Best Apple Fritter Cake Recipe – Moist, Glazed, and Easy to Make

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of autumn with our homemade Apple Fritter Cake. This decadent treat combines tender chunks of fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a luscious vanilla glaze. It’s a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. Whether hosting a cozy gathering or craving something sweet, this cake will surely delight your taste buds and become a new family favorite.

There’s something magical about the smell of warm cinnamon and apples wafting from the oven. This Apple Fritter Cake delivers that nostalgic bakery-style flavor in a soft, moist cake no frying required. With tender chunks of apple, cinnamon-sugar swirls, and a sweet glaze that crackles just right, it’s the kind of treat that disappears fast, whether at breakfast, brunch, or as a cozy dessert.

What Makes Apple Fritter Cake Special

The apple fritter doughnut has a rich history. It comes from traditional fried cakes and pastries. Today, it’s a favorite at brunch for many.

History of This Classic Pastry

The apple fritter cake started with the humble fritter. These fried dough treats, made with fruits, veggies, or savory ingredients, have been enjoyed for centuries.

As time went on, apple cakes became more popular. Bakers added sweet apples to the dough, making them a hit with their crispy dough and juicy apples.

Why Home Bakers Love This Recipe

• The apple fritter cake is loved for its crispy outside and soft inside.
• It’s easy to make your own by trying different apples and spices.
• It’s simple to make and uses common ingredients, making it fun.

The apple fritter doughnut is perfect for any time of day. It’s a favorite for breakfast, dessert, or a snack. It’s a beloved treat for many.

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

🕒 Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 45–50 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 1 9×13-inch cake (serves 12)

🛒 Ingredients

For the Apple Mixture:

• 3 medium apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

For the Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:

• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp cinnamon

For the Cake Batter:

• 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
• 3 large eggs
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 cup milk

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or cream
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

With these ingredients, you can make a fantastic cake recipe with a great cinnamon sugar topping. The secret to a perfect apple fritter cake is balancing the sweet apples with the warm spices.

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
2. Prepare the apples: In a small bowl, toss diced apples with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.
3. Make cinnamon-sugar mix: Combine 1/2 cup brown sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon in a separate bowl.
4. Make the batter:
   • Cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
   • Beat in eggs one at a time, followed by yogurt and vanilla.
   • In another bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, soda, and salt.
   • Alternatively, add the flour mixture and milk to the wet ingredients.
5. Layer the cake:
   • Spread half the batter into the pan.
   • Top with half the apple mix and half the cinnamon-sugar.
   • Add the remaining batter, apples, and swirl with a knife.
6. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
7. Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over warm cake.

✅ Pro Tips

• Use Greek yogurt for added protein and moisture.
• For crispier topping, broil the cake for 2–3 minutes post-bake.
• Try using almond extract in the glaze for a flavor twist.

Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed

Making the perfect apple fritter cake requires some essential kitchen tools. These include crucial items like mixing bowls and measuring cups, but you’ll also need special deep fryers for that crispy coating and fluffy inside.

Must-Have Baking Essentials

• Large mixing bowls for preparing the batter
• Measuring cups and spoons for accurately portioning ingredients
• Whisk or hand mixer to blend the batter.
• Spatula or wooden spoon for folding and mixing
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mats for lining the baking sheets
• Heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven for deep-frying the fritters

Optional Tools for Better Results

While the basics work well, some extra tools can enhance your apple fritter cake:

1. Deep Fryer A dedicated deep fryer keeps the oil at the right temperature, ensuring a crispy coating on your deep-fried treat.
2. Candy Thermometer – It’s essential to check the oil temperature. A candy thermometer makes this easy.
3. Food Processor – It’s a big time-saver for shredding or chopping apples for the filling.
4. Piping Bag – Use a piping bag to drizzle glaze over the warm cakes. It looks professional.

Tips for Creating the Perfect Crispy Coating

Focus on the crispy coating to make your homemade apple fritter cake just right. It’s all about the proper techniques. This will turn your baked goods into an irresistible golden-brown treat.

