Description
Apple Fritter Cake is a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake layered with tender apples and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze. Inspired by the classic doughnut, it’s an easy-to-make, shareable treat that’s perfect for brunch or dessert.
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)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, toss diced apples with 2 tbsp granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then mix in vanilla.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg.
- Gradually add dry ingredients to the creamed mixture, alternating with milk, mixing until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared dish. Top with half the apple mixture and half the cinnamon swirl (1/3 cup brown sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon).
- Repeat with remaining batter, apples, and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl through the layers.
- Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- While the cake cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth to make the glaze.
- Drizzle glaze over warm cake. Let it sit for 15 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of apple varieties for balanced flavor.
- Buttermilk adds richness and helps keep the cake tender.
- Add chopped nuts to the apple layer for crunch.
- Toss apples in a bit of flour to prevent sogginess.
- Store covered at room temp or refrigerate for longer shelf life.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 34g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 53g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 65mg