This yummy apple fritter cake is packed with soft apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert or a sweet breakfast treat!
You can enjoy it plain or with a drizzle of glaze—it’s so good, you might want to hide it from everyone else! 😂 I love serving it warm for an extra special touch!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Diced apples give this cake its sweet and slightly tart flavor. I like using a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji for the best taste. You can swap them for Honeycrisp or Cortland if you prefer a sweeter option.
Flour: All-purpose flour works well here, but you can use whole wheat flour for a nuttier flavor and extra nutrition. If you need a gluten-free option, try a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Sour Cream: I love using sour cream for its richness and moisture. If you don’t have it, plain yogurt or buttermilk is a perfect substitute!
Nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch. If nuts aren’t your thing or if there are allergies, you can leave them out with no problem!
How Do I Get the Cinnamon Sugar Topping Just Right?
The cinnamon sugar crumble topping is key to creating that delightful texture. Here’s how to nail it:
- Mix together brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold diced butter until crumbly. You can use a fork or pastry cutter—your hands work great too!
- Don’t overmix; you want the mixture to be crumbly rather than a dough. The chunks will create a nice texture on top of the cake.
- Sprinkle half the crumble into the pan before the batter, and save the rest for topping! This way, you get layers of deliciousness.
Following these tips will ensure your apple fritter cake has a lovely topping that adds flavor and crunch!
How to Make Apple Fritter Cake
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Cake:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 tbsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt
- 2 cups peeled and diced apples (about 2 medium apples, a mix of tart and sweet, like Granny Smith and Fuji)
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
For the Cinnamon Sugar Crumble Topping:
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp cold butter, diced
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp milk (or as needed)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes of prep time and 50-60 minutes of baking. Be sure to let the cake cool for a bit before glazing it. Overall, you’ll need around 1.5 to 2 hours to make this delightful cake from start to finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take a moment to grease and flour a 9-inch bundt or tube pan. This will help ensure your cake comes out easily!
2. Mix Dry Ingredients:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined. Set this bowl aside for now.
3. Cream Butter and Sugar:
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar with an electric mixer until the mixture is light and fluffy. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add Eggs and Vanilla:
Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. After that, stir in the vanilla extract. It will start smelling really good at this point!
5. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:
Now, it’s time to mix in your dry ingredients with the sour cream. Alternate adding the dry mixture and the sour cream to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry mix. Just mix until everything is combined—don’t overdo it!
6. Add Apples and Nuts:
Fold in those delicious diced apples and any chopped nuts you’re using with a spatula. This is where you can get excited about all the goodness going into your cake!
7. Prepare Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cold diced butter for the crumble topping. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to mix until it looks crumbly. You want those nice little bits for the top!
8. Layer the Batter:
Pour half of your cake batter into the prepared pan. Sprinkle half of the crumble topping over it, then add the rest of the batter and finish off with the remaining crumble mixture on top.
9. Bake the Cake:
Pop your cake into the oven and let it bake for about 50-60 minutes. Check it by inserting a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when it’s ready.
10. Cool and Invert:
Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. Then, carefully invert it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
11. Make the Glaze:
To prepare the glaze, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. If it’s too thick, just add a bit more milk until you get your desired consistency.
12. Glaze the Cake:
Once the cake is completely cool, drizzle the glaze on top. You can use a spoon or a plastic squeeze bottle for a nice effect.
13. Enjoy!
This apple fritter cake is delightful served slightly warm or at room temperature. Take a moment to savor each bite—it’s a real treat!
And there you have it! A lovely, moist apple fritter cake with layers of flavor and texture. Perfect for gatherings or just a cozy night in!
Can I Use Other Fruits Instead of Apples?
Absolutely! While apples are traditional for this recipe, you can experiment with other fruits like diced pears or a mix of berries. Just make sure to adjust the sugar if using sweeter fruits.
How Do I Store Leftover Cake?
Store any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can refrigerate it for up to a week or freeze it for up to 3 months—just thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving!
Can I Make This Cake Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with flaxseed meal (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water per egg) and the butter with a plant-based alternative. Use a dairy-free yogurt for the sour cream as well!
What’s the Best Way to Serve This Cake?
This cake is delicious on its own, but you can serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra special touch. Pair it with coffee or tea for a cozy experience!
