Print

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

4.8 from 88 reviews

A moist and flavorful Apple Fritter Cake inspired by the classic apple fritter donut, featuring tender cinnamon-spiced apples baked into a soft cake with a sweet vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Filling

  • 2 cups granny smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium)
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp water

Cake Batter

  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup greek yogurt or sour cream

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apple Filling: In a small saucepan, combine diced granny smith apples, 1/3 cup white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and the apples soften. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a large mixing bowl, beat the unsalted butter, dark brown sugar, and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
  4. Add Wet Ingredients: To the creamed butter mixture, add the applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
  5. Incorporate Dry Ingredients and Yogurt: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternating with the greek yogurt (or sour cream), beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined; do not overmix.
  6. Fold in Apple Filling: Gently fold the cooled apple filling into the batter, distributing the apples evenly without breaking them down too much.
  7. Bake the Cake: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. Pour batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  8. Prepare the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
  9. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is out of the oven and slightly cooled but still warm, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top. Allow the glaze to set before slicing and serving.

Notes

  • Use granny smith apples for a tart balance to the sweetness of the cake.
  • Ensure the apple filling is completely cooled before folding into the batter to prevent it from melting the batter too much.
  • Greek yogurt or sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake.
  • Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to a week.
  • This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of coffee or tea.

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