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
- 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.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
- 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.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and fold gently until just combined to avoid overmixing.
- Fold in Apples: Carefully fold the peeled and chopped apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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