Sweet Apple Fritter Cake: A Cozy Fall Delight to Savor Recipe

Introduction

Sweet Apple Fritter Cake is a comforting fall dessert that combines tender cake layers with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. This cozy treat is perfect for enjoying with a cup of tea or coffee on a crisp autumn afternoon.

Ingredients

• 3 cups Granny Smith Apples, diced (can substitute with Honeycrisp or Braeburn)
• 1 cup White Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (can be replaced with tapioca starch)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (use freshly ground for better taste)
• 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar (light brown sugar can be substituted)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (sour cream can be used as a substitute)
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can be substituted with a gluten-free blend)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (regular salt can be used if needed)
• 2 large Eggs, room temperature
• For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 cup White Sugar
• For the Glaze:
• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2-4 tablespoons Milk
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the diced apples, white sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and a splash of water. Cook until the apples are soft and the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes. Let it cool.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon and white sugar for the cinnamon sugar layer; set aside.
3. Step 3: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter.
4. Step 4: In a large mixing bowl, cream the unsalted butter and white sugar until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Step 5: Mix in the cooled apple mixture, vanilla extract, and eggs until combined and smooth.
6. Step 6: In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add this dry mixture to the wet batter, alternating with Greek yogurt, until just combined.
7. Step 7: Pour half the cake batter into the prepared pan. Spread the apple mixture over it, sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar, then add the remaining batter on top. Finish by sprinkling the rest of the cinnamon sugar over the cake.
8. Step 8: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few crumbs.
9. Step 9: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth, adjusting milk for desired glaze thickness.
10. Step 10: Once baked, poke holes in the warm cake with a toothpick and pour the glaze over the top to seep in. Allow to cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor.
• Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer texture.
• Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
• For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Increase cinnamon in the sugar layer for a spicier kick.

Storage

Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to enjoy a warm treat.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, Honeycrisp or Braeburn apples are excellent alternatives that provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, the cake is done baking.

Sweet Apple Fritter Cake: A Cozy Fall Delight to Savor Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 138 reviews

A cozy and comforting Sweet Apple Fritter Cake that celebrates fall flavors with tender pieces of Granny Smith apples, warm cinnamon sugar layers, and a luscious vanilla glaze. Perfectly spiced and moist, this cake is ideal for seasonal gatherings or a sweet everyday treat.

• Author: Hannah
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Cake

• 3 cups Granny Smith Apples, diced (can substitute with Honeycrisp or Braeburn)
• 1 cup White Sugar
• 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (can be replaced with tapioca starch)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (use freshly ground for better taste)
• 1/2 cup Dark Brown Sugar (light brown sugar can be substituted)
• 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter, room temperature
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (sour cream can be used as a substitute)
• 2 cups All-Purpose Flour (can be substituted with a gluten-free blend)
• 1 teaspoon Baking Powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt (regular salt can be used if needed)
• 2 large Eggs, room temperature

For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer

• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon (feel free to increase for extra warmth)
• 1/4 cup White Sugar (adjust to taste)

For the Glaze

• 1 cup Powdered Sugar
• 2–4 tablespoons Milk (adjust for thickness)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract (use pure vanilla for the best taste)

Instructions

1. Prepare Apple Mixture: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine diced Granny Smith apples, white sugar, cornstarch, ground cinnamon, and a splash of water. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
2. Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, mix ground cinnamon and white sugar. Set this aside; it will be used to add warmth and sweetness to the cake layers.
3. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with unsalted butter to prevent sticking.
4. Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the room-temperature unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes, ensuring air is incorporated for a tender cake.
5. Combine Wet Ingredients: Mix in the cooled apple mixture, vanilla extract, and eggs to the creamed butter and sugar until smooth and well combined.
6. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon to ensure even distribution of leavening and spices.
7. Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with Greek yogurt, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing which could toughen the cake.
8. Assemble Cake Layers: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Layer the cooled apple mixture over the batter, then sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top. Pour the remaining batter over this layer, spread evenly, and sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar on the final layer.
9. Bake the Cake: Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. The cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
10. Prepare Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth. Adjust milk quantity to achieve desired glaze thickness.
11. Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is baked and still warm, poke holes all over the top using a toothpick or skewer. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake so it seeps into the holes, enhancing moisture and flavor. Allow the cake to cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• You can substitute Granny Smith apples with Honeycrisp or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter flavor.
• For gluten-free option, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend.
• Use sour cream instead of Greek yogurt if preferred; it will provide a similar texture and tang.
• If you want a stronger cinnamon flavor, increase the cinnamon in the cinnamon sugar layer.
• Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature for better mixing and texture.
• To keep the cake moist, do not overbake; checking with a toothpick is recommended.
• Adjust the glaze milk amount for consistency; thicker glaze for spreading, thinner for soaking into the cake.

Keywords: apple fritter cake, fall dessert, cinnamon cake, apple cake, glazed cake, cozy dessert, autumn baking