The Ultimate Baked Apple Fritter Cake: A No-Fry Fall Delight
Imagine all the comforting, spiced goodness of a classic apple fritter, but without the hassle and mess of deep-frying. This **Apple Fritter Cake** delivers exactly that! It’s a beautifully moist and tender 8×8 apple cake, generously stuffed with a luscious apple pie filling, and crowned with a vibrant, sweet glaze. This recipe captures the very essence of fall in every bite, offering a delightful twist on a beloved treat that’s perfect for any occasion, from a cozy breakfast to an elegant dessert. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite baked apple creation!
We all encounter those challenging days when things just don’t go according to plan, when every task feels like an uphill battle. I vividly recall one such day, where a string of unfortunate events left me feeling completely deflated. It wasn’t about being grumpy; it was simply one of those unpredictable days where everything seemed to go awry, undermining even my most careful culinary efforts.
My morning began with a less-than-ideal email from a client, setting a gloomy tone. Then, the first recipe I attempted to test that day was an utter flop. I’m still not entirely sure what went wrong; it just seemed to be a symptom of the day’s persistent bad luck. Determined to turn things around, I moved on to my second recipe: this very Apple Fritter Cake. Things were progressing beautifully, the aroma of apples and cinnamon beginning to fill the kitchen, a true beacon of hope. That is, until I realized I’d somehow miscalculated the batter quantity, leaving me short just when it was time to cover the delicious apple pie filling. It felt like a culinary hat-trick of failures!
Completely disheartened, I decided to surrender. I laced up my shoes for an extra-long, restorative walk in the park that evening, then called it a night, ready to reset. The next day, armed with a renewed spirit and a few crucial adjustments to my batter proportions, I was ready to try again. I had an unwavering belief that if I could just get the measurements right, this apple cake would be absolutely worth every single effort. And, as this wonderful post proudly showcases, my persistence paid off! The result was a triumph: a perfectly baked, gloriously glazed **Apple Fritter Cake!**
This delightful recipe for apple fritter cake masterfully captures all the beloved components of a traditional apple fritter, but with one significant, game-changing difference: no frying required. It transforms the classic deep-fried treat into a wonderfully moist and tender cake, essentially an 8×8 square of spiced apple goodness, generously filled with rich homemade apple pie filling, and elegantly finished with a thick, sweet glaze on top. It’s the ultimate baked comfort food, perfect for satisfying your fritter cravings in a cleaner, easier way.
The initial idea for this particular apple fritter cake recipe blossomed after I noticed a flurry of similar variations gracing my Pinterest feed. Most of these enticing creations were designed for larger 13×9 pans, ideal for big gatherings. However, I wanted a version that felt a bit more intimate, something scaled down for a smaller household or a cozy get-together. So, I meticulously adapted the recipe to fit an 8×8 square pan. The result? A perfectly portioned dessert that’s not quite for two, but absolutely ideal for a small family or a few friends. And the best part? It’s one of those magical cakes that doubles effortlessly as both a decadent breakfast pastry and a comforting dessert, making it a truly versatile and indispensable addition to your recipe repertoire!
What Exactly Is An Apple Fritter (And The Beauty of Baking It)?
For those who might not be familiar, an apple fritter is a highly beloved pastry, typically resembling a rustic, irregularly shaped donut. It’s traditionally made by folding chunks of spiced apple into a sweet batter, which is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. Once cooked, these delightful treats are usually finished with a generous drizzle of sweet glaze. They are undeniably delicious, especially when served warm during the brisk days of autumn, offering a perfect blend of crisp exterior and soft, apple-studded interior.
However, for many home cooks, the thought of deep-frying can be daunting. The process often involves a significant amount of oil, can be messy, and leaves a lingering frying odor in the kitchen that’s hard to get rid of. This is precisely why our **Baked Apple Fritter Cake** recipe is such a game-changer! It allows you to savor all the warm, comforting flavors and tender textures of a classic apple fritter – the sweet spiced apples, the moist cake, and the irresistible glaze – all without ever having to touch a deep fryer. You get the same incredible taste experience with far less fuss, making it an accessible and enjoyable recipe for everyone. It truly is the ideal way to enjoy an apple fritter experience without any of the traditional frying drawbacks.
Essential Ingredients For Your Perfect Baked Apple Fritter Cake
Crafting this mouth-watering glazed 8×8 apple cake requires a selection of readily available ingredients, each contributing to its exceptional flavor and texture. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:
- All-Purpose Flour: The structural backbone of our cake. Ensure you measure it accurately (by weight if possible) for the best, most consistent results.
- Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These two leavening agents are crucial for giving the cake its beautiful lift and tender, airy crumb. They react with the acidic ingredients to create a light texture.
- Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg, and Table Salt: The iconic spice blend that defines fall baking! Cinnamon and nutmeg infuse the cake with warmth and depth, while a touch of salt is vital for balancing and enhancing all the sweet flavors.
- Unsalted Butter: Essential for rich flavor and a wonderfully tender, moist crumb. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature for proper creaming with the sugar.
- Packed Brown Sugar: Provides deep sweetness with notes of molasses, which complements the apple and spices beautifully. It also contributes to the cake’s moistness and rich color.
- Large Egg: Acts as a binder, lending structure to the cake batter and adding richness. Using a room temperature egg helps it emulsify better with other ingredients.
- Apple Butter or Applesauce: This is your secret weapon for an incredibly moist cake and an extra boost of apple flavor within the batter itself. You can choose to make homemade apple butter for a more intense, spiced apple essence, or opt for homemade applesauce for a lighter, purer apple note. High-quality store-bought versions are also perfectly fine.
- Vanilla Extract: A touch of pure vanilla extract elevates and rounds out all the other flavors, adding a comforting aromatic note to the cake.
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: The ultimate ingredient for an exceptionally moist and tender cake! The acidity interacts with the baking soda for a fluffy texture, and its richness ensures the cake remains incredibly soft. Full-fat versions are recommended for the best results.
- Apple Pie Filling: The star layer of this cake! You can use a convenient canned apple pie filling, or if you prefer a customized flavor, make your own homemade apple pie filling. Whichever you choose, ensure the apple pieces are diced into manageable, bite-sized chunks for even distribution throughout the cake.
- Glaze Ingredients (Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla): These simple components combine to create the essential sweet, glossy finish that makes this cake truly reminiscent of an apple fritter.
Seasonal Adaptations: Don’t feel limited to apples! If it’s not apple season, or if you’re simply in the mood for a different fruit, this versatile cake recipe can be adapted with other delicious fruit fillings. Consider making this delightful cake in the summer using vibrant peach pie filling, tart cherry pie filling, or sweet blueberry pie filling. Each variation promises a unique and equally satisfying experience!
How To Make Your Delectable Apple Fritter Cake: Step-by-Step
Creating this irresistible Apple Fritter Cake is a straightforward and rewarding process. Follow these detailed steps to ensure a perfect, mouth-watering bake every single time:
- Prepare Your Dry Ingredients: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and a dusting of flour. In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Ensure these dry ingredients are perfectly combined to guarantee even leavening and flavor distribution throughout the cake.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, using either a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat together the softened unsalted butter and packed brown sugar on medium-high speed. Continue beating for about 1-2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes wonderfully light, fluffy, and creamy. This crucial step incorporates air, which contributes significantly to the cake’s tender texture.
- Incorporate Wet Ingredients (Initial Phase): Stop the mixer and use a spatula to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients are fully incorporated. Then, beat in the room temperature large egg, apple butter (or applesauce), and vanilla extract. Mix until just combined; be careful not to overmix at this stage, as it can affect the final texture.
- Alternate Dry and Wet Additions: Reduce the mixer speed to the lowest possible setting. Now, you will gradually add the flour mixture, alternating with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Begin with approximately one-third of the flour mixture, mix briefly, then add half of the dairy. Repeat with another third of the flour, the remaining dairy, and finish with the final third of the flour. Mix only until each addition is just incorporated, and stop as soon as the last streaks of flour disappear. Overmixing at this stage can lead to a tough cake.
- Assemble the Cake Layers: Carefully spread exactly half of your prepared cake batter evenly into the bottom of your lightly greased 8×8 inch pan. Next, spoon the entire 2 cups of apple pie filling over this first layer of batter, spreading it out gently to cover the surface. Finally, dollop the remaining cake batter over the apple pie filling. Use a small offset spatula or the back of a spoon to carefully and gently spread this top layer of batter to completely cover the apple filling.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Place the assembled cake pan into your preheated 350°F (175°C) oven. Bake for approximately 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the very center of the cake comes out clean. The top of the cake should be beautifully golden brown and spring back lightly when gently touched.
- Prepare and Glaze: While the cake is cooling slightly (it should still be warm, but not piping hot), prepare your irresistible glaze. In a medium bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, room temperature milk, and vanilla extract until the mixture is completely smooth and free of any lumps. Generously spread this luscious glaze evenly over the still-warm cake. The warmth of the cake will help the glaze set beautifully into a smooth, shiny finish. Allow the glaze to fully harden before slicing and serving.
Once your glorious apple cake has completely cooled and the glaze has set, cover it with a lid or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil. It will stay wonderfully fresh and moist when stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, or you can refrigerate it for up to 5 days. This makes it an excellent make-ahead option, perfect for entertaining or simply enjoying throughout the week as a delightful breakfast or dessert!
The Irresistible Glaze: A Sweet Crown for Your Baked Masterpiece
Let me confess, the glaze on this Apple Fritter Cake is secretly my absolute favorite component! I’m particularly fond of how wonderfully thick and visibly appealing it is, creating a perfect, glossy crown atop the cake. Its texture and vibrant sheen are quite similar to my signature bundt cake glaze, though this particular recipe is crafted without butter, allowing for a pure, unadulterated sweet finish that truly shines.
Often, glazes have a tendency to absorb into baked goods, fading into the background shortly after application. But not this one! This robust glaze maintains its remarkable vibrancy, even on the second day, providing a beautiful visual contrast and a delightful textural element to the incredibly moist and tender cake beneath. Its ability to remain prominent and perfectly sweet makes this cake exceptionally versatile. It’s equally suited to starting your day on a sweet, indulgent note or concluding an evening meal with a touch of comforting elegance. This glaze is truly the perfect finishing touch, delivering that quintessential fritter sweetness without overwhelming the delicate apple and spice flavors nestled within the cake.
Apple Fritter Cake FAQ
Absolutely! This Apple Fritter Cake is an excellent choice for making ahead, perfect for busy schedules or upcoming gatherings. You can comfortably prepare it 1-2 days in advance. Once the cake has completely cooled and the glaze has set, simply cover it tightly with a lid or wrap it securely in aluminum foil. The flavors often deepen and meld beautifully overnight, enhancing the overall deliciousness, while the glaze holds up remarkably well.
Yes, this cake freezes wonderfully, making it a fantastic option for longer storage or to enjoy later! You have the flexibility to freeze either the entire cake or individual slices. To ensure the best results, first, allow the cake to cool completely out of the pan. Then, freeze it unwrapped for approximately 30-60 minutes, or until it becomes firm. Once firm, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or an airtight container. It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 1 month. To serve, simply thaw the cake overnight in the refrigerator, then bring it to room temperature before indulging. For a “freshly baked” feel, you can also gently warm individual slices in the microwave.
Yes, you certainly can! If you’re looking to serve a larger crowd or simply desire more of this delicious cake, adapting the recipe for a 13×9 inch pan is straightforward. You will need to double all of the ingredients listed in the recipe. The baking time will also need to be adjusted accordingly. Start checking your cake for doneness about 5 minutes earlier than the doubled 35-40 minute time, then continue baking as needed until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Always remember that oven temperatures can vary, so keep a close eye on your cake.
For the most delicious and texturally satisfying apple pie filling within your cake, we highly recommend using firm, slightly tart apple varieties that are known to hold their shape well during baking. Excellent choices include Granny Smith (for a tart kick), Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. A blend of two or three different varieties can also add wonderful depth and complexity to the flavor. It’s best to avoid very soft or mealy apples, as they tend to break down too much and become mushy in the cake. If you opt for a very tart apple like Granny Smith, you might consider slightly increasing the amount of sugar in your homemade pie filling, or ensure your apple butter/applesauce provides enough sweetness to create a balanced flavor profile.
Explore More Irresistible Apple Cake Recipes
If you’ve thoroughly enjoyed the comforting, spiced flavors of this Baked Apple Fritter Cake, you’re in for a treat! We have an array of other beloved apple dessert recipes that celebrate this versatile fruit in various delicious forms. Each offers a unique and satisfying way to indulge in the goodness of apples:
- **Apple Crumb Cake:** A true classic featuring a moist, tender cake base generously topped with a rich, buttery streusel crumb, bursting with warm apple and spice flavors.
- **Apple Butter Cake:** A wonderfully rich and aromatic cake deeply infused with the concentrated, spiced essence of apple butter, often beautifully complemented by a decadent caramel frosting.
- **Apple Butter Gooey Butter Cake:** An absolute indulgence, boasting a buttery cake crust, a sweet, incredibly gooey apple butter filling, and finished with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar.
Baked Apple Fritter Cake
12 servings
20 minutes
40 minutes
1 hour
This baked Apple Fritter Cake delivers all the comforting flavors of a classic apple fritter without the deep-frying! It’s a beautifully moist 8×8 apple cake, generously stuffed with luscious apple pie filling, and finished with a vibrant, sweet glaze. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or a delightful fall dessert.
Ingredients
- 1 + 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon table salt
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 large egg, room temperature
- 1/4 cup apple butter (homemade or jar) or applesauce (homemade or jar)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 cups apple pie filling (homemade or canned), ensure apples are diced into manageable pieces
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk, room temperature (dairy or non-dairy works)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter and flour.
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
- In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer (with a paddle attachment if using a stand mixer), beat together the softened unsalted butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until the mixture is light, fluffy, and creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
- Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Beat in the room temperature large egg, apple butter (or applesauce), and vanilla extract until just combined.
- Reduce the mixer speed to the lowest setting. Gradually add the dry flour mixture alternately with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt). Begin with a third of the flour mixture, then half of the dairy, another third of the flour, the remaining dairy, and finish with the last third of the flour. Mix until just combined after each addition, being careful not to overmix.
- Spread exactly half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared 8×8 pan. Gently spoon the entire 2 cups of apple pie filling over this batter layer, spreading it out to cover. Then, carefully dollop and spread the remaining cake batter over the apple pie filling, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a wooden toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. The cake should be golden brown and spring back when lightly touched.
- While the cake is cooling slightly (still warm, but not piping hot), prepare the glaze: In a large bowl, whisk together the sifted powdered sugar, room temperature milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and free of lumps. Generously spread this delightful glaze over the still-warm cake. Allow the glaze to set and harden before slicing and serving.
Once completely cooled, cover the cake with a lid or foil. Store at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy this delicious treat for breakfast or dessert!
Notes
- For the best texture and rise, ensure your butter, egg, milk, sour cream/yogurt, and apple butter/applesauce are all at room temperature before you begin mixing. This helps them combine more smoothly and creates a more emulsified, even batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added. Overmixing develops gluten, which can result in a tough, dense cake. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined.
- Sifting powdered sugar for the glaze is a small extra step that makes a significant difference, ensuring a super smooth, lump-free, and professional-looking glaze.
- Enjoyed this recipe? Be sure to check out my other delightful apple creations, including the crowd-pleasing Apple Crumb Cake and the indulgent Apple Butter Gooey Butter Cake for more apple-filled goodness.
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- 8×8 Square Pan
Did you make this recipe?
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First published September 15, 2015. Updated and re-optimized for a better baking experience and enhanced clarity.
We sincerely hope you find immense joy in baking and savoring this delightful Baked Apple Fritter Cake. It truly encapsulates the perfect taste of autumn, seamlessly combining comforting flavors, ease of preparation, and pure satisfaction into one irresistible dessert. Whether shared with loved ones or enjoyed as a personal treat, this cake promises to bring warmth and deliciousness to your table. Happy baking, and enjoy every spiced, apple-filled bite!