Print

Apple Fritter Cake

Apple Fritter Cake
Print Recipe

Apple Fritter Cake is a warm, spiced cake filled with tender cinnamon-sweet apple chunks and topped with a crisp cinnamon-sugar crust that mimics the beloved apple fritter pastry. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings, this moist and flavorful cake combines classic autumn spices, juicy tart apples, and a beautiful cinnamon-sugar glaze, making it an irresistible seasonal treat ideal for breakfast, dessert, or snack time.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend for gluten-free version)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp ground nutmeg
  • ¼ tsp salt

Wet Ingredients

  • ½ cup (1 stick) butter, softened (plant-based butter for vegan version)
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar
  • ½ cup brown sugar, packed
  • 2 large eggs (or flaxseed eggs for vegan version)
  • ⅓ cup milk or buttermilk (almond, soy, or oat milk for dairy-free/vegan)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Main Flavor Add-ins

  • 2 cups peeled, cored, and diced tart apples (e.g., Granny Smith)

Cinnamon-Sugar Topping

  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease your baking pan to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to evenly distribute the spices and leavening agent.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugars: In a separate bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated and brown sugar until fluffy and light in color, which helps develop a tender and moist crumb.
  4. Combine Wet Ingredients: Add eggs one at a time to the butter-sugar mixture, then mix in vanilla extract and milk (or dairy-free alternative) until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  5. Fold Dry Ingredients and Apples In: Gradually combine the dry ingredients with the wet mixture, folding gently to avoid overmixing, then fold in the diced apples evenly throughout the batter.
  6. Add Topping and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon-sugar mixture on top. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan before slicing. The topping will harden slightly, creating a crisp texture reminiscent of classic apple fritters.

Notes

  • Choose tart, firm apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet and tangy flavors and to hold shape while baking.
  • Gently fold the batter ingredients together to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake dense.
  • Use room temperature ingredients for smooth blending and even batter texture.
  • Ensure apples are evenly distributed in the batter to prevent sinking and guarantee fruit in every slice.
  • Use freshly ground cinnamon and nutmeg for the most vibrant spice flavors.
  • Optional variations: add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch; drizzle warm caramel sauce on top; increase spices like cloves or ginger for a spicier flavor; substitute gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free; use vegan alternatives for dairy and eggs.

Nutrition

Keywords: apple fritter cake, fall dessert, cinnamon apple cake, gluten-free apple cake, autumn baking, spiced apple cake

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