Sweet Apple Fritter Cake

Sweet Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful combination of soft, fluffy cake layered with spiced apples and a rich glaze that brings the comforting flavors of autumn to your table. I first discovered this recipe during a family gathering, where it absolutely stole the show. It’s perfect for cozy brunches with friends or as a treat to celebrate special occasions. What truly makes it sing, however, is the balance between the sweet, tart Granny Smith apples and the warm spices that make every bite a little slice of heaven.

Why you’ll love this dish

You might be wondering why you should add this Sweet Apple Fritter Cake to your baking repertoire. For starters, it’s a budget-friendly dessert that’s deceptively simple to make, yet it looks like you spent all day preparing it. This cake is perfect for gatherings, weekend family brunches, and even as a sweet ending to weeknight dinners. It’s a scrumptious way to showcase seasonal apples, allowing them to shine through with each forkful.

"This cake is everything! Moist, flavorful, and the glaze makes it irresistible. I couldn’t stop at one slice!"

The cooking process explained

Creating this Sweet Apple Fritter Cake involves a few fundamental steps, but don’t worry! With a little organization, you’ll whip it up in no time. First, you’ll cook the apple filling to infuse those juicy pieces with cinnamon sweetness. Next, you’ll whip up a brown sugar-cinnamon swirl to add a delightful crunch. Finally, there’s the cake batter that complements everything beautifully. By layering these components, you’ll create a treat that is packed with flavors and textures.

What you’ll need

Gather these items before starting to ensure a smooth baking experience:

1/3 cup white sugar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tsp water
2 cups Granny Smith apples, diced into 1/2-inch pieces
1/2 cup dark brown sugar, packed well
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract (pure for the best flavor)
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
2 large eggs, room temperature for better emulsification
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/3 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour (King Arthur for consistency)
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp baking soda
1 cup Greek yogurt, full-fat for a moister cake
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted to remove lumps
1/3 cup whole milk for a richer glaze
1 tsp vanilla extract

Optional Substitutions:

Swap out Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp for a sweeter option.
For a lighter version, use low-fat yogurt instead of Greek yogurt.

Step-by-step instructions

Cook the Apple Filling: Combine diced Granny Smith apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons water in a medium saucepan. Heat over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the apples soften and the liquid thickens. Remove from heat and cool.
Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl Mixture: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup dark brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Set this aside.
Prepare the Cake Batter: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray. In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat together 1/3 cup unsalted butter and 3/4 cup granulated sugar for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Add 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and two large eggs. Mix until smooth, scraping the bowl as necessary.
Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine the Batter: In a separate bowl, whisk together 2 1/4 cups flour, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 teaspoon baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients and 1 cup Greek yogurt to the wet mixture, alternating between the two. Be careful not to overmix; a gentle hand is key to a tender cake. Fold in gently with a spatula.
Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the batter into the prepared pan. Layer the cooled apple filling over this, followed by two-thirds of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture. Pour the remaining cake batter on top, spreading evenly, and finish with the remaining brown sugar-cinnamon mix.
Bake the Cake: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set and a toothpick comes out clean. If it starts browning too quickly, tent it with foil during the last few minutes.
Prepare and Add the Glaze: Whisk together 2 cups powdered sugar, 1/3 cup milk, and 1 teaspoon vanilla in a bowl until smooth. Once the cake is out of the oven and still warm, poke around 30 holes over the surface and pour the glaze over, spreading it evenly. Let it set for about 20 minutes before serving. For an added twist, consider mixing in apple cider instead of half the milk for extra flavor!

Best ways to enjoy it

Enjoy this Sweet Apple Fritter Cake on its own, or elevate your dessert experience with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or dollops of whipped cream on top. It pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or tea, making it the ideal treat for brunch with friends or a cozy evening at home.

Storage and reheating tips

To keep your Sweet Apple Fritter Cake fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re looking to prolong its shelf life, you can freeze individual slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Just make sure to label them with the date. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the microwave or oven.

Helpful cooking tips

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: It helps to create a stable emulsion for the batter, leading to a lighter cake.
Sifting Dry Ingredients: This ensures a lump-free batter and better mixing.
Chill the Apple Filling: Giving it time to cool before layering helps keep the batter from getting too runny.

Creative twists

Want to mix things up? Consider adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for added crunch. You could also incorporate spices like nutmeg or allspice for deeper flavors. For a twist on the glaze, try adding caramel or maple syrup instead of vanilla extract!

FAQs

What’s the prep time for this cake?

Prep time is about 20-25 minutes, with an additional 35-40 minutes baking time.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt?

Yes! You can use sour cream or regular yogurt if you’re looking for alternatives.

How long can I store this cake?

In the fridge, it lasts about a week. You can freeze slices for up to three months for longer storage. Just ensure they’re well-wrapped!

With this Sweet Apple Fritter Cake recipe, you’re all set to impress family and friends alike. Happy baking!