Sweet Apple Fritter Cake
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Sweet Apple Fritter Cake: A Delicious Dessert Adventure
There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a fresh-baked cake wafting through your kitchen, especially when it involves sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. This Sweet Apple Fritter Cake is more than just a delicious dessert; it’s a delightful way to indulge your love for apples in every bite. Perfect for cozy family gatherings or simply to treat yourself, this cake marries the warmth of homemade sweet treats with the irresistible charm of apple fritters. Trust me, once you take your first bite, you’ll be hooked!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
What sets this Sweet Apple Fritter Cake apart? It’s a fantastic blend of ease and flavor. If you’re looking for a fuss-free recipe that satisfies both the sweet tooth and the apple craving, you’re in the right place. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a versatile treat that can shine at breakfast, dessert, or even an afternoon snack. Plus, the gooey apple filling surrounded by soft cake will have everyone asking for seconds.
"This cake is an instant family favorite! The apple filling is like biting into a warm hug, and the glaze takes it over the top!" – Happy Home Baker
Preparing Sweet Apple Fritter Cake
This recipe may sound like it has a lot of moving parts, but fear not! Here’s a quick overview to set you up for success. We’ll start by warming the flavors in the apple filling and brown sugar-cinnamon mix, mingle them with a light and fluffy cake batter, and finally, pour on a creamy glaze that will make your taste buds dance. Let’s dive in!
Gather These Items
Here’s everything you’ll need to put this delightful cake together:
-
Apple Filling:
- 2 cups Granny Smith apples (diced into 1/2-inch pieces)
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tsp water
-
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl:
- 1/2 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-
Cake Batter:
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (use pure for the best flavor)
- 2 large eggs (room temperature)
- 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 (full-fat for a moister cake)
-
Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar (sifted to remove lumps)
- 1/3 cup whole milk (for richer flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Feel free to swap ingredients, like using different apples or a dairy-free yogurt, to suit your tastes.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Apple Filling
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons of water.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until the apples are softened and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
Make the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Swirl
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside for later.
Prepare the Cake Batter
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the unsalted butter (1/3 cup) and granulated sugar (3/4 cup) until light and fluffy (approximately 3 minutes).
- Add the applesauce (1/2 cup), vanilla extract (1 tsp), and eggs (2 large), mixing on medium speed until combined.
Mix the Dry Ingredients and Combine the Batter
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups), baking powder (1 tsp), baking soda (1 tsp), kosher salt (1/2 tsp), and ground cinnamon (1 tsp).
- Gradually add this dry mixture and Greek yogurt (1 cup) to the wet mix, alternating between the two until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Assemble the Cake
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cooled apple mixture over this layer, spreading to cover.
- Sprinkle two-thirds of the brown sugar-cinnamon mix on top of the apples.
- Carefully add the remaining cake batter over the apple mixture and smooth it out.
- Top with the rest of the brown sugar-cinnamon mix.
Bake the Cake
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes if it browns too quickly.
Prepare and Add the Glaze
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar (2 cups), whole milk (1/3 cup), and vanilla extract (1 tsp) until smooth.
- Once the cake is done and still warm, poke 30 holes on the surface using a butter knife. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake and spread it to cover.
- Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
This Sweet Apple Fritter Cake is delightful on its own, but feel free to enhance your serving experience. Consider pairing it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that classic à la mode effect. A sprinkle of chopped nuts adds a nice crunch, and a dusting of additional cinnamon can bring extra flair to your presentation.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
To store any leftovers, ensure the cake is completely cool, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Want to save it for later? You can freeze it (just make sure it’s well wrapped) for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before enjoying.
Pro Chef Tips
- For extra moistness, consider incorporating a bit more applesauce or swapping half the milk in the glaze for apple cider—this adds an extra fruity flavor.
- Touch up presentation with a light drizzle of caramel sauce over the glaze for added sweetness and that bakery touch.
Creative Twists
- Nutty Variation: Fold in some chopped walnuts or pecans for a delightful crunch.
- Spiced Up: Experiment with adding a pinch of nutmeg or clove to the apple filling for an aromatic twist.
- Healthier Option: Swap granulated sugar for coconut sugar and use almond flour for a gluten-free variant.
Your Questions Answered
How long does it take to prepare this cake?
The cooking and preparation time combined is around 1 hour, not including cooling time!
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are perfect for their tartness, you can try Honeycrisps, Fujis, or any crisp apple that holds up well during baking.
Can I make the cake ahead of time?
Yes! You can bake the cake a day in advance. Just store it properly, and add the glaze just before serving for the best texture.
This Sweet Apple Fritter Cake is a true celebration of fall flavors and a simple way to impress your friends and family. Happy baking!
Sweet Apple Fritter Cake
Ingredients
Method
- In a medium saucepan, combine the diced Granny Smith apples, 1/3 cup of granulated sugar, 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, and 2 teaspoons of water.
- Cook over medium heat for about 5-6 minutes until the apples are softened and the mixture thickens. Remove from heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of packed dark brown sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. Set aside for later.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
- In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat together the unsalted butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy (approximately 3 minutes).
- Add the applesauce, vanilla extract, and eggs, mixing on medium speed until combined.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon.
- Gradually add this dry mixture and Greek yogurt to the wet mix, alternating between the two until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the prepared pan.
- Spoon the cooled apple mixture over this layer, spreading to cover.
- Sprinkle two-thirds of the brown sugar-cinnamon mix on top of the apples.
- Carefully add the remaining cake batter over the apple mixture and smooth it out.
- Top with the rest of the brown sugar-cinnamon mix.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cover with foil during the last 10 minutes if it browns too quickly.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Once the cake is done and still warm, poke 30 holes on the surface using a butter knife. Pour the glaze evenly over the cake and spread it to cover.
- Let the glaze set for about 20 minutes before serving.
