This Apple Fritter Cake is a sweet and cozy treat that combines soft cake with yummy chunks of apples and a sugary glaze on top. It’s like having apple pie but much easier!
Every bite feels like a hug! I love to enjoy it with a hot cup of coffee, especially on chilly mornings. It makes your kitchen smell amazing while baking—trust me, you’ll want seconds!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
All-Purpose Flour: This is the main structure for your cake. If you need a gluten-free option, you can swap it for a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour mix. I’ve tried using almond flour for a nutty flavor too!
Apples: Use varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. If you don’t have fresh apples, unsweetened applesauce can work in a pinch—just adjust the liquid ingredients accordingly.
Sour Cream: This adds moisture and richness. Greek yogurt is a great alternative if you want something lighter, or you can use buttermilk as well. Both keep the cake tender!
Brown Sugar: It adds a deeper flavor. If you run out, you can use white sugar mixed with a little molasses as a substitute or simply use all white sugar, but it won’t be quite the same.
How Can I Make Sure My Cake Isn’t Dry?
Keeping your cake moist is key! Here are some tips:
- Don’t overmix the batter; mix just until combined to avoid toughening the cake.
- Check your cake early; every oven is different. Start checking at 45 minutes.
- Use a toothpick to test; if it comes out with a few moist crumbs, it’s perfectly baked.
- Cooling the cake in the pan for a bit helps keep it moist. Allow it to sit for about 10 minutes before flipping!
Delicious Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (for topping)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 15 minutes to prepare the cake and about 45-55 minutes to bake it. After baking, let it cool for about 10 minutes before inverting. Allow it to cool completely before glazing, which should take about 10-15 minutes. Total time including baking and cooling is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Pan:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it heats up, take a 9-inch bundt pan or round cake pan and grease it with butter or non-stick spray, then dust with flour to make sure your cake doesn’t stick.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside while you prepare the wet ingredients.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large mixing bowl, add the softened butter and granulated sugar. Cream them together using a hand mixer or stand mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes!
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Beat in the eggs one at a time, ensuring each egg is well incorporated before adding the next. Then stir in the vanilla extract until mixed.
5. Combine Everything:
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the sour cream. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing just until combined to avoid overmixing.
6. Fold in the Apples:
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter. Don’t overmix; you want those lovely apple chunks to stay intact!
7. Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together for the topping. Pour half of the batter into your prepared pan, sprinkle half of the brown sugar-cinnamon mix on top, then pour the remaining batter over that. Finally, sprinkle the rest of the brown sugar-cinnamon mixture on top of the last layer of batter.
8. Bake the Cake:
Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes. Keep an eye on it! Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
9. Cool the Cake:
Once baked, take the cake out of the oven and let it cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
10. Glaze and Serve:
For the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle this sweet glaze over the cooled cake and watch it soak in! Slice your delicious Apple Fritter Cake and enjoy every cozy bite!
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great. They each provide a different flavor and texture, so feel free to use your favorite or whatever you have on hand!
Can I Make This Cake Gluten-Free?
Yes, you can! Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend, and the cake should turn out just as delicious. Just keep an eye on the baking time as it might vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate it for longer freshness. Just let it come to room temperature before serving again, or warm it slightly in the microwave for a cozy treat!
Can I Freeze This Apple Fritter Cake?
Definitely! After completely cooling, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will stay good for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
