooled apple mixture over the batter, spreading it gently to cover the surface.
11. Next, I sprinkle about two-thirds of the prepared brown sugar and cinnamon mixture all over the apple layer.
12. I then gently dollop and spread the remaining cake batter over the apple and brown sugar layer, covering it completely. It’s okay if it’s not perfectly smooth; a little texture is charming.
13. Finally, I sprinkle the remaining one-third of the brown sugar mixture all over the top of the cake.
14. I bake the cake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
15. When the cake has only a few minutes left baking, I quickly prepare my glaze. In a medium bowl, I whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and the last teaspoon of vanilla until it’s smooth and pourable.
16. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, I immediately poke about 30 holes all over the top using a butter knife. This allows the glaze to soak in beautifully.
17. I pour the glaze evenly over the warm cake, spreading it to cover completely. Then, I let the glaze set up for about 20 minutes before I slice and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 526kcal

Notes

I truly hope you feel inspired to try my Apple Fritter Cake Recipe in your own kitchen! It brings me so much joy to create recipes that are not only delicious but also approachable for every home cook. This cake, with its warm spices, tender apples, and sweet glaze, is pure comfort in every bite, and I think you’ll find it incredibly simple and rewarding to make.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!