Apple Fritter Cake

Imagine the aroma of cinnamon and caramelized apples swirling through your kitchen as a golden, craggy-topped cake bakes to perfection. This Apple Fritter Cake brings everything you love about classic apple fritters into a warm, tender cake form. It's glazed generously, with all the cozy spice flavor and sticky sweetness you crave in a fall-inspired dessert, breakfast, or snack.

Each bite is layered with apple chunks, rich brown sugar, and a ribbon of cinnamon that melts into the moist crumb. It’s the kind of comfort food that disappears quickly at potlucks, brunches, or lazy weekend mornings. The best part? You don’t need to fry anything—this recipe bakes all that apple fritter magic into one easy pan.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Cake

This cake is perfect for anyone who adores the comforting flavors of a cinnamon-apple pastry but wants a less fussy way to enjoy it. It’s soft, rich, and loaded with spiced apples and a sweet glaze. Whether you’re baking for a cozy family breakfast or need a show-stopping dessert, this one hits every mark. Plus, it’s a no-mixer, one-pan kind of recipe—less mess, more joy.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Apple Fritter Cake, you’ll need a few key tools: a mixing bowl, whisk, rubber spatula, 9x13-inch baking dish, and a small saucepan for the glaze. The mixing bowl helps bring your batter together without over-mixing. A rubber spatula is essential for folding in the apple chunks gently. The baking dish is where the magic happens, and using one with even heat distribution (like ceramic or glass) ensures a consistent bake. Finally, the saucepan lets you whisk up a smooth glaze that drizzles beautifully over the warm cake.

Preparation Tips

For the best texture, use tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up well and balance the sweetness. Don’t overmix the batter; just fold until everything is combined. Let the cake cool slightly before adding the glaze so it sets perfectly on top instead of melting completely. If you want extra indulgence, warm the glaze slightly before drizzling—it spreads smoother and soaks into the nooks of the cake deliciously.

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Ingredients for this Apple Fritter Cake

For the Cake Batter:

• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup brown sugar (packed)
• 4 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 ½ cups whole milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract
• ½ cup unsalted butter (melted)

For the Apple Mixture:

• 2 large apples (peeled and diced, preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 1 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 2 tsp ground cinnamon
• ½ cup unsalted butter (softened)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp milk (adjust for desired consistency)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

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Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a small mixing bowl, toss together the peeled and diced apples with ⅓ cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon flour. Set aside and let the apples absorb the flavors while you prepare the batter.

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Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. In a separate bowl, combine the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—avoid overmixing.

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Step 3: Assemble the Cake Layers

Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the cake batter into the dish and spread evenly. Spoon half of the apple mixture evenly over the batter, then drop spoonfuls of half the cinnamon swirl mixture over that. Use a knife to gently swirl.

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Step 4: Add the Second Layer

Repeat with the remaining cake batter, followed by the rest of the apple mixture and cinnamon swirl. Again, gently swirl the top layer with a knife to create a marbled effect.

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Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the cake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and slightly crisp.

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Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While the cake is baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small saucepan or bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.

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Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about 10-15 minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake. Serve slices warm or at room temperature for maximum enjoyment.

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Notes

This Apple Fritter Cake is very forgiving and customizable. You can swap apples for pears, or even add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra texture. It’s best served warm, but can be made a day ahead and reheated slightly before serving. For a deeper flavor, use dark brown sugar in the swirl. You can also double the glaze if you love that extra sweetness coating every bite.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Overmixing the batter: Doing so can result in a dense, tough texture.
• Using overly sweet apples: Stick with tart varieties to avoid an overly sugary result.
• Skipping the swirl: That cinnamon-butter mixture is essential for flavor layering.
• Not testing with a toothpick: The gooey center can trick you into thinking it’s done—always check.
• Adding glaze too early: Wait until the cake has slightly cooled or the glaze will melt and disappear.

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Storage Instructions

Let the cake cool completely before storing. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will keep at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or a low oven to serve.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Calories: ~390 per serving
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Sugar: 34g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 4g
• Sodium: 180mg

(Note: Nutrition may vary based on specific brands and portion size.)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Apple Fritter Cake ahead of time?

Yes! Bake it a day ahead and reheat before serving. The flavors meld and deepen overnight.

What apples work best for this recipe?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their tartness and structure.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, just substitute a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?

You can use white sugar mixed with a bit of molasses as a substitute.

Can I add nuts?

Absolutely. Chopped pecans or walnuts work beautifully.

How should I reheat leftovers?

A few seconds in the microwave or 10 minutes in a 300°F oven will do the trick.

Can I use oil instead of butter?

Butter adds rich flavor, but you can substitute with neutral oil in the batter if needed.

Is this cake suitable for breakfast?

Definitely! It makes a fantastic sweet breakfast or brunch treat, similar to coffee cake.

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Conclusion

Apple Fritter Cake is the perfect answer when you want the nostalgia of a bakery-style fritter without frying. With tender chunks of apple, a buttery cinnamon swirl, and that sweet vanilla glaze, it's comfort in every bite. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or enjoy a slice the next day, this cake is a warm, spiced slice of happiness worth making again and again.

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