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Home » Desserts » Apple Fritter Cake

Apple Fritter Cake

October 8, 2021 · Kristy Monroe · 42 Comments

Slice of apple fritter cake on a white plate.
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Sweet, fluffy, DELICIOUS. This Apple Fritter Cake is the best for an easy fall dessert that’s a total crowd-pleaser! A light, perfectly moist cake at the base, a sweet, cinnamon brown sugar apple streusel that makes for the best topping, and a glaze that brings that little bit of apple fritter crunch. Everyone will love this recipe!

Whether you’re looking for a fall-inspired dessert to bring to a gathering or you just want to bake something cozy and delicious, this Apple Fritter Cake is here to impress! With so much flavor and the most perfect textures, this recipe truly takes things to another level. The best part? It’s actually SO easy to make!

Close up of apple fritter cake with white glaze.

Ingredients

The Cake – All-purpose flour, eggs, butter, milk, sugar, vanilla, salt, and baking powder make for a light and fluffy cake base!

RELATED: Substituting Almond Flour For All-Purpose Flour

Apple Topping – This apple topping is truly the star of the show here. Made with diced apples, softened butter, brown sugar, flour, and cinnamon, it tastes like a cross of an apple fritter and a streusel topping!

The Glaze – To seal the deal and create that apple fritter taste and texture, this glaze is made with powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little bit of milk. Feel free to adjust the amount of milk to create the desired texture!

What Type of Apples to Use in Apple Cakes?

The best types of apples to use in apple cakes (or other any other apple recipe) are gala apples and honeycrisp apples, as they are a bit more firm and can hold up in baking. However, any type of apple can typically work great!

Glaze being drizzled over apple cake.

How to Make An Apple Fritter Cake

This cake recipe is incredibly easy! Here’s how to make an Apple Fritter Cake:

  1. Whisk the cake batter together (both liquid and dry ingredients).
  2. Pour into a 9 x 13 baking pan.
  3. Peel and dice the apples.
  4. Mix the apple fritter topping in a medium bowl.
  5. Pour the apple mixture over the cake batter, using a knife to swirl it into the batter.
  6. Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes.
  7. Let cool and drizzle the top of the cake with the glaze!

TIP #1: Depending on how juicy your apples are, you may need less or more baking time. The best way to check if the cake is done is to insert a toothpick and make sure that it comes out clean (or mostly clean)!

TIP #2: Use spray oil to grease the baking pan or use parchment paper to help the cake come out easier.

  • Apple cake batter in a large glass bowl.
  • Apple butter streusel being mixed together for cake.
  • Top shot of apple fritter cake in a baking pan.
  • Baked apple fritter cake in a pan.

Tips for Peeling Apples Quickly

Peeling and chopping apples for baking recipes should not take near as long it often does. Want to know the secret to quickly peeling apples and shaving your prep time in half? Use a y-shaped peeler! Another option is to use an Apple Peeler & Corer, but a simple, regular peeler works great too.

The key is to run the peeler horizontally, not vertically. This article shows photos for how to peel an apple and can help the process go so much faster!

Apple Fritter Cake Using Cake Mix

Another time-saving option is to use cake mix for the cake layer! This is a simple swap and works perfectly with this recipe. To make an Apple Fritter Cake using cake mix, simply mix together the cake mix according to directions (by hand or using an electric mixer). Pour into the baking pan, then create the apple fritter topping according to the instructions below. Bake, let cool, and add the glaze!

Top shot of Apple Fritter Cake recipe.

How To Store Apple Cake

Apple cake can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. It can also be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months!

To store, simply let the cake cool completely. Next, place it in an airtight container and slice when ready to serve. If freezing, go ahead and slice it first!

When ready to serve, feel free to reheat for 30 seconds to 1 minute in the microwave!

This Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is SO Easy and Delicious!

This Apple Fritter Cake will make your entire house smell like fall! It’s incredibly easy to make and so, so very delicious. It’s truly one of the best fall desserts!

Across shot of slice of apple fritter cake.

More Desserts & Drinks You’ll Love

  • Apple Cider Bourbon Cocktail
  • Maple Blueberry Scones
  • Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso
  • Maple Whiskey Pudding Cake

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Slice of apple fritter cake on a white plate.

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Kristy Monroe
Sweet, fluffy, DELICIOUS. This Apple Fritter Cake is the best for an easy fall dessert that's a total crowd-pleaser! A light, perfectly moist cake at the base, a sweet, cinnamon brown sugar apple streusel that makes for the best topping, and a glaze that brings that little bit of apple fritter crunch. Everyone will love this recipe!
5 from 32 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 1 hr
Total Time 1 hr 20 mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 12 Servings
Calories 433 kcal

Ingredients
  

Cake Batter

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups milk
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 3 cups flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 4 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 cup butter melted

Apple Fritter Topping

  • 4 1/2 cups apples, peeled & diced about 4-5
  • 1 cup butter softened
  • 1 cup brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons flour
  • 1 Tablespoon cinnamon

Glaze

  • 2 cups powdered sugar
  • 5-7 Tablespoons milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Whisk together all of the ingredients for the batter (except for the melted butter) until well combined.
  • Slowly add in the melted butter until fully combined.
  • Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13 pan.
  • Peel and dice the apples.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the topping ingredients together (except for the apples).
  • Fold in the apples until distributed evenly.
  • Top the batter with this mixture, using a knife to swirl the topping around and lightly blend parts of it into the cake batter.
  • Bake for 50-60 minutes.
  • Let the cake cool for 20 minutes (or more).
  • While the cake is cooling, whisk together the glaze ingredients.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the cake, cut into slices, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Depending on how juicy your apples are, you may need less or more baking time. The best way to check if the cake is done is to insert a toothpick and make sure that it comes out clean (or mostly clean)!
Keyword Apple Fritter Cake

Cake, Desserts, Fall

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Recipe Rating




Comments

  1. Jamie says

    October 11, 2021 at 3:41 pm

    5 stars
    This is soft and full of apple flavor!

    Reply
  2. Megan Ellam says

    October 11, 2021 at 5:05 pm

    5 stars
    This cake looks delicious

    Reply
  3. Amy says

    October 11, 2021 at 5:56 pm

    5 stars
    Love apple anything! This cake was fantastic. Kids really enjoyed it.

    Reply
  4. Ramona says

    October 11, 2021 at 6:00 pm

    5 stars
    Oh wow! This looks absolutely amazing. Love the ingredients used. Will be on my table this coming weekend.

    Reply
  5. Alexandra says

    October 11, 2021 at 7:07 pm

    5 stars
    Love this delicious cake – it has great flavours!

    Reply
  6. Brianna says

    October 11, 2021 at 8:52 pm

    5 stars
    Such a great fall dessert!

    Reply
  7. Jere Cassidy says

    October 11, 2021 at 11:35 pm

    5 stars
    This cake looks delicious and perfect for a fall dessert. Glad you added the cake mix version too.

    Reply
  8. NATALIA says

    October 12, 2021 at 7:01 am

    5 stars
    I made it and I loved how easy the recipe was, and with fall season just starting apples are everywhere. 🙂 Also made my house smell so good.

    Reply
  9. Ali says

    October 12, 2021 at 8:45 am

    5 stars
    Perfect for the season, waiting for mine to finish to have with some coffee, thanks!!

    Reply
  10. Bernice says

    October 12, 2021 at 12:25 pm

    5 stars
    Apple fritters are my favourite doughnut…so I had to try this cake. It was so delicious and my house smelled heavenly while it was baking in the oven.

    Reply
  11. Kristina Tipps says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds fantastic!

    Reply
  12. Swathi says

    October 12, 2021 at 5:35 pm

    5 stars
    This Apple fritter cake looks delicious.

    Reply
  13. Addie says

    October 12, 2021 at 9:38 pm

    5 stars
    These flavors are amazing! I loved this recipe!

    Reply
  14. Kathryn says

    October 13, 2021 at 10:34 am

    5 stars
    My two favorite desserts combined into one! Such a fabulous idea and I know we will all LOVE this so much, thank you!

    Reply
  15. Heather says

    October 13, 2021 at 12:09 pm

    5 stars
    Apple fritters are one of my absolute favourite donuts! This is an excellent option to enjoy the flavours.

    Reply
  16. Cathleen says

    October 13, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    5 stars
    Okay, this cake is perfect for the fall! Bookmarked to make for the weekend, thank you so much for the recipe 🙂

    Reply
  17. Jacqueline Debono says

    October 15, 2021 at 7:29 am

    5 stars
    I’ve never had an apple fritter cake but it looks and sounds delicious. I love all kinds of apple cakes, tarts and pies, so am sure I’d love this too. On my to-make list!

