Sally Roberts
This Apple Fritter Cake is like a cozy bakery treat fresh from your oven, layered with sweet cinnamon apples and topped with a buttery glaze. It brings together the warmth of spiced apples, the softness of vanilla cake, and the indulgence of a donut-style glaze—all baked in a single dish.
Imagine your kitchen filling with the scent of apples caramelizing in brown sugar and cinnamon. Each bite offers pockets of soft fruit and hints of rich, buttery cake, finished with a creamy icing drizzle. Whether you’re making it for a weekend breakfast or a fall dessert, this cake is always a hit.
Why You’ll Love This Apple Fritter Cake
- Packed with tender, spiced apple chunks
- Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients
- Feels like a donut shop in cake form
- Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert
- A guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion
What Kind of Apples Should I Use?
Firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work beautifully in this recipe. They hold their shape while baking and balance the sweetness of the cake and glaze. Avoid overly soft apples, which can become mushy in the oven.
Ingredients for the Apple Fritter Cake
Apples: The heart of this cake. Diced and tossed with cinnamon and sugar, they become gooey and caramelized as they bake.
All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake batter, giving structure and softness.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens both the cake and apple filling evenly.
Brown Sugar: Adds a molasses depth to the cinnamon apple layer.
Butter: Unsalted, melted for the batter and also used for rich flavor in the apple mix.
Eggs: Provide structure and help bind the cake together.
Milk: Keeps the batter moist and light. Whole milk is best.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm, sweet notes.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise to the perfect fluffiness.
Cinnamon: Pairs beautifully with apples, giving a cozy spice throughout.
Salt: Balances the sweetness.
Powdered Sugar & Milk: Combined for the final glaze drizzle.
How To Make the Apple Fritter Cake
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Mixture
Peel, core, and dice 2 medium apples. In a bowl, toss them with 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2 tsp cinnamon. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Make the Cake Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup melted butter, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 eggs, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 3/4 cup milk until smooth. Add 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, 2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt, stirring just until combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Cake
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish. Pour half the batter into the dish, spread evenly, then layer half of the apple mixture on top. Repeat with the remaining batter and apple mixture. Use a knife to swirl slightly.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden and bubbly.
Step 5: Glaze It
While the cake is slightly warm, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar and 2 tbsp milk to form a thick glaze. Drizzle over the top and let it set before slicing.
How to Store and Serve Apple Fritter Cake
This Apple Fritter Cake yields 9 generous pieces and serves 6 to 9 people, depending on how big you slice it. Serve it warm for a donut-like experience, or let it cool for a firmer texture.
To store: Wrap tightly or place in an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for 2 days, or refrigerated for up to 5 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for that just-baked warmth.
What to Serve With Apple Fritter Cake?
Hot Coffee or Espresso
The bitterness of coffee balances the sweetness of the cake.
Whipped Cream
A light, airy topping that doesn’t overpower the flavors.
Vanilla Ice Cream
Especially when serving the cake warm—melts into each bite.
Greek Yogurt
For a creamy tang and protein boost if serving for breakfast.
Caramel Sauce
A drizzle takes the indulgence up a notch.
Fresh Berries
For a fresh contrast to the richness of the cake.
Maple Syrup
Brings out even more warm, fall-inspired flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan. Add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time.
Can I use canned apple pie filling instead?
While you can, fresh apples provide better texture and flavor. If using canned, reduce added sugar slightly.
Can I freeze Apple Fritter Cake?
Yes. Once cooled, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Why did my cake come out dry?
Overbaking is often the cause. Make sure to check at 45 minutes and remove once a toothpick comes out clean.
Is this good for breakfast or dessert?
Both! It’s sweet and satisfying for brunch, but indulgent enough to end a meal too.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add walnuts? Try a caramel glaze? I love hearing how you personalize the recipes. Feel free to share tips or ask questions—let’s make baking even better together.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Cake takes everything you love about a classic apple fritter and bakes it into a cozy, shareable treat. With layers of cinnamon apples, tender cake, and that signature glaze, it’s perfect for any fall gathering or sweet breakfast table.
Explore more cozy and fruity treats like our Vegan Breakfast Quesadillas, Fruit Tart with Glossy Glaze, or Rainbow Smoothie Bowls.
Looking for more inspiration? Follow all my daily recipes on Meals We Share.
Print Apple Fritter Cake
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 pieces
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Start your morning or sweeten up your dessert table with this Apple Fritter Cake — a deliciously cozy twist on the classic apple fritter. It’s layered with warm cinnamon apples, soft vanilla cake, and finished with a rich, donut-style glaze. This easy recipe is perfect for breakfast ideas, quick brunch treats, or comforting dessert food ideas that your family will love. It’s an easy recipe using basic pantry staples, ideal for healthy snack swaps or indulgent fall breakfast inspiration.
Ingredients
2 medium apples, diced
1/3 cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1/2 cup melted butter
3/4 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)
Instructions
1. Peel, core, and dice the apples. Toss them with brown sugar and cinnamon in a bowl. Set aside.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, and milk.
3. Add in the flour, baking powder, and salt. Stir until just combined.
4. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
5. Spread half of the batter in the dish. Top with half the apple mixture. Repeat the layers and swirl with a knife.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. While slightly warm, mix powdered sugar and milk to make the glaze. Drizzle over the cake and let set before slicing.
Notes
This cake is best served slightly warm for the softest texture.
Swirl gently with a knife for a marbled apple layer effect.
Store tightly wrapped at room temperature or in the fridge to keep fresh longer.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
Keywords: apple fritter cake, quick breakfast, fall dessert, brunch recipe, apple dessert
