Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Introduction
Apple Fritter Cake is a moist, spiced treat packed with tender apple pieces and a sweet vanilla glaze. This cake captures the flavors of a classic apple fritter in an easy-to-make dessert perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups diced apples
- For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set aside.
- Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes with an electric mixer.
- Step 4: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla extract.
- Step 5: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.
- Step 6: Gently fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Step 7: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Step 8: Bake for 35-40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake is golden brown.
- Step 9: Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Step 10: To make the glaze, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust thickness by adding more milk if needed.
- Step 11: Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let set for a few minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor and texture.
- For a nutty twist, add 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
- Replace the vanilla in the glaze with maple extract for a fall-inspired variation.
- Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
Storage
Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave to restore warmth and softness before serving.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples instead of fresh?
Fresh apples work best for texture, but if using frozen apples, thaw and drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the batter.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend for a gluten-free version without altering other ingredients.
PrintApple Fritter Cake Recipe
Apple Fritter Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that captures the essence of classic apple fritters in cake form. This recipe combines warm spices, tender diced apples, and a sweet vanilla glaze for a perfect balance of texture and taste. Ideal for a cozy afternoon treat or a festive dessert, this cake is easy to prepare and bakes to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups diced apples (preferably a mix of sweet and tart apples)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with butter or non-stick spray to prevent sticking during baking.
- Prepare the Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until well combined. Set this mixture aside.
- Cream the Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar using an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. This process helps to aerate the batter for a tender crumb.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition to incorporate air and ensure a smooth batter. Then, mix in the vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, mixing gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking down the apple pieces.
- Pour into the Pan: Transfer the batter into the prepared 9×13-inch baking pan, smoothing the surface evenly with a spatula for uniform baking.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the cake has a golden-brown crust.
- Cool the Cake: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
- Prepare the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if the glaze is too thick.
- Glaze the Cake: Once the cake is fully cooled, drizzle the glaze evenly over the top, allowing it to drip down the sides. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to achieve the best flavor balance and texture.
- Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier creaming and better batter consistency.
- Do not overmix the batter after adding the dry ingredients to keep the cake tender.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting and becoming runny.
- The glaze thickness can be adjusted by varying the amount of milk added.
Keywords: apple fritter cake, apple cake, cinnamon cake, glazed apple cake, moist apple cake, fall dessert, apple dessert

