Introduction

This Mouthwatering Apple Fritter Cake combines tender cinnamon-spiced cake layers with a gooey apple filling and a sweet glaze. It’s an irresistible treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or anytime you crave a cozy, flavorful bite.

A thick square piece of cinnamon cake sits on a white plate, showing three main layers: a light brown, moist cake base; a middle layer with melted apple pieces and cinnamon swirls creating a marbled texture; and a shiny white glaze drizzled unevenly on top, giving a glossy look. The background is a white marbled texture with a blurred warm-toned kitchen scene in the distance. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

For the apple mixture:

2 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (about 2 medium)
1/3 cup white sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 tbsp cornstarch
2 tsp water

For the cinnamon sugar layer:

1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

For the cake batter:

1/3 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
3/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 large eggs
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream

For the glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled and diced apples, 1/3 cup white sugar, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, cornstarch, and water. Heat over medium heat for 5-6 minutes until the apples soften and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
Step 2: Mix the dark brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon in a small bowl. Set aside for layering.
Step 3: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
Step 4: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat butter and granulated sugar together for about 3 minutes until fluffy. Add applesauce, vanilla, and eggs, mixing on medium speed until combined. Scrape bowl sides as needed.
Step 5: In a separate bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Add dry ingredients and Greek yogurt alternately to the wet batter, starting and ending with the dry. Mix until just combined, finishing by hand with a spatula.
Step 6: Spread half the batter evenly in the pan. Spoon cooled apple mixture over the batter, then sprinkle two-thirds of the cinnamon sugar mixture on top.
Step 7: Cover with the remaining batter, spreading gently. Sprinkle the remaining cinnamon sugar mixture evenly on top.
Step 8: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Tent with foil during the last 10 minutes if top browns too quickly.
Step 9: While baking, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make the glaze. When the cake is warm, poke about 30 holes with a butter knife and pour glaze over, spreading evenly. Let set for 20 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

Swap half the milk in the glaze with apple cider for a deeper apple flavor.
Use sour cream in place of Greek yogurt for a richer texture.
Try adding chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans in the cinnamon sugar layer for a crunchy twist.
Make sure not to overmix the batter to keep the cake tender and light.

Storage

Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerated for up to 4 days. Reheat slices gently in the microwave for about 15 seconds to warm. The glaze may soften over time but will remain delicious.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a thick square piece of apple cinnamon cake being lifted with a metal spatula from a white baking dish. The cake has two main layers: a golden-brown base with visible chunks of yellow apple inside, and a slightly darker cinnamon-speckled crumbly top layer. Sweet white glaze drips shiny over both layers, enhancing the moist texture. The background shows more squares of the same cake in the dish, placed on a white marbled surface, with warm soft light and blurred round lights in the distance, giving a cozy feeling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can substitute Granny Smith apples with other tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Braeburn, but Granny Smiths provide the best balance of tartness and firmness.

Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?

You can try using a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend in place of regular flour. Be sure the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture, and check baking times as they may vary slightly.