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Finished apple cinnamon cake topped with powdered sugar, ready to serve

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

A moist, bakery-style Apple Fritter Cake made with cinnamon-spiced apples, brown sugar, tender cake layers, and a smooth vanilla glaze. All the flavor of an old-fashioned apple fritter in an easy baked form.
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

Filling

  • 2 c peeled and large-diced Granny Smith apples about 2 medium apples
  • 1/3 c granulated sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 2 tbs cornstarch
  • 2 tsp water
  • 1/2 c dark brown sugar
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Cake

  • 1/3 c unsalted butter room temperature
  • 3/4 c granulated sugar
  • 1/2 c applesauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 1/4 c all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp baking soda
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1 c Greek yogurt or sour cream

Glaze

  • 2 c powdered sugar
  • 1/3 c milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Prepare the Filling

  • In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly. In a separate small bowl, mix the dark brown sugar with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Set aside.

Prepare the Cake Batter

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and set aside.
  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and granulated sugar on medium speed for approximately 3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add the applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing until fully incorporated and scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add the dry ingredients to the batter in alternating additions with the Greek yogurt, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix just until combined.

Assemble the Cake

  • Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan. Spoon the apple filling over the batter, spreading carefully to cover the surface. Sprinkle approximately two-thirds of the brown sugar mixture evenly over the apples.
  • Dollop and gently spread the remaining batter over the filling. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar mixture evenly over the top.

Bake

  • Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center of the cake is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.

Prepare and Add the Glaze

  • During the final minutes of baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  • Once the cake is removed from the oven, immediately use a butter knife to poke approximately 30 holes evenly across the surface of the cake. Pour the glaze over the hot cake, spreading evenly to ensure it seeps into the holes. Allow the glaze to set for about 20 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

To make this Apple Fritter Cake gluten free, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour that contains xanthan gum. Ensure the baking powder, baking soda, and cornstarch are certified gluten free. Bake time may remain the same, but check for doneness with a toothpick, as gluten-free batters can vary slightly in moisture.