First time I made this Apple Fritter Cake, my youngest declared it “better than donuts!” High praise from a kid who lives for sprinkles. Honestly, I was just trying to use up some apples that were about to go bad. What began as a simple way to avoid food waste turned into a family favorite and now I make it regularly.

It became a Sunday morning staple. The smell of cinnamon and apples baking fills the house, and everyone comes running. I never expected a simple Apple Fritter Cake to become such a cherished part of our family traditions.

Want to create some simple comfort food magic in your own busy kitchen? Join me, and we will make this yummy Apple Fritter Cake!

INGREDIENTS You’ll Need:

Here’s the ingredient list for a comforting Apple Fritter Cake that’s both delicious and doable, even on the busiest weeknights.

6 medium apples, peeled and diced: I usually use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but any variety will work. The blend of sweet and tart apples add a wonderful flavor!
3 cups all-purpose flour: This forms the base of our comforting Apple Fritter Cake.
1 cup granulated sugar: For the perfect touch of sweetness that the whole family will love.
1 cup packed brown sugar: Adds a warm, molasses-like flavor and helps to keep the cake moist.
1 teaspoon baking soda: Helps the cake rise and become light and airy.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: For that warm, comforting spice we all crave. Cinnamon also makes the kitchen smell amazing while this Apple Fritter Cake bakes.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a hint of warmth and complexity.
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves: Just a pinch to enhance the other spices.
1/2 teaspoon salt: To balance the sweetness and bring out the other flavors.
1 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender.
4 large eggs: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Enhances the other flavors.
1 cup buttermilk: Adds moisture and a slight tanginess. If you don’t have buttermilk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice to regular milk.

Topping:

1/2 cup all-purpose flour: More of that cake goodness!
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adds a little extra sweetness to the topping.
1/4 cup cold butter, cubed: Creates a crumbly topping. I like to use salted butter for a little extra flavor!
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Because you can never have too much cinnamon in an Apple Fritter Cake!

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar: For the perfect sweet glaze.
1/4 cup milk: To thin the glaze.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a touch of flavor to the glaze.

Trust me, this Apple Fritter Cake ingredient list is simple because busy moms need comfort without complexity! I find almost all these ingredients at the regular grocery store without issue. This Apple Fritter Cake proves delicious doesn’t mean expensive, as some of these ingredients are already pantry staples! My family gets extra comfort when I add a dash of maple syrup to the glaze – my kids love it.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Here’s how we turn those simple ingredients into a comforting Apple Fritter Cake masterpiece!

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan. You can also use a bundt pan, whichever you prefer!
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. We are trying to combine all the dry ingredients to prepare for the wet ingredients.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and buttermilk. This part is a snap!
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Don’t overmix! It is ok if there are still some lumps, that is better than over-mixing.
Gently fold in the diced apples. Make sure that the apples are evenly dispersed.
Pour the batter into the prepared pan.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, sugar, and cinnamon for the topping. Cut in the cold butter using a pastry blender or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. You can also use a fork.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the batter. Don’t be shy here!
Bake for 45-50 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean. Your Apple Fritter Cake should smell amazing by now.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes before glazing. I normally start making the glaze as the Apple Fritter Cake is cooling.
Make the glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake.

Here’s where I used to struggle with my Apple Fritter Cake – I would overmix the batter. Learn from my experience! Overmixing can result in a tough cake. In my busy kitchen, this comforting Apple Fritter Cake usually takes about an hour from start to finish, with the bake time being the majority of the time. This gives me time to prepare other food, or help the kids with their homework! The Apple Fritter Cake is done when the top springs back to the touch. While your Apple Fritter Cake is cooking, take a moment to appreciate creating comfort for your family!

Tips for a Perfect Apple Fritter Cake

Getting that perfect crumb and flavor can be tricky, but a few key things will help! For more tips on achieving cake perfection, sites like King Arthur Baking offer great insights. Remember, baking is a science, but it’s also about making something your family will love!

How We Love to Eat This!

This comforting Apple Fritter Cake is a winner in our house, no matter how we serve it!

The kids devour this comforting Apple Fritter Cake when I serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It also pairs well with a warm cup of coffee or tea. It is also a great comfort food for a party or potluck. My son asks for this exact dessert on his birthday every year.