Achieving the Right Consistency

The key to a crispy coating is the batter’s consistency. It should be thick enough to stick to the apples but still pour well. You want it smooth and even, covering the fruit perfectly. Finding the perfect mix of flour and liquid is essential.

Temperature Control Tips

• Keep the oil between 350°F and 375°F. This range helps the outside get crispy without overcooking the inside.
• Use a thermometer to check the oil’s temperature. Adjust the heat to keep it steady.
• Fry the pieces in small batches. This keeps the oil temperature from dropping excessively. It’s key for a crispy coating.

Mastering batter consistency and temperature control will lead you to a deep-fried treat that wows. With these tips, your homemade apple fritter cake will reach new heights of taste.

Best Apple Fritter Cake Recipe – Moist, Glazed, and Easy to Make

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• Author: Lucy
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Yield: 12 servings

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Description

A moist, spiced Apple Fritter Cake layered with cinnamon apples and topped with a sweet glaze perfect for brunch or dessert.

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Ingredients

3 medium apples, peeled and diced

2 tbsp granulated sugar

1 tsp ground cinnamon

1/2 cup brown sugar

2 tsp cinnamon

3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened

1 cup granulated sugar

1/2 cup Greek yogurt

3 large eggs

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

2 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup milk

1 cup powdered sugar

2 tbsp milk or cream

1/2 tsp vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

2. Toss diced apples with 2 tbsp sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon.

3. Mix 1/2 cup brown sugar with 2 tsp cinnamon for the swirl.

4. Cream butter and granulated sugar until fluffy.

5. Beat in eggs one at a time, then Greek yogurt and vanilla.

6. Mix dry ingredients in a separate bowl and add alternately with milk.

7. Spread half the batter in the pan, top with half the apple and swirl mix.

8. Repeat layers with remaining batter and apples; swirl top layer.

9. Bake for 45–50 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

10. Mix glaze ingredients and drizzle over warm cake.

Notes

Use Greek yogurt to boost protein and moisture.

Substitute almond flour for added nutrition.

Can be stored in fridge for 5 days or frozen up to 3 months.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 50 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Best Apple Varieties for Your Fritter Cake

A suitable apple variety is vital for a perfect dessert or sweet pastry. Picking suitable apples is essential for your apple fritter cake. It affects the flavor and texture of your cake.

Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples are great for fritter cakes. They stay firm during baking, adding a nice contrast to the cake. Their tartness also balances the cake’s sweetness, making the taste perfect.

Fuji or Gala apples are sweeter and work well, too. They add a lovely flavor to the cake, making it even more indulgent. Their softer texture makes the cake tender and soft.

The best choice is to use both tart and sweet apples. This creates a mix of flavors, with tart apples refreshing the sweetness of the cake.

Try different apple varieties to find the perfect mix for your taste. This will make your homemade apple fritter cake even more delicious.

Nutrition & Health Benefits

While Apple Fritter Cake is undeniably indulgent, it also offers some surprising nutritional value—especially when you make a few smart ingredient choices. Here’s how it stacks up.

📊 Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (1/12 cake)

• Calories: 310
• Protein: 5g
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Sugar: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Cholesterol: 60mg
• Sodium: 180mg

✅ Healthier Swaps

• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for added protein and probiotics.
• Choose whole wheat flour for more fiber and micronutrients.
• Reduce sugar by using unsweetened applesauce in place of half the butter.
• Add a scoop of vanilla protein powder to the batter to boost the protein to over 8g per serving.

🍏 Apple Power

Apples are rich in fiber, antioxidants, and Vitamin C. According to Healthline, they can support heart health, reduce inflammation, and aid digestion.

🧁 Moderate Indulgence

Though not a low-calorie dessert, this recipe offers a satisfying portion without extreme sugar overload—especially compared to fried apple fritters.

Ingredient Highlights

Let’s break down the star components of this Apple Fritter Cake and why each plays a crucial role in taste, texture, and nutrition.

🍏 Apples

Best Choice: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
These apples provide a balance of tartness and sweetness that holds up well to baking. They’re also packed with fiber and antioxidants, which contribute to better digestion and cellular health (WebMD).

🧈 Butter

Creates a rich crumb and keeps the cake tender. Opting for unsalted butter gives you better control over the saltiness.

🍶 Greek Yogurt

A smart substitute for sour cream adds creaminess and protein without the extra fat. It also supports gut health with live cultures.

🍞 All-Purpose Flour

The cake’s foundation. For a fiber boost, swap in up to 1 cup of whole wheat flour without compromising texture.

🍬 Brown Sugar & Cinnamon

These two are responsible for that classic “fritter” flavor. Cinnamon has proven anti-inflammatory properties (USDA).

🥛 Milk

Loosens the batter and adds moisture. You can use dairy or unsweetened plant-based milk without major impact on the final product.

🍥 Glaze

Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla deliver the classic crackly glaze. If you want a lower sugar option, try a thin layer of maple syrup or a vanilla protein frosting like the one used in our Protein Cinnamon Rolls.

Serving Suggestions

• Warm with Ice Cream: Serve a slice warm with a scoop of vanilla bean or cinnamon ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
• Brunch Spread: Pair with High-Protein Pumpkin Muffins and scrambled eggs for a seasonal weekend brunch.
• Coffee Pairing: Enjoy a slice with a bold roast or a cinnamon latte. It’s excellent as a mid-morning treat.

🔁 Variations

1. High-Protein Apple Fritter Cake

• Add 1 scoop of vanilla whey protein powder.
• Replace 1/2 cup of flour with almond flour for extra nutrients.

2. Apple-Pear Fritter Cake

• Substitute half the apples with chopped ripe pears for a delicate twist.

3. Caramel Drizzle Topping

• Drizzle salted caramel over the glaze for a bakery-style upgrade.

4. Mini Muffin Version

• Pour batter into muffin tins (greased or lined) and bake at 350°F for 18–22 minutes.

5. Vegan Apple Fritter Cake

• Use flax eggs, coconut oil instead of butter, and plant-based yogurt.

This cake is endlessly adaptable, so don’t be afraid to experiment based on dietary needs or what’s in your pantry!

Comparison with Other Protein-Rich Desserts

Although Apple Fritter Cake isn’t traditionally high-protein, a few tweaks can make it surprisingly competitive. Here’s how it stacks up against similar sweet treats.

*Enhanced with Greek yogurt, almond flour, and protein powder

🔍 Insight

With just a few changes like subbing in protein powder and Greek yogurt, Apple Fritter Cake can easily become a more nutritious, protein-boosted option. It becomes especially competitive when compared to fried versions or typical bakery sweets.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Apple Fritter Cake

When making the perfect fried cake, there are common mistakes to watch out for. One big mistake is overmixing the batter. This can make the cake tough and dense. To fix this, mix the ingredients gently until they just come together.

Another mistake is using the wrong oil temperature. If the oil is too cold, the cinnamon sugar topping might soak in, making the cake greasy. If the oil is too hot, the outside can burn before the inside is cooked. Keeping the oil around 350°F is vital for a crispy, golden-brown finish.

Many also need help with getting the batter right. If the batter is too thin, the cakes might spread out and lose shape, and if it’s too thick, they might not cook evenly. Finding balance in the batter’s thickness is crucial for a perfect apple fritter cake.

FAQ

Conclusion: Bake It, Slice It, Love It

Apple Fritter Cake is where cozy comfort meets easy baking. With its layers of cinnamon apples, tender crumb, and sweet glaze, it delivers all the joy of a fritter minus the fryer. Whether you keep it classic or pump up the protein, this versatile treat is sure to win hearts at brunch tables and dessert spreads alike.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore other high-protein bakes like our Protein Cinnamon Rolls and Healthy Apple Muffins. Want more weekly inspiration? Subscribe to our newsletter or browse the full recipe collection.