Warm, gooey, and dripping with sweet vanilla glaze, this Apple Fritter Cake is the ultimate treat for cozy mornings or a comforting dessert. Inspired by the beloved bakery-style apple fritters, this cake layers tender chunks of cinnamon-coated apples into a moist, rich batter, swirled with brown sugar and spice.

Every bite delivers that classic apple-cinnamon warmth, but in a soft, spoonable form that’s perfect for sharing. The best part? It’s finished with a simple powdered sugar glaze that seeps into all the crevices for an irresistible sticky topping.

What Kind of Apples Work Best for Apple Fritter Cake?

When choosing apples, go for a firm variety that holds up well during baking. Granny Smith offers tartness that balances the sweet glaze, while Honeycrisp or Fuji bring a natural sweetness and a juicy bite. You can even mix two varieties for a more complex flavor.

Ingredients for the Apple Fritter Cake

Apples: The star of the show! Use fresh apples diced into small pieces to give juicy bursts in every bite.
Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, spiced flavor that makes this cake taste like a cozy autumn morning.
Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and helps create the gooey, swirly goodness throughout the cake.
All-purpose Flour: The base that brings everything together and gives the cake its structure.
Baking Powder: Helps the cake rise and stay light despite its rich ingredients.
Eggs: Bind the batter and contribute to the cake’s texture and richness.
Milk: Adds moisture and helps achieve a soft crumb.
Vanilla Extract: Enhances the flavor and brings out the sweetness of the apples.
Butter: For richness and a tender texture.
Powdered Sugar: For the simple glaze that ties everything together with a sweet finish.

How To Make the Apple Fritter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and dice the apples, then toss them with cinnamon and brown sugar. Let this mixture sit for a few minutes to let the flavors meld and the apples release a bit of juice.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder. Gradually mix the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, alternating with milk.

Step 3: Layer and Swirl

Pour half the batter into a greased baking dish, then add half the apple mixture. Repeat with the remaining batter and apples. Use a knife to gently swirl the layers together.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean and the top is golden and slightly crisp.

Step 5: Glaze the Cake

While the cake is still warm, whisk together powdered sugar and milk to form a glaze. Drizzle it generously over the top so it seeps into the cake. Let it cool slightly before serving.

How to Serve and Store Apple Fritter Cake

This cake is best served warm, fresh out of the oven with the glaze still slightly sticky. Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert or a hot cup of coffee for a perfect breakfast treat.

To store, cover tightly and keep at room temperature for up to two days or refrigerate for up to five. Reheat slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to restore that just-baked warmth. The cake also freezes beautifully—just wrap slices individually and thaw as needed.

What to Serve With Apple Fritter Cake?

Fresh Whipped Cream

Adds lightness and balances the cake’s sweetness.

Vanilla Bean Ice Cream

A dreamy pairing that melts into the warm cake.

Salted Caramel Drizzle

For an extra layer of indulgence and contrast.

Hot Apple Cider

The spiced drink complements the cinnamon apple flavor.

Cream Cheese Frosting (on the side)

A tangy addition if you want more richness.

Candied Pecans

Sprinkle on top for crunch and nuttiness.

Maple Glazed Bacon

Yes—sweet and salty lovers will rejoice.

Chai Tea Latte

The warming spices match beautifully with the cake.

Want More Cake Ideas with a Twist?

If this Apple Fritter Cake made you swoon, don’t miss these other sweet, comforting options:

Nutella French Toast Casserole for a chocolate-hazelnut brunch delight.
The Ultimate Cinnamon Roll Cheesecake with layers of spice and creaminess.
Cherry Chocolate Cheesecake for bold cherry-chocolate drama.
Lemon Cake to Die For if you crave something tangy and vibrant.
Twix Cookie Cups for bite-sized fun with gooey caramel.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time: Follow Chef Alchemy on Pinterest

Let me know in the comments how your Apple Fritter Cake turned out! Did you add nuts, drizzle extra glaze, or serve it with something unexpected?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Ask away if you have questions—let’s bake up something amazing together.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more cozy dessert ideas on ChefAlchemy’s Recipes and discover your new go-to favorites!

Apple Fritter Cake

Author: Lorenzo Devereaux
Total Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 9 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Craving the flavors of a bakery-style apple fritter but in cake form? This Apple Fritter Cake is soft, buttery, and packed with cinnamon-spiced apples, brown sugar swirls, and a sweet glaze that drips into every golden crevice. Whether you’re looking for quick breakfast ideas, a cozy dessert, or simply an easy recipe to impress guests, this one’s a keeper. Perfect for chilly mornings, holiday brunch spreads, or any time you need warm comfort on a plate. Delicious, simple, and packed with flavor—it’s an easy food idea you’ll want to make again and again.