Discover the deliciously warm and cinnamon-spiced Apple Fritter Cake recipe that will quickly become your favorite dessert indulgence. This cozy treat combines the best of apple fritters and cake into one irresistible delight, blending tender chunks of apple, a fragrant cinnamon swirl, and a perfectly moist crumb that keeps you coming back for more. Whether it’s a special occasion or a simple craving, Apple Fritter Cake delivers comforting flavors that feel like a hug on a plate.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comfort in Every Bite: Warm cinnamon and tender apples create a nostalgic, cozy flavor profile perfect for any time of year.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe approachable for bakers of all levels.
Versatile Dessert: Works wonderfully as a snack, breakfast treat, or a sweet ending to any meal.
Perfect Texture Balance: Moist cake combined with the slightly crispy, sugary topping mimics a classic apple fritter’s delightful crunch.
Customizable Flavor: Adapt the spices and apples to suit your taste or try different toppings for unique twists.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All the ingredients in this Apple Fritter Cake recipe are common pantry staples, yet each plays a key role in delivering the cake’s signature moist texture, balanced sweetness, and rich cinnamon aroma. Gathering these simple essentials is the first step toward a heartwarming dessert experience.

Apples: Fresh, crisp apples add natural sweetness and tender chunks that keep every bite fruity and delightful.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cake, providing structure and a soft crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake evenly while contributing to browning and flavor.
Brown sugar: Adds moisture and a subtle caramel note, deepening the overall taste.
Cinnamon: The star spice, delivering warmth and a classic apple fritter flavor.
Baking powder and baking soda: Ensure the cake rises beautifully and remains light.
Eggs: Bind ingredients and add richness to the cake’s texture.
Butter or oil: Provides moisture and helps create a tender crumb with a touch of richness.
Milk or buttermilk: Helps hydrate the batter, keeping the cake moist and soft.
Vanilla extract: Enhances the flavors and adds a lovely fragrant note.
Powdered sugar glaze (optional): A simple drizzle of icing gives the final touch of sweetness and classic fritter appeal.

Variations for Apple Fritter Cake

This Apple Fritter Cake recipe is incredibly adaptable and invites you to make it your own. Whether you want to cater to dietary preferences, add extra textures, or explore new flavors, these variations will spark your creativity.

Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend to make it safe for gluten sensitivities.
Spice It Up: Add nutmeg, ginger, or cloves along with cinnamon for a more complex autumn spice profile.
Nutty Crunch: Mix chopped pecans or walnuts into the topping or batter for added texture.
Vegan Friendly: Use flax eggs, non-dairy milk, and coconut oil to create a plant-based version without sacrificing flavor.
Fruit Mix-Ins: Stir in diced pears or dried cranberries for a fruity twist that complements the apples beautifully.

Why Apple Fritter Cake is a Must-Try Dessert

How to Make Apple Fritter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples and Topping

Start by peeling, coring, and dicing fresh apples into small cubes. Toss them in a mix of cinnamon and a little sugar to infuse flavor. Then combine brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the signature fritter topping that will crisp up beautifully during baking.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. This blend will ensure the cake rises evenly while maintaining a soft, flavorful crumb.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar until fluffy. Add melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and milk or buttermilk, stirring well to combine. This mixture adds richness and moisture to the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry

Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, stirring gently until just combined. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so fold carefully to maintain a light texture.

Step 5: Add Apples and Assemble

Fold the cinnamon-coated apple pieces into the batter. Pour half the batter into a greased pan, sprinkle half the cinnamon-sugar topping over it, then repeat the layers with the remaining batter and topping.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Bake the cake at a moderate temperature until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow it to cool slightly before adding a drizzle of powdered sugar glaze if desired.

Pro Tips for Making Apple Fritter Cake

Choose Crisp Apples: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples hold their shape best and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients to keep the cake tender rather than dense or tough.
Even Layering: Distribute the batter and cinnamon-sugar topping evenly to get that perfect multi-layer fritter effect.
Check Oven Temperature: Baking at the right temperature ensures the cake cooks evenly without burning the topping.
Rest Before Serving: Let the cake cool a bit to allow flavors to meld and the texture to set.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake

Garnishes

A simple dusting of powdered sugar or a light drizzle of vanilla glaze adds sweetness and enhances the cake’s warm, spiced flavors. Fresh apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts also make beautiful, tasty garnishes.

Side Dishes

Apple Fritter Cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or even a side of creamy custard. For a cozy breakfast twist, serve alongside a cup of hot coffee or chai tea.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual portions in ramekins topped with the cinnamon-sugar crisp or layer the cake with cinnamon-spiced cream cheese frosting for a festive look. You can also cut into squares and stack with apple butter for an inventive dessert platter.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Apple Fritter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to a week to keep it fresh and moist.

Freezing

Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. The cake freezes well for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.

Reheating

Warm individual slices gently in the microwave or oven to refresh the soft texture and enhance the aromas, making every bite taste freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple for Apple Fritter Cake?

While you can experiment with different apples, firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape and balance sweetness with tartness.

Is this recipe suitable for beginners?

Absolutely! The Apple Fritter Cake recipe is straightforward with simple steps, perfect even if you’re new to baking.

Can I make Apple Fritter Cake vegan?

Yes, with plant-based substitutes for eggs, milk, and butter, such as flax eggs and non-dairy milk, you can easily make this cake vegan-friendly without sacrificing flavor.

How long does Apple Fritter Cake stay fresh?

When stored properly, it stays fresh for up to one week in the refrigerator and up to three months in the freezer.

Can I add nuts to the recipe?

Definitely, adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts enhances the texture and adds a delicious crunch to the cake.

Final Thoughts

Apple Fritter Cake is a delightfully comforting dessert that brings together the best of autumn flavors with ease and charm. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe promises warmth, sweetness, and a touch of nostalgia in every bite. Don’t hesitate to give it a try and discover how this simple cake can become your go-to indulgence all year round.

Apple Fritter Cake

Print Recipe

Apple Fritter Cake is a warm, cinnamon-spiced dessert that combines tender chunks of fresh apples with a moist cake and a crispy, sugary topping reminiscent of classic apple fritters. Perfect for any occasion, this easy-to-make cake delivers comforting autumn flavors with a balanced texture and customizable options to suit various dietary preferences.

Author: Lucas
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 8-10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free (with flour substitution)

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

3 cups fresh crisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced

Dry Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

2 large eggs
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted (or oil)
1/2 cup milk or buttermilk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Topping

1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

Optional Glaze

Powdered sugar glaze (powdered sugar mixed with a little milk or vanilla extract)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples and Topping: Peel, core, and dice fresh apples into small cubes. Toss them with cinnamon and a little granulated sugar to coat evenly. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter to create the cinnamon-sugar topping that will crisp during baking.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt to ensure even rising and a flavorful crumb.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat the eggs with granulated sugar until the mixture is fluffy. Stir in melted butter (or oil), vanilla extract, and milk or buttermilk until well combined.
Combine Wet and Dry: Gradually add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, folding gently to combine. Avoid overmixing to maintain a light and tender cake texture.
Add Apples and Assemble: Fold the cinnamon-coated diced apples into the batter. Pour half of the batter into a greased baking pan, sprinkle half of the cinnamon-sugar topping over it, then layer the remaining batter and topping on top.
Bake to Perfection: Bake the cake at 350°F (175°C) for approximately 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool slightly before optionally drizzling with a powdered sugar glaze.

Notes

Choose crisp apple varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
Gently fold ingredients to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
Evenly layer batter and cinnamon-sugar topping to achieve the classic fritter effect.
Check oven temperature for even baking and to prevent burning the topping.
Allow the cake to cool before serving to let flavors meld and texture set.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/10 of cake)
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 28 g
Sodium: 140 mg
Fat: 14 g
Saturated Fat: 7 g
Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 44 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 3 g
Cholesterol: 55 mg

Keywords: apple fritter cake, cinnamon apple cake, autumn dessert, easy apple dessert, moist apple cake, cinnamon spice cake