For all the apple fritter lovers out there, this recipe is a game-changer! No need to deal with the mess and effort of frying when you can turn your favorite fall treat into a moist, tender loaf cake bursting with the warmth of cinnamon-spiced apples. This loaf cake captures the essence of apple fritters but in a much simpler, oven-baked form that will fill your home with the aroma of fall. If you love the combination of soft apples, warm spices, and a sweet glaze, this loaf cake is the ultimate way to enjoy those flavors without the hassle of frying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This apple fritter loaf cake is the perfect marriage of convenience and deliciousness. It takes all the best parts of a classic apple fritter—juicy, spiced apples and a sweet, cinnamon-sugar blend—and bakes them into a tender cake that's far easier to make than traditional fritters. The cake itself is moist and soft, while the apple filling adds bursts of sweetness and spice in every bite. The addition of a simple powdered sugar glaze makes it even more irresistible. If you’ve been searching for a way to enjoy apple fritters without the frying mess, this recipe is about to become a new favorite.
Perfect Occasion to Make This Recipe
This apple fritter loaf cake is ideal for cozy fall weekends when you want to bake something sweet and comforting. It’s also perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or casual gatherings. If you’re hosting guests or attending a potluck, this cake will impress with its homemade warmth and seasonal flavors. Serve it as an afternoon snack with a hot cup of tea or coffee, or slice it up for dessert after a hearty fall meal. The cake’s delicious aroma and taste make it perfect for any time you want to celebrate the flavors of autumn.
Decoration Tips
For a beautiful presentation, drizzle the glaze generously over the cooled loaf, allowing it to drip naturally down the sides. For an extra decorative touch, you can sprinkle a bit of cinnamon over the glaze or add a few thin apple slices as garnish. If you’d like a bit of texture, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the top of the glaze. This will not only enhance the look of the loaf but also add a satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with the tender cake.
Ingredients:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons cinnamon, divided
- 2 1/2 apples, peeled and roughly chopped
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar + 3 tablespoons, divided
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk + 3 tablespoons, divided
- 1 cup powdered sugar
Method:
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare a 9x5” loaf pan by either spraying it with non-stick spray or lining it with parchment paper for easy removal.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/3 cup of brown sugar and 2 teaspoons of cinnamon, then set this mixture aside. In a separate bowl, toss the chopped apples with 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and the remaining 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This will ensure the apples are evenly coated with sweetness and spice. Set this aside as well.
- Using either a stand mixer or a hand mixer, beat 1/2 cup of softened butter together with 2/3 cup of granulated sugar. Continue beating for about 2 minutes until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. Once the texture is smooth, add in the eggs and vanilla extract, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Gradually add this dry mixture into the creamed butter mixture, mixing slowly until fully combined. Then, stir in 1/2 cup of milk to create a smooth batter.
- Pour half of the batter into your prepared loaf pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom. Add half of the apple mixture on top of the batter, followed by half of the brown sugar and cinnamon mix. This layering will infuse the cake with bursts of apple and spice.
- Repeat the process by pouring the remaining batter over the apple layer, then top with the remaining apples and brown sugar mixture. Gently swirl the apples and cinnamon sugar into the batter using a knife or toothpick. Ensure the top layer of apples is patted down into the batter to avoid them burning during baking.
- Place the loaf pan into the oven and bake for about 1 hour, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Once baked, let the loaf cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
For the Glaze:
- In a small bowl, mix together the powdered sugar and 3 tablespoons of milk. Stir until smooth and adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Once the loaf is cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top, allowing it to cascade down the sides of the loaf.
Enjoy!