Introduction

This mouthwatering Apple Fritter Cake combines tender cake layers with a sweet cinnamon-apple filling and a rich glaze. It’s a perfect treat for breakfast, dessert, or any time you crave comforting fall flavors. Simple to prepare, this cake brings the taste of apple fritters right to your kitchen.

A square piece of cinnamon roll cake sits on a white plate, showing three visible layers: a soft, light golden brown cake base, a thick middle layer of gooey cinnamon swirls with darker brown specks, and a glossy white icing drizzled unevenly on top. The texture looks soft and moist, with the icing slightly melting into the cinnamon layer. The plate rests on a wooden surface with a gray cloth underneath, and a blurred red baking dish is visible in the background on a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the apple mixture:

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

For the cinnamon sugar layer:

1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cake batter:

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

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1/3 cup whole milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: 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 until the apples soften and the liquid thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: In a small bowl, mix dark brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan. In a stand mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add applesauce, vanilla, and eggs, mixing until combined.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Gradually add the dry ingredients and Greek yogurt to the wet mixture in alternating additions, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, finishing by hand to avoid overmixing.
Step 5: Spread half of the batter evenly in the prepared pan. Spoon the cooled apple mixture over it and sprinkle two-thirds of the cinnamon sugar layer on top. Cover with remaining batter and sprinkle the rest of the cinnamon sugar evenly over the cake.
Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If the cake browns too quickly, tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes. Leave the cake in the pan after baking.
Step 7: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze until smooth. When the cake is warm, poke about 30 holes with a butter knife on the surface. Pour glaze evenly over the cake and spread with a spatula. Let set for 20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, substitute half the milk in the glaze with apple cider.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the cake’s sweetness and add freshness.
Ensure eggs and butter are at room temperature to create a smoother batter.
Mix the batter gently by hand at the end to keep the cake tender and light.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Reheat gently in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to soften the glaze before serving.

How to Serve

A close-up of a square piece of cinnamon apple cake with three visible layers: the bottom layer is light golden and soft cake, the middle layer is gooey with chunks of apple mixed with cinnamon and sugar showing a sticky texture, and the top layer is a swirled mix of cinnamon and apple sauce with a shiny white glaze drizzled unevenly over it. The slice sits on a white plate atop a beige cloth and wooden surface with a white marbled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other firm varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the cake more sugary.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour, but results may vary. Be sure to choose a blend that includes xanthan gum for best texture.