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Mouthwatering Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

4.7 from 78 reviews

This Mouthwatering Apple Fritter Cake recipe features tender layers of cinnamon-spiced cake filled with a sweet apple mixture and a signature brown sugar cinnamon swirl, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an autumn-inspired treat, this cake offers the comforting flavors of apple fritters in a moist, baked form.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Mixture

  • 2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tsp water

Cinnamon Sugar Layer

  • 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cake Batter

  • 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. Cook the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons water. Heat over medium for 5-6 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar with 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set aside for later.
  3. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray. In a stand mixer with paddle attachment, beat 1/3 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs. Mix on medium speed until combined, scraping bowl sides as needed.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients alternately with 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream to the wet batter, beginning and ending with dry. Mix until just combined, finishing by hand with a spatula to avoid overmixing.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Spread half the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Spoon the cooled apple mixture evenly over the batter. Sprinkle two-thirds of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture over the apples. Cover with remaining batter, spreading gently, then sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top.
  6. Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. Tent with foil during last 10 minutes if browning too quickly. Let cake remain in pan.
  7. Prepare and Add the Glaze: While baking finishes, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth. When cake is warm, poke about 30 holes across the surface using a butter knife. Pour glaze evenly over cake and spread with spatula. Let set for 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor that balances the sweetness.
  • To prevent over-browning, tent cake with foil if needed during baking.
  • For extra flavor, substitute half the milk in the glaze with apple cider.
  • Mix batter gently to keep the cake tender and avoid toughness.
  • The glaze should be poured while the cake is still warm to soak into the holes for maximum moisture.

Keywords: apple fritter cake, apple cake, cinnamon swirl cake, autumn dessert, glazed cake, sweet breakfast cake