Description
This Apple Fritter Cake transforms the beloved donut shop treat into an easy home-baked dessert loaded with cinnamon apples and topped with sweet glaze.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 2¼ cups all-purpose flour
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2½ teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
- 12 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 large eggs
- ¾ cup buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For the Apple Filling:
- 4 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (about 1½ pounds)
- ½ cup packed dark brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
- 1 teaspoon all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
For the Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 teaspoons milk or apple juice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8×8-inch baking pan with parchment paper in both directions, leaving 2-inch overhangs.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, ¾ cup granulated sugar, baking powder, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, salt, and baking soda.
- Pour melted butter into flour mixture. Stir until mixture resembles wet sand.
- Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each. Add buttermilk and vanilla, stirring until batter is smooth.
- In a separate bowl, combine brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon flour. Peel, core, and dice apples into ½-inch pieces (about 4 cups). Toss apples with sugar mixture.
- Spread half the batter in prepared pan. Top with half the apple mixture, pressing gently. Dollop remaining batter over apples, spreading carefully. Top with remaining apples.
- Mix 2 tablespoons granulated sugar with remaining 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Sprinkle over top.
- Bake 70-75 minutes until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
- Cool in pan 30 minutes. Use parchment to lift cake onto wire rack. Cool completely, about 45 minutes.
- Whisk powdered sugar with milk until smooth. Drizzle over cooled cake. Let set 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Place pan on a baking sheet to catch any potential drips
- For best flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples
- Cake keeps covered at room temperature for 3 days
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes