If you have a soft spot for the warm, cozy flavors of fall, then this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is about to become your new go-to dessert. Imagine a moist, tender cake bursting with cinnamon-spiced diced apples that melt into each bite, recalling the nostalgic charm of a classic apple fritter but in a wonderfully easy cake form. It’s perfect for any occasion where you want to impress with homemade goodness without the hassle of frying batter. Trust me, once you try this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe, you’ll be baking it again and again, sharing that sweet, spicy joy with friends and family.

A close-up of a square apple dessert in a white baking dish shows a bumpy, golden brown crumbly top layer spread unevenly with bits of baked apple visible underneath. The crumb crust is dusted with white powdered sugar, which contrasts with the warm tones of the baked apples and crust. The apples beneath are pale beige with some translucency, peeking through the crunchy top layer. The dish rests on a white marbled surface, adding subtle texture to the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Apple Fritter Cake Recipe calls for straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine to create a harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s providing structure, moisture, or that signature warmth and sweetness.

2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of the cake providing delicate crumb structure.
2 tsp baking powder: Helps the cake rise to fluffy perfection.
2 tsp ground cinnamon: Adds the unmistakable warm spice essential in apple desserts.
1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the cake just enough to balance the tart apples.
3 large eggs: Bind everything together while adding richness and lightness.
1 cup milk: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
½ cup unsalted butter (melted): Gives depth of flavor and buttery softness.
2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Provide juicy bursts of fresh apple flavor and texture.

How to Make Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), then grease a bundt pan or a square baking dish. This step ensures your cake won’t stick and will come out with an inviting golden crust perfect for presentation.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar. This combination lays the flavor foundation and activates the leavening for a perfectly risen cake.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and cohesive. These wet ingredients bring moisture and richness, critical to achieving that soft, tender crumb.

Step 4: Bring Wet and Dry Together

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and mix gently until just combined. Over-mixing can make the cake tough, so it’s best to stir until you see no dry streaks left.

Step 5: Fold in the Diced Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples, allowing them to distribute evenly through the batter without bruising or breaking apart. The apples will provide chewy pockets of fruity goodness in every slice.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth out the top with a spatula. Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, signaling a fully baked, moist cake with just enough spring.

Step 7: Cool and Release

Allow the cake to cool in the pan for at least 10 minutes before turning it out onto a wire rack to cool completely. This resting period helps the cake firm up for easier slicing while retaining moisture.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of homemade glaze highlights the rustic beauty of this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe. For an extra touch, sprinkle some finely chopped nuts on top to add a satisfying crunch that complements the soft cake perfectly.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For a cozy breakfast or brunch, serve it alongside a steaming cup of coffee or chai tea, and watch your guests’ faces light up with delight.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, slice the cake into squares and arrange them on a platter with fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks for a charming autumnal centerpiece. You can even use it as a base for a layered trifle with spiced pudding and caramel sauce for an irresistible showstopper dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Apple Fritter Cake Recipe keeps beautifully when wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Refrigerate if you want to extend freshness up to 5 days.

Freezing

This cake freezes well, making it perfect for meal prep or saving for later. Wrap individual slices or the whole cake securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying.

Reheating

To recapture that just-baked warmth, gently reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or pop them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes. This refreshes the softness and the comforting aroma of the cake perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are excellent choices because of their tartness and firmness, you can experiment with other apples like Fuji or Braeburn. Just keep in mind the texture and sweetness may vary slightly.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking. Make sure it contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to maintain the cake’s texture.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe?

Definitely! Adding chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins can add wonderful texture and flavor. Fold them in along with the diced apples for a delightful twist.

How do I know when the cake is done baking?

The best test is to insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is perfectly baked. Avoid opening the oven too early to ensure proper rising.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

Yes, you can swap the milk with any plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk, and replace butter with vegan margarine or coconut oil. The texture and flavor will still be fantastic!

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way this Apple Fritter Cake Recipe brings together simple ingredients into a comforting, crowd-pleasing dessert. Whether for a weekend treat or a holiday celebration, it’s one of those cakes that feels like a warm hug with every bite. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—happy baking!

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 77 reviews

Author: Emma
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Yield: 10 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Apple Fritter Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert that combines tender chunks of diced apples with warm cinnamon and a tender crumb. Baked to golden perfection in a bundt or square pan, this cake captures the essence of traditional apple fritters in cake form, making it a delightful treat for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup granulated sugar
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
½ cup unsalted butter (melted)
2 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a bundt pan or a square baking dish to prevent the cake from sticking.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and granulated sugar until well combined.
Beat wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, milk, and melted butter together until the mixture is smooth and homogeneous.
Combine wet and dry mixtures: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently to form a consistent batter without overmixing.
Fold in apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without bruising the apple pieces.
Prepare to bake: Pour the batter into the greased pan and use a spatula to smooth the top for even baking.
Bake the cake: Place the pan in the oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean indicating the cake is fully cooked.
Cool and serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Slice and serve as desired.

Notes

Use tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
Ensure the butter is melted but not hot to avoid cooking the eggs prematurely.
Check the cake with a toothpick starting at 45 minutes to prevent overbaking.
Allow the cake to cool somewhat before removing from the pan to maintain its shape.
Optional: dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze for extra sweetness.