Apple Fritter Cake: A Cozy, Cinnamon-Spiced Hug in Every Slice

When You Want the Comfort of Fall, Without the Fryer

Imagine biting into a warm, sticky, cinnamon-drenched apple fritter—now picture that same flavor, but baked into a buttery, soft cake with layers of sweet apples, brown sugar crumble, and a vanilla glaze melting into every swirl. That’s exactly what you get with this Apple Fritter Cake. It’s the ultimate cozy bake: no frