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Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 145 reviews

This Mouthwatering Apple Fritter Cake is a deliciously moist and tender dessert that captures the warm, spicy essence of classic apple fritters. It features a soft cake layered with a spiced apple filling and a cinnamon brown sugar swirl, all topped with a smooth vanilla glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you’re craving a sweet, comforting treat.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Cinnamon Sugar Layer

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

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 for better emulsification)
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur recommended)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for a moister cake)

Glaze

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

Instructions

  1. Cook the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine peeled and diced Granny Smith apples, 1/3 cup white sugar, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, 2 tbsp cornstarch, and 2 tsp water. Heat over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and the liquid thickens. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool while preparing other components.
  2. Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon. Set aside for later assembly.
  3. Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and coat a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat 1/3 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar on medium speed for about 3 minutes until light and fluffy. Add 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 tsp vanilla extract, and 2 large eggs. Mix on medium speed until well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  4. Mix Dry Ingredients and Combine Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, 1 tsp baking powder, 1 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1 tsp ground cinnamon. Gradually add dry ingredients and 1 cup Greek yogurt alternately to the wet mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined, avoiding overmixing to keep the cake tender. Finish folding with a spatula by hand if needed.
  5. Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared pan. Spoon cooled apple mixture over the batter layer and spread evenly. Sprinkle two-thirds of the cinnamon sugar mixture over the apples. Cover with the remaining cake batter, spreading gently to an even layer. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture over the top.
  6. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. If the cake is browning too quickly, tent it loosely with foil during the last 10 minutes. Allow the cake to remain in the pan for the next step.
  7. Prepare and Add the Glaze: While the cake bakes, whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup whole milk, and 1 tsp vanilla extract until smooth. When the cake is done and still warm, use a butter knife to poke about 30 holes across the surface. Immediately pour the glaze evenly over the cake, smoothing it out with a spatula. Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving. For extra flavor, you can substitute half the milk in the glaze with apple cider.

Notes

  • Use room temperature eggs and butter for better texture and emulsification.
  • Be careful not to overmix the batter to ensure a tender cake crumb.
  • If the cake browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil during baking.
  • Peeling the Granny Smith apples is optional but recommended for a smoother filling.
  • For a richer glaze, whole milk is preferred, but you can substitute half with apple cider for a twist.
  • The cake is best served after the glaze has fully set.

Keywords: Apple Fritter Cake, Apple Cake, Spiced Cake, Cinnamon Cake, Fall Dessert, Easy Cake Recipe

Find it online: https://biteandenjoy.com/apple-fritter-cake-recipe/