Apple fritter cake is like a warm hug from your favorite bakery, but with the bonus of being made right in your kitchen.
There’s something so nostalgic about the aroma of cinnamon and apples caramelizing together—it feels like the essence of cozy mornings and crisp fall air, even if you’re enjoying it in the middle of summer.
If you love comforting classics like Peanut Butter Cookies or delicate Linzer Cookies, this cake offers the same sense of indulgence with a twist.
For me, this recipe became a go-to after a chaotic morning when I realized I’d forgotten to grab donuts for a family brunch. Armed with pantry staples and a few apples, I improvised—and this cake was born.
It’s indulgent without being overly sweet, thanks to tart apple chunks and a crackly cinnamon glaze. Once you taste it, you’ll see why simple, nostalgic treats are trending in home kitchens everywhere.
What Makes This Recipe Special
- Classic flavor in a fresh format: It captures all the warm, spiced goodness of apple fritters, but in an easy-to-serve cake.
- Simple ingredients, big payoff: No need for special tools or hard-to-find items—this cake is all about using what you already have.
- Perfect texture every time: A soft, moist crumb paired with the satisfying crunch of caramelized edges makes every bite irresistible.
- Versatile and sharable: Whether it’s breakfast, dessert, or a mid-day treat, this cake fits any occasion.
Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Make a moist and fluffy apple fritter cake by layering spiced cinnamon apples and buttery cake batter, topped with a sweet glaze. Perfect for brunch or dessert, it’s like your favorite apple fritter in cake form!
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Calories: 320kcal
Servings: 12
Equipment
- Medium Saucepan
- Mixing Bowls
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer
- Whisk
- 9×13″ baking pan
- Spatula or spoon for spreading
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Butter Knife
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
Filling
- 2 cups peeled and large diced Granny Smith Apples about 2 medium
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Cake
- 1/3 cup butter room temperature
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoons baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
Glaze
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Make the Filling: Cook apples, sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water in a saucepan for 5-6 minutes until soft and thickened. Cool.
- Prepare Brown Sugar Mix: Combine dark brown sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 pan with nonstick spray.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: Beat butter and sugar until fluffy, then mix in applesauce, vanilla, and eggs.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a bowl.
- Make Batter: Alternate adding the dry mixture and Greek yogurt to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry.
- Assemble: Spread half the batter in the pan, top with apple filling, 2/3 of the brown sugar, and remaining batter. Sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar on top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set.
- Add Glaze: Mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Poke holes in the hot cake, pour glaze over, and let set for 20 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Calories: 320kcal | Carbohydrates: 52g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 40mg | Sodium: 210mg | Potassium: 130mg | Fiber: 1.5g | Sugar: 38g | Vitamin A: 300IU | Vitamin C: 1.5mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1.2mg
Helpful Tips to Make Your Life Easier!
- Use Firm Apples: Granny Smith apples work best because they hold their shape when cooked. You can also use Honeycrisp for a sweeter twist, but avoid softer apples like Red Delicious as they can turn mushy.
- Let the Apple Filling Cool: After cooking the apple mixture, let it cool before adding it to the cake. This helps the filling set and prevents it from sinking too much into the batter.
- Room Temperature Butter: For the fluffiest batter, make sure your butter is at room temperature before mixing. It helps the sugar incorporate better, leading to a lighter texture.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Ingredients: When adding the flour mixture and yogurt to the wet ingredients, alternate between the two, starting and ending with the dry mixture. This helps keep the batter from becoming too thick or lumpy.
- Don’t Overmix: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can result in a dense cake instead of a light, fluffy one.
