Apple Fritter Cake

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If you love bakery-style apple fritters but want something sliceable to serve with coffee or for dessert, this Apple Fritter Cake will hit all the right notes. It’s packed with cinnamon-sugar apples, soft buttery cake layers, and a luscious vanilla glaze that soaks into every crack for a tender, sticky crumb.

Every bite is like biting into an apple fritter, but with a fluffier, melt-in-your-mouth texture. The warm spiced apples, buttery cake, and rich glaze make this cake irresistibly good whether it’s served warm or chilled the next day. Plus, your kitchen will smell like a cinnamon-apple dream while it’s baking.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Cake

This recipe is a cozy classic that brings together comfort and indulgence. You’ll love the layers of cinnamon-kissed apples nestled in a moist vanilla cake. It’s surprisingly simple to make and perfect for gatherings or just a weekend baking treat.

Unlike traditional apple fritters that need deep frying, this cake gives you all the flavor with less mess. The glaze on top finishes it beautifully, soaking into the warm cake and adding that signature fritter stickiness.

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

When making Apple Fritter Cake, go for firm apples that hold up during baking. Granny Smiths are a favorite for their tartness and structure, but you can blend them with Honeycrisp or Fuji for a touch of sweetness and more complex flavor. Avoid mealy apples like Red Delicious since they tend to break down too much and lose their bite in the oven.

Ingredients for the Apple Fritter Cake

Apple Fritter Cake is made with pantry staples, which makes it easy to whip up whenever the craving strikes. Here’s what you need to bring it to life:

Apples provide the signature fruity filling, offering bursts of flavor and juicy texture.

Granulated sugar sweetens the apples and balances the tartness.

Cinnamon adds warmth and that nostalgic apple fritter spice.

Butter is key for the cake’s richness and moisture.

Brown sugar helps create the caramel-like layer around the apples.

All-purpose flour builds the base structure of the cake.

Baking powder gives rise and fluffiness.

Eggs provide structure and richness.

Milk ensures the batter stays tender.

Vanilla extract rounds out the flavors and deepens the cake’s aroma.

Powdered sugar forms the glaze that brings the whole cake together.

Heavy cream or milk (for glaze) allows the powdered sugar to blend into a pourable glaze.

How To Make the Apple Fritter Cake

Step 1: Prep the Apple Filling

Peel and dice the apples, then mix them with granulated sugar and cinnamon. Let this sit to draw out the juices while you prep the batter.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

Cream the butter and brown sugar together until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk the flour and baking powder. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture, alternating with the milk.

Step 3: Layer the Cake

Pour half the cake batter into a greased pan. Spoon half the apple mixture over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples. Gently swirl a knife through the batter for a marbled effect.

Step 4: Bake

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 40–45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

Whisk powdered sugar with a splash of cream or milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm cake so it soaks into the top and creates that classic apple fritter stickiness.

How to Serve and Store Your Apple Fritter Cake

Apple Fritter Cake is best served slightly warm when the glaze is still gooey and the apples are tender. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a hot cup of coffee takes it over the top. This cake feeds about 8 to 10 people, making it ideal for brunches, potlucks, or casual weekend desserts.

To store, let it cool completely, then wrap tightly or transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for that fresh-from-the-oven softness.

What to Serve With Apple Fritter Cake?

Coffee or Chai Latte

The warming spices in the cake pair beautifully with a cozy mug of chai or a bold coffee.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Serve the cake warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for that classic apple pie combo.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

Drizzle a little salted caramel over each slice to amp up the richness.

Maple-Glazed Bacon

For a brunch twist, serve this alongside crispy maple bacon for that sweet and salty balance.

Fresh Whipped Cream

Light and fluffy whipped cream balances the sticky glaze and warm spices.

Fresh Apple Slices

Add a few fresh slices of apple on the side to echo the cake’s fruity core.

Greek Yogurt with Honey

If you want to lighten it up, a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt with honey adds tang and texture.

Cinnamon-Spiced Nuts

Sprinkle some cinnamon-glazed pecans or walnuts on top for crunch.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If you can’t get enough of cozy, fruit-filled treats, explore these flavorful creations:

• Reese’s Peanut Butter Banana Bread for a gooey, nutty mashup.
• Southern Hummingbird Cake with banana, pineapple, and spice.
• Hot Fudge Brownie Bread for a rich, chocolatey loaf.
• Blueberry Cheesecake Heaven Rolls with creamy filling and tangy fruit.
• No-Bake Banana Pudding Cheesecake for a chilled, crowd-pleasing finish.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add a caramel drizzle? Use a different type of apple? I love hearing how you personalize it. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other bake better.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and homemade desserts on Luna Meals on Pinterest and find new flavor favorites to try every week!

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Cake is the kind of recipe that feels like a hug. It’s warm, sweet, and filled with familiar flavors that bring comfort any time of year. Whether you serve it fresh from the oven or sneak a slice the next morning with your coffee, it’s a crowd-pleasing dessert that never gets old. Simple to make and incredibly rewarding to eat, it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.

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