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Apple Fritter Cake

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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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

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