This Apple Fritter Cake is the perfect combination of a moist, tender cake base and warm, caramelized apples, layered with cinnamon sugar and topped off with a sweet vanilla glaze. It’s a delightful take on a classic apple fritter but in a cake form! Every bite bursts with apple flavor and warm spices, with a soft, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have you reaching for seconds. The icing drizzled on top adds just the right amount of sweetness, making this cake both indulgent and comforting.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Apple Fritter Cake is like a cozy autumn dessert dream come true. The cake itself is incredibly moist, thanks to the addition of Greek yogurt and applesauce, while the apple filling provides bursts of cinnamon-spiced sweetness in every bite. The cinnamon sugar adds an extra layer of flavor and texture, creating a wonderful balance of soft and slightly crisp. Whether you’re serving it as a dessert, a breakfast treat, or an afternoon snack, this cake is versatile, delicious, and sure to be a hit with anyone who loves the flavors of apples and cinnamon.
The Perfect Occasion for This Cake
This Apple Fritter Cake is ideal for a variety of occasions, from family breakfasts to weekend brunches, or as a comforting dessert for an autumn gathering. It’s especially perfect for fall and winter, when apples are in season and you’re craving something warm and homemade. Serve it as a centerpiece dessert for a holiday table or simply bake it for a cozy weekend treat when you want your kitchen to smell like cinnamon and apples. It’s also a fantastic option to bring to potlucks or casual get-togethers with friends and family, where everyone can enjoy a slice with coffee or tea.
Decoration Tips
Once your Apple Fritter Cake has cooled and you’ve drizzled the vanilla glaze over the top, you can give it an extra decorative touch by adding a light dusting of powdered sugar for a delicate, frosted appearance. For added texture and flavor, sprinkle a few extra chopped apples or even toasted nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, on top of the glaze. This will give your cake a beautiful, rustic finish. You could also swirl the glaze into a fun pattern on the top or let it drizzle down the sides for a more casual, homestyle look.
Ingredients:
For the Cake:
- 1/2 cup room temperature butter
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Pinch of salt
For the Apple Filling:
- 1.5 cups chopped apples
- 4 tablespoons coconut sugar (or brown sugar)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 teaspoons water
For the Cinnamon Sugar Layer:
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Icing:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 4-5 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and grease or line an 8-inch square pan or a 9x13-inch baking pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, coconut sugar (or brown sugar), cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and the apples are slightly caramelized. Set aside to cool while you prepare the cake batter.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large mixing bowl, cream together the room temperature butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and applesauce, mixing until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in three increments, alternating with the Greek yogurt. Stir until everything is well incorporated, but do not overmix.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the cake batter into your prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Next, layer the cooked apple mixture over the batter. Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top of the apples. Then, pour the remaining cake batter over the apples and smooth the top.
- Bake the Cake: Place the cake in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and smell like cinnamon and apples.
- Prepare the Icing: While the cake bakes, make the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if necessary.
- Finishing Touches: Once the cake has finished baking, allow it to cool slightly. Drizzle the vanilla icing generously over the top of the warm cake, letting it soak into the cake and create a beautiful glaze.
- Slice and serve this warm, cinnamon-spiced Apple Fritter Cake with a cup of coffee or tea.
Enjoy this tender, flavorful cake that’s perfect for any time of day!