Apple Fritter Cake
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)
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)
- 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