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Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

4.6 from 627 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 20 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Apple Fritter Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert featuring tender apples folded into a spiced batter, topped with a rich brown sugar glaze that soaks into the cake for an irresistible finish. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, homemade treat.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Cake Ingredients

  • 1 cup Oil
  • 3/4 cup Brown Sugar
  • 3/4 cup Sugar
  • 3 large Eggs
  • 1 teaspoon Vanilla Extract
  • 1 cup Unsweetened Applesauce
  • 1/4 cup Apple Cider
  • 2 1/2 cups Flour
  • 2 teaspoons Baking Powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Baking Soda
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 2 teaspoons Cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon Nutmeg
  • 3 cups Peeled Chopped Apples (about 3 large, preferably Honeycrisp)

Brown Sugar Glaze

  • 6 Tablespoons Butter
  • 1 cup Brown Sugar
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
  3. Combine Wet Ingredients and Sugars: In a larger mixing bowl, stir together oil, sugar, and brown sugar until evenly mixed. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract, followed by the applesauce and apple cider.
  4. Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
  5. Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
  6. Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. To prevent over-browning, cover the cake loosely with foil after 25-30 minutes of baking.
  7. Prepare Brown Sugar Glaze: While the cake cools, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat to low and cook for an additional minute. Remove from heat and allow the glaze to cool slightly.
  8. Glaze the Cake: When the cake has cooled slightly, use a toothpick or fork to poke holes evenly throughout. Drizzle the brown sugar glaze over the cake, allowing it to soak in and enhance the flavor and moistness.
  9. Serve: Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature with vanilla bean ice cream or fresh whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.

Notes

  • Recipe adapted from Mom’s church cookbook, adding a nostalgic home-cooked charm.
  • For best texture and flavor, choose firm, sweet yet tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or add Granny Smith for more tartness.
  • This recipe uses Honeycrisp apples, which balance sweetness and tartness perfectly.
  • Covering the cake with foil midway through baking prevents the top from browning too quickly while ensuring it cooks through.
  • The glaze adds a decadent, rich finish and enhances the classic apple fritter flavor.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice (1/20th of cake)
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 22g
  • Sodium: 210mg
  • Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 3g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg