Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe because it captures all the cozy flavors of fall in one simple, scrumptious cake. When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the tender cake and the cinnamon-spiced apples played together perfectly without feeling heavy like a traditional fritter.

You’ll find that it’s wonderfully versatile, whether you’re serving it for breakfast, a casual afternoon tea, or a light dessert. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a weeknight but special enough to impress guests—what’s not to love?

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here work beautifully together to deliver that classic cinnamon apple fritter taste with the ease of a cake. Fresh apples add juiciness, while sour cream keeps the cake tender and rich.

• All-purpose flour: The base for a tender yet sturdy cake structure.
• Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a lightly caramelized crust.
• Baking powder & baking soda: For that perfect rise and light crumb.
• Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Unsalted butter: I recommend very, very soft butter to blend smoothly into the dry mix without clumping.
• Eggs: They add moisture and help bind everything together.
• Sour cream: This is my secret for a moist, tender crumb that won’t dry out.
• Whole milk: Adds richness and thins out the batter just right.
• Vanilla extract: A touch of warmth and depth in flavor.
• Apples: Peeled, cored, diced – I use firm varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a nice balance of tart and sweet.
• Cinnamon: For that signature warming spice.
• Powdered confectioner’s sugar: For a delicate glaze that’s just enough sweetness, not too much.

Variations

I love how flexible this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is — you can tweak it to suit the season or your taste buds. Feel free to swap spices or try different toppings depending on what you have on hand.

• Spices: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an even warmer fall vibe — my family goes crazy for this extra depth.
• Apple varieties: Try tart Granny Smith for contrast or sweeter Fuji if you want a milder apple sweetness.
• Sour cream substitute: Greek yogurt works in a pinch, just keep it full fat for that lovely moist texture.
• Gluten-free: You can experiment with a cup-for-cup gluten-free flour blend; just watch baking times closely.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, making sure to leave a 2-inch overhang on each side. This makes it super easy to lift the cake out later without any mess or crumbling.

Step 2: Make the Cake Batter

In a large bowl (or your stand mixer bowl), whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to combine evenly. Add the very soft butter in small pieces, and mix on low speed with a hand mixer or paddle attachment until the mixture looks like fine breadcrumbs — no big chunks of butter should remain.

In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour this wet mix into the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed until the batter is creamy, thick, and silky smooth. This usually takes about a minute, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling and Cinnamon Topping

Peel, core, and dice your apples into half-inch cubes. Toss these apple cubes with the sugar and cinnamon in a bowl until they’re evenly coated. For the topping, just mix sugar and cinnamon together—this little sprinkle on top adds a perfect sweet-spicy crunch as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Assemble the Cake Layers

Spread about two-thirds of the batter into your prepared pan—it’ll be quite thin, but that’s exactly right. Next, scatter the cinnamon-coated apples evenly over the batter, making sure to reach right to the edges.

Now dollop the remaining batter over the apples in spoonfuls, and gently spread it out with an offset spatula to fully cover the fruit. Don’t worry if some apple pieces peek through—that’s exactly the charm of this cake.

Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over everything, and get ready to bake!

Step 5: Bake and Glaze

Bake the cake for about 25 to 28 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and transfer the pan to a wire rack to cool slightly while you make the glaze.

Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth and pourable. Drizzle this glaze over the warm cake and let it set at room temperature for about an hour before serving. Trust me, it’s hard to wait, but the glaze sets into a lovely thin layer that complements the cake beautifully.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of powdered sugar and maybe a sprinkle of cinnamon on top to echo the flavors inside. Sometimes, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream takes this cake over the top for dessert.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea for breakfast or snack. For an afternoon treat, try it alongside a sharp cheddar cheese slice—it’s a surprising but delightful contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to cut this cake into smaller squares and serve on pretty plates with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a fresh mint leaf. It instantly elevates the presentation and makes your guests feel a little extra-loved.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days—if it’s a warm day, I pop it in the fridge to keep the glaze from getting sticky. It stays moist and flavorful without drying out quickly.

Freezing

This cake freezes well—just wrap it in plastic wrap and then foil to protect against freezer burn. When you want a treat, thaw it overnight in the fridge, and it tastes almost as fresh as when you baked it.

Reheating

I like to reheat single slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds to bring back a bit of warmth without softening the glaze too much. Alternatively, a quick zap in a toaster oven gives a nice slightly crisp edge—just watch closely so it doesn’t dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s simple, approachable, and reliably delicious every time. It’s one of those recipes you can go back to during the year when you want something homey but not overly complicated. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the warm, comforting flavors and the smile it brings to everyone who tastes it. Trust me, once you make this, it’ll become one of your go-to apple desserts too!

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