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Apple Fritter Cake

Apple Fritter Cake

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Combine wet ingredients: Mix in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract and milk, blending until smooth and consistent.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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