Name: Apple Fritter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix); 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for apples); 2 tbsp granulated sugar (for apples); 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened; 1 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 3 large eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 1/2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg (optional); 1 cup milk (or buttermilk); 1/3 cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon (for cinnamon swirl); 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love apple fritters but want something easier and more shareable, this cake is your answer. It combines the comfort of a coffee cake with the flavors of a doughnut shop favorite. Perfect for brunch, dessert, or even a sweet breakfast, this cake is packed with apples, cinnamon, and topped off with a glossy glaze that seeps into every bite. It’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
Granulated sugar
Brown sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg (optional)
All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Salt
Eggs
Unsalted butter (softened)
Milk (or buttermilk)
Vanilla extract
Powdered sugar (for glaze)
Milk or cream (for glaze)

Directions

Preheat the oven and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Peel, core, and dice the apples. Toss them with a bit of sugar and cinnamon; set aside.
In a bowl, cream together butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing well.
In another bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with milk, until just combined.
Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan. Top with half the apple mixture and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar.
Repeat the layers with remaining batter and apples, then swirl lightly with a knife for a marbled effect.
Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to soak in.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 12 to 16 servings. Prep time is about 20 minutes, baking takes 45 to 50 minutes, and the glaze is added while warm. Let the cake rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Variations

Add nuts: Stir chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple mixture for a nutty crunch.
Caramel version: Replace the glaze with a drizzle of warm caramel sauce.
Apple variety: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
Mini cakes: Bake in muffin tins for single-serving portions.
Spiced twist: Add cardamom or cloves for a more complex spice profile.
Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for up to 5 days. To reheat, warm individual slices in the microwave for 15–20 seconds. You can also freeze the cake (glazed or unglazed) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

FAQs

What apples are best for Apple Fritter Cake?

Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness and firmness, but Honeycrisp or a mix of both work beautifully.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop.

Do I need to cook the apples beforehand?

No, the apples bake along with the cake and become perfectly soft and flavorful.

Can I use buttermilk instead of milk?

Absolutely. Buttermilk adds extra richness and a slight tang that pairs well with the apples.

Is the glaze necessary?

The glaze adds that classic apple fritter sweetness, but you can skip it or replace it with a dusting of powdered sugar.

Can I make this into cupcakes?

Yes, portion the batter and apples into muffin tins and reduce the baking time to about 20–25 minutes.

How do I prevent the cake from becoming soggy?

Make sure the apple pieces are not overly juicy—tossing them with a bit of flour can help absorb excess moisture.

Can I add a streusel topping?

Yes, a buttery streusel made of flour, sugar, and butter can be added on top before baking for extra crunch.

How long will the glaze stay soft?

The glaze will harden slightly as it cools but will remain soft underneath, soaking into the cake and keeping it moist.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Yes, a neutral oil can be used, though butter provides a richer flavor and better texture.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Cake takes everything you love about apple fritters and turns it into a moist, shareable cake that’s bursting with flavor. With its layers of spiced apples, tender crumb, and sweet glaze, it’s the ultimate cozy treat for any time of year. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, dessert, or just because, this cake is guaranteed to be a hit.