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Mouthwatering Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

4.8 from 542 reviews

Enjoy a delightful twist on a classic apple dessert with this Mouthwatering Apple Fritter Cake. Featuring a moist, tender cake layered with cinnamon-spiced apple filling and a sweet brown sugar swirl, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that make it an irresistible treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Mixture

  • 2 cups Granny Smith apples (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 2 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tsp water

Cinnamon Sugar Layer

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

Cake Batter

  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract (pure vanilla for best flavor)
  • 2 large eggs (room temperature)
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for a moister cake)

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
  • 1/3 cup milk (whole milk preferred)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Cook the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine diced Granny Smith apples, white sugar, ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow the apple mixture to cool.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, thoroughly mix together dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for later use in assembling the cake.
  3. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat unsalted butter and granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs; mix on medium speed until combined, scraping bowl sides as needed.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients and Greek yogurt alternately to the wet batter, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, and finish folding by hand to avoid overmixing.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon the cooled apple mixture over the batter, spreading evenly. Sprinkle two-thirds of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top of the apples. Cover with the remaining cake batter and spread softly into an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining brown sugar-cinnamon mixture evenly on top.
  6. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes. Remove from oven and keep in pan for glazing.
  7. Prepare and Add the Glaze: While the cake bakes, combine powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl and whisk until smooth and lump-free. Using a butter knife, poke approximately 30 holes evenly over the warm cake surface. Immediately pour the glaze evenly over the cake and spread with a spatula. Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • For a richer glaze, substitute half the milk with apple cider.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for better mixing and texture.
  • Do not overmix the batter to keep the cake tender.
  • Greek yogurt adds moistness but sour cream can be used as an alternative.
  • Tent with foil during baking if top browns too fast.
  • Let glaze set before slicing to avoid messy cuts.

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