Apple fritter cake is one of my favorite desserts. It blends tender cake with the sweetness of caramelized apples. The warm, comforting flavors remind me of fall.
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Apple fritter cake recipe
Apple fritter cake is a delightful twist on traditional apple fritters. It captures the essence of apple fritters in a cake form. It is often called a “giant baked apple fritter”.
The cake has a delightful balance of cinnamon and vanilla. These flavors pair well with fresh, tart apples. Each bite has a rich, buttery texture and a hint of spice. The apple fritter cake is lighter, fluffier, and softer than the apple fritter bread.
This dessert is popular for gatherings. It is popular in the fall when apples are abundant. Here is how to make the apple fritter cake:
Apple Fritter Cake
Ingredients
For the filling
- 2 large apples peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
For the cake
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup milk
For the glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour an 8×8-inch baking pan.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cook until the apples are soft and caramelized (about 5 minutes). Set aside to cool.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.
- In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by vanilla extract.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture alternately with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Pour half the batter into the prepared pan. Spread the apple mixture evenly over the batter, then cover with the remaining batter.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle over the cooled cake.
Nutrition
Pairing suggestions
Apple fritter cake pairs well with various dishes and beverages. Here are some great serving suggestions:
- Beverages
- Apple cider echoes the cake’s apple flavors and adds a seasonal touch.
- Coffee pairs excellently with the cake.
- Tea complements the cake’s flavors, especially cinnamon or apple teas.
- Spiced cider enhances the autumnal feel of the cake.
- Hot cocoa contrasts with the cinnamon and apple flavors of the cake.
- Milk is a delightful accompaniment.
- Apple Fritter Cocktail mirrors the cake’s flavors.
- Dessert Pairings
- Vanilla or caramel ice cream enhances the cake’s spiced flavors.
- Whipped cream adds a fluffy texture and complements the cake’s richness.
- A warm apple or berry compote enhances the cake’s flavor profile.
- Meal Pairings
- Serve apple fritter cake with brunch dishes like pancakes or French toast.
- A cheese platter, especially sharp cheddar or brie, balances the cake’s sweetness.
These food and drink options will enhance your enjoyment of the cake.
Variations
Apple fritters can be transformed into many delightful cake variations. Here are some popular versions:
- Apple Fritter Skillet Cake: This variation features a moist spice cake baked in a skillet with tender cinnamon apples. Apples are peeled, diced, and cooked with butter, sugar, and cinnamon. The batter is made with eggs, butter, and baking powder. It is combined with apples and baked until fluffy. The cake is topped with a sweet glaze.
- Layered Apple Fritter Cake: This recipe has three layers. The base is a light, buttery vanilla cake. The topping is made from chopped apples and brown sugar. Glaze is drizzled on top after baking to enhance flavor.
- High-Altitude Apple Fritter Cake: This cake is designed for high-altitude baking. The batter is made with melted butter and topped with cinnamon apples. Altitude adjustments ensure the cake rises and is fluffy. The cake is best enjoyed warm, often with ice cream.
- Gooey Apple Fritter Cake: This version has a gooey vanilla cake. The cake batter is rich, like traditional apple fritters. Apple filling is layered in the center and top. Vanilla glaze creates a crunchy sugary coating.
- Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake: This cake has a simple, flavorful batter. The batter is made with butter, brown sugar, apple butter, yogurt, and cinnamon. It is layered with chopped Honeycrisp apples. The glaze is drizzled while warm, soaking into the cake for extra flavor.