Description
This Apple Fritter Cake is the ultimate cozy dessert—soft, cinnamon-swirled cake layered with tender sautéed apples and topped with a warm vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. Inspired by classic apple fritters but easier to make, this one-pan treat fills your kitchen with the nostalgic aroma of fall and is perfect for brunches, holidays, or just a sweet moment of indulgence any day of the year.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free baking blend)
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2 cups diced fresh apples (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
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¾ cup granulated sugar
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½ cup brown sugar
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2 tsp ground cinnamon
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1½ tsp baking powder
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¾ cup whole milk (or almond/oat milk)
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2 large eggs, room temperature
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2 tsp vanilla extract
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½ cup unsalted butter, melted
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1 tbsp butter (for sautéing apples)
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Pinch of salt
For the Vanilla Glaze:
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1 cup powdered sugar
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2 tbsp milk
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½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray.
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Sauté the Apples: Melt 1 tbsp butter in a skillet. Add diced apples, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 2 tbsp brown sugar. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized. Set aside.
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Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, 1 tsp cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
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Blend Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, beat eggs, granulated sugar, melted butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
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Make the Batter: Gradually add dry ingredients to wet, mixing until just combined—do not overmix.
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Layer the Cake: Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the apple mixture over it. Pour remaining batter on top and swirl gently with a butter knife.
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Bake: Bake for 45–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
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Glaze the Cake: While the cake cools for 10–15 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make glaze. Drizzle over the warm cake.
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Serve: Slice and enjoy warm or at room temperature. Optional: top with nuts or whipped cream.
Notes
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For a flavor twist, swap vanilla glaze with a maple or brown butter glaze.
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Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for deeper flavor.
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Try baking in a bundt pan or muffin tins—just adjust the bake time accordingly.
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To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
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For a gluten-free version, use a 1:1 GF flour blend and add ½ tsp xanthan gum.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: breakfast
- Method: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 290 per serving
- Fat: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Protein: 3g