This Apple Fritter Cake is perfect for those busy weeknights when we need comfort food fast! I usually slice up any leftover pieces for the kids’ lunches the next day. I like to keep a container of glaze in the fridge and allow each member of the family to glaze the slice themselves.

We also love to experiment with seasonal variations. In the fall, I add a pinch of ground ginger and cloves for extra warmth. In the summer, I top it with fresh berries. My best friend raves about my Apple Fritter Cake, and has stated that it tastes better than any bakery dessert!

If your kids love this hearty recipe, they’ll go crazy for strawberry shortcake cake!

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Here are some common questions I get from fellow busy moms about this Apple Fritter Cake!

Is this Apple Fritter Cake really filling enough for growing kids? Yes! The apples and hearty cake base make it a satisfying treat or dessert. I also pair with a glass of milk for added nutrients.
What if my picky eater won’t try this Apple Fritter Cake? Try cutting it into fun shapes with cookie cutters. You can also serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of cinnamon to make it more appealing. For added comfort, I let the kids help with the cooking process. They’re always more likely to try something they helped make.
Can I meal prep this Apple Fritter Cake for busy weeks ahead? Absolutely! This Apple Fritter Cake actually tastes better the next day. You can bake it ahead of time and store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Can I freeze this Apple Fritter Cake? Yes, this cake freezes very well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and it will keep in the freezer for up to 2 months.
What other fruits can be substituted for apples? Pears, peaches, or even blueberries would be delicious in this cake! I always opt for seasonal fruits for optimal flavor.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar in this recipe? Yes, you can reduce the sugar by up to 1/4 cup without significantly affecting the taste or texture. If you are using particularly sweet apples, like Gala, you may want to reduce it even more.
What kind of pan can I use to bake this cake? A 9×13 inch baking pan is ideal, but you can also use a bundt pan or two 9-inch round cake pans. Adjust baking time accordingly.
How can I make this Apple Fritter Cake gluten-free? Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and make sure all other ingredients are gluten-free. Keep in mind that the texture may be slightly different.

For more simple comfort food ideas for busy families, check out this oreo dirt cake.

Looking for Apple Cake Variations?

If you’re a fan of apple cake, you might also enjoy a Cinnamon Apple Cake! The possibilities are endless, and experimenting with spices and textures can lead to some amazing discoveries. Enjoy!

Final Thoughts:

This Apple Fritter Cake is more than just a dessert; it’s a simple way to bring comfort and joy to your family’s mealtime. The delicious combination of apples, cinnamon, and sweet glaze is always a hit! I hope you create some amazing memories with this!

Here are My Apple Fritter Cake Comfort Hacks:

Use pre-diced apples: This saves a ton of time, especially on busy weeknights.
Make the glaze ahead of time: Store it in the fridge and warm it up slightly before drizzling over the cake.
Let the kids help with the topping: They love crumbling the butter and flour together!

Family-Tested Apple Fritter Cake Variations:

Caramel Apple Fritter Cake: Drizzle with caramel sauce after glazing.
Apple Walnut Fritter Cake: Add chopped walnuts to the topping. My husband loves this version!
Spiced Apple Fritter Cake: Add 1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger and 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves to the batter.

Remember, the most important ingredient in any recipe is love! I hope this Apple Fritter Cake becomes a comforting staple in your home, bringing smiles and warmth to your table.

Homemade Apple Fritter Cake on a white plate, glazed and ready to eat.

More Cake Ideas

If you enjoyed this home-style recipe, you might like this recipe for Apple Fritter Cake. This Apple Fritter Cake reminds me of another family favorite. Check out this No Bake Icebox Cake recipe!

Apple Fritter Cake

Print Recipe

This Apple Fritter Cake captures all the flavors of a classic apple fritter in an easy-to-make cake. It’s moist, tender, and packed with apples and cinnamon, perfect for a cozy dessert.

Author: Beatriz
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Category: Dessert
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup buttermilk
3 cups peeled and diced apples (about 3 medium apples)
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)

Glaze:

2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using).
Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before frosting.

Glaze Instructions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour the glaze over the warm cake.
Let the glaze set before serving.

Notes

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra decadent treat. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar on top of the glaze for added flavor.