    Reply
  18. Stine Mari says

    October 16, 2021 at 1:40 am

    5 stars
    That apple fritter streusel topping is ridiculously AMAZING and so good with the fluffy cake!

    Reply
  19. Julia says

    October 16, 2021 at 5:24 pm

    The whole family loved this. We went apple picking and had SO much left over, so it all went into apple pies and this apple fritter cake. So moist!

    Reply
  20. silvia says

    October 17, 2021 at 11:42 am

    5 stars
    This is my kind of cake. Moist, sweet, delicious, I love the apple fritter toping. A great dessert for the holiday season.

    Reply
  21. Erin says

    October 17, 2021 at 1:38 pm

    5 stars
    This was so delicious! My whole family loved it and I’m so excited to make it again. Thanks for the recipe!

    Reply
  22. Alex says

    October 17, 2021 at 2:09 pm

    5 stars
    This was surprisingly easy! And it tastes just as amazing as it looks! My family flipped for it. Thanks a bunch!

    Reply
  23. Ramona says

    October 17, 2021 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    This apple fritter cake is perfect for the season at the moment and I can’t wait to make this! It looks super delicious thank you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
  24. Anaiah says

    October 18, 2021 at 12:10 am

    5 stars
    This apple fritter cake is a sweet, cinnamon perfection! The glazed topping was so delicious. Definitely making this again soon!

    Reply
  25. Natalie says

    October 18, 2021 at 4:12 am

    5 stars
    Such a lovely apple cake. Looks delicious. And sounds super easy. I’m going to bake it this weekend. I have a box of homegrown apples waiting to be used.

    Reply
  26. Mimi says

    October 19, 2021 at 1:58 pm

    This is perfect for autumn, I need to give it a go

    Reply
  27. Heather says

    October 19, 2021 at 2:08 pm

    I am drooling! This apple fritter cake looks so delicious. I can’t wait to try it.

    Reply
  28. Monica Simpson says

    October 19, 2021 at 9:28 pm

    I love anything apple! It’s my favorite in the fall. I will definitely be trying this!

    Reply
  29. Tisha says

    October 20, 2021 at 10:59 am

    5 stars
    I love apple fritters so this cake is gonna be amazing!

    Reply
  30. Amber S Battishill says

    October 21, 2021 at 9:41 am

    WOW, this looks so good! I’ve been majorly craving apple fritter donuts, but now I want this! Saving to make later -thanks!

    Reply
  31. Mary says

    June 27, 2022 at 8:21 am

    Can’t wait to try this one
    Thank you

    Reply
  32. Enri Lemoine says

    September 12, 2022 at 3:15 pm

    5 stars
    Now that apples are in season, I’m making this right now. I’ll let you know about the results, but coming from you, I know this will be a hit!

    Reply
  33. Heidy says

    September 13, 2022 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    This Apple Fritter Cake was a hit at my office party! All of my co-workers enjoyed it and asked for the recipe. I sent them your blog link. This recipe is perfect for this time of the year!

    Reply
  34. Jessica says

    September 15, 2022 at 11:28 am

    I’m thinking this will be the perfect sweet treat for our next brunch! Fall flavors are IT right now, so thanks for providing the ideal recipe 🙂

    Reply
  35. Veronika says

    September 16, 2022 at 12:08 pm

    5 stars
    We made this cake last weekend and everyone loved it! It was fluffy and not overly sweet. We’ll definitely make it again and again this fall and winter!

    Reply
  36. Erin says

    September 18, 2022 at 7:47 am

    5 stars
    This cake was just amazing! Perfect for fall and easier than expected. I’ll definitely make it again soon.

    Reply
  37. Debbie says

    September 18, 2022 at 8:50 am

    5 stars
    This apple fritter cake is amazing ! The cake is tender and just melts in your mouth. The apple topping is what makes this special . Thanks for a great recipe.

    Reply
  38. Kristina says

    September 18, 2022 at 8:55 am

    5 stars
    This was a delicious fritter and had so much flavor from freshly picked apples. I had extra juicy apples so it needed to bake for a little longer but it came out fantastic in the end and there wasn’t much leftover!

    Reply
  39. Darlene says

    December 30, 2022 at 6:22 pm

    5 stars
    I would suggest using fresh apples. I used Honey crisp. Forget apple fritters, I made this cake and after the glaze, cut into pieces and froze them individually… When I wanted a sweet apple treat, allowed to thaw in the fridge… Then warmed in the microwave for a few seconds… Excellent!!

    Reply

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