If you’re searching for a dessert that’s both comforting and delightfully crispy, the Apple Fritter Cake is your absolute go-to. Combining tender cake layers with pockets of cinnamon-spiced apple pieces and a sugary glaze, this treat offers the perfect balance of softness and crunch. This Apple Fritter Cake recipe will quickly become a favorite, delivering all the warm, sweet aromas of classic apple fritters in an easy-to-make cake form that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Classic flavor fusion: It perfectly marries the warm spices of cinnamon and nutmeg with sweet, tender apples for a nostalgic taste.
Deceptively simple: The recipe uses straightforward ingredients and steps, making it accessible for bakers of all skill levels.
Textural delight: Enjoy the contrast between the soft cake and the crisp, sugary cinnamon coating that mimics the texture of traditional apple fritters.
Versatile serving options: Equally delicious warm or at room temperature, ideal for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack.
Perfect for the season: Whether it’s fall or any time you crave cozy flavors, this cake fills your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Fritter Cake recipe has a role in creating its unique texture and flavor—simple, wholesome, and combining for that irresistible cinnamon-spiced sweetness.

Fresh apples: Peeled and diced, they add juicy bursts of flavor and moisture to the cake.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps achieve the golden crust on top.
Ground cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and aroma throughout the cake.
Flour: Provides structure for the cake’s tender crumb.
Baking powder and soda: These leavening agents ensure a light, fluffy texture.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, enhancing the cake’s buttery flavor.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the sweetness with a soft, aromatic touch.
Milk: Balances the batter’s consistency for a moist finish.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s fluffiness.
Powdered sugar glaze: Optional but highly recommended, this glaze mimics the classic apple fritter’s sugary coating.

Variations for Apple Fritter Cake

Feel free to tailor this Apple Fritter Cake recipe to your liking—whether for dietary preferences or to experiment with flavors, customization is simple and fun.

Gluten-free version: Swap regular flour with a gluten-free blend to enjoy the cake without compromising texture.
Spiced up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth alongside the cinnamon.
Nutty crunch: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts for a delightful contrast in texture.
Vegan adaptation: Use plant-based milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free butter alternatives to suit vegan diets.
Caramel drizzle: Top with caramel sauce instead of powdered sugar glaze for a rich, decadent finish.

Why Apple Fritter Cake Is a Must-Try Dessert

How to Make Apple Fritter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the apples

Peel and dice your apples into small, uniform pieces. Toss them gently in a mixture of ground cinnamon and a touch of sugar to coat evenly and enhance the spicy sweetness.

Step 2: Mix the dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining cinnamon, ensuring your leavening agents and spices are well distributed.

Step 3: Cream butter and sugar

Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color, which creates a tender crumb in your cake.

Step 4: Combine wet ingredients

Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and milk, blending until smooth and consistent.

Step 5: Incorporate dry and apples

Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, taking care not to overmix. Gently fold in the coated apples to distribute them evenly without breaking them up.

Step 6: Bake

Pour the batter into a greased pan, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for that signature crunch, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 7: Add glaze

Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle with a light powdered sugar glaze to replicate the sweetness of a classic apple fritter coating.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Fritter Cake

Use tart apples: Choose Granny Smith or similar varieties to balance the sweetness with a bit of tang.
Don’t overmix: Overworking the batter can make the cake dense, so fold ingredients gently.
Fresh spices matter: Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor.
Rest the batter: Letting the batter sit for 10 minutes before baking enhances the apple flavor infusion.
Bake in the center rack: This ensures even heat distribution and a perfectly baked cake.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze pairs wonderfully with this cake, while a sprinkle of chopped nuts adds an inviting crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Serve alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent dessert experience. For breakfast or brunch, a cup of hot coffee or chai makes a perfect companion.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut into squares and stack them with layers of cream cheese frosting for a twist, or assemble individual cake parfaits alternating with fresh apple slices and cinnamon whipped cream for a stunning presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep leftover Apple Fritter Cake covered loosely at room temperature for up to two days to maintain moisture and flavor without becoming soggy.

Freezing

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving for best results.

Reheating

Warm individual slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to revive the cake’s fresh-baked texture and aroma.

FAQs

Can I use canned apples instead of fresh?

Fresh apples are preferred for their texture and flavor, but in a pinch, well-drained canned apples can be used with adjustments to reduce added sugar.

Is the Apple Fritter Cake gluten-free?

Traditional recipes use wheat flour, but you can substitute gluten-free flour blends to make this cake suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

How spicy should the cinnamon be?

Use about one to two teaspoons of ground cinnamon to achieve a balanced warmth without overpowering the apple flavor.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil, and use plant-based milk to make a delicious dairy-free Apple Fritter Cake.

How long does the Apple Fritter Cake keep fresh?

When stored properly at room temperature, it stays fresh for two days, but refrigeration can extend freshness up to five days.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dessert that’s both cozy and crisp, the Apple Fritter Cake is a must-try delight that brings the taste of classic apple fritters into your kitchen in a wonderfully easy-to-make cake form. Whether for sharing with loved ones or treating yourself, this recipe is sure to become a beloved staple that warms hearts with every bite. Give it a try and watch your kitchen fill with the aromas and flavors of a true comfort classic.

Apple Fritter Cake

Print Recipe

Apple Fritter Cake is a comforting and delightfully crispy dessert that combines tender cake layers with cinnamon-spiced apple pieces and a sugary glaze. This easy-to-make cake captures the warm, sweet aromas and textures of classic apple fritters, perfect for any occasion or season.

Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 10-12 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Fresh Apples

3 cups peeled and diced fresh apples
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon granulated sugar (for coating apples)

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free version)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 to 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

Wet Ingredients

1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened (or dairy-free butter for vegan/dairy-free)
1 cup granulated sugar
2 large eggs (or flax eggs for vegan)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk (or plant-based milk for vegan/dairy-free)

Optional Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk or cream (or plant-based milk)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the apples: Peel and dice the apples into small, uniform pieces. Toss them gently in a mixture of 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon and 1 tablespoon granulated sugar to coat evenly and enhance the spicy sweetness.
Mix the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and remaining cinnamon, ensuring the leavening agents and spices are well distributed.
Cream butter and sugar: Using a mixer, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy and light in color to create a tender crumb in the cake.
Combine wet ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and milk, blending until smooth and consistent.
Incorporate dry ingredients and apples: Slowly fold the dry ingredients into the butter mixture, taking care not to overmix. Gently fold in the coated apples to distribute them evenly without breaking them up.
Bake: Pour the batter into a greased pan, sprinkle extra cinnamon sugar on top for a signature crunch, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Add glaze: Once the cake has cooled slightly, drizzle with a light powdered sugar glaze made by mixing powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to replicate the sweetness of a classic apple fritter coating.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance sweetness with tang.
Don’t overmix the batter to avoid making the cake dense; fold ingredients gently.
Use freshly ground cinnamon for a more vibrant flavor.
Let the batter rest for 10 minutes before baking to enhance apple flavor infusion.
Bake on the center rack for even heat distribution and a perfectly baked cake.
For gluten-free version, substitute regular flour with a gluten-free blend.
To make dairy-free or vegan, use plant-based milk, flax eggs, and dairy-free butter alternatives.
Optional additions: a pinch of nutmeg or cloves, chopped pecans or walnuts, or a caramel drizzle instead of glaze.
Store leftovers loosely covered at room temperature for up to two days or freeze up to three months.
Reheat slices in microwave for 20 seconds or oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes before serving.

Author: Lina
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free flour used; otherwise omit)

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of cake)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 30g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 3g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Keywords: apple fritter cake, cinnamon apple cake, fall dessert, gluten-free apple cake, vegan apple cake, easy dessert, baked apple dessert, cinnamon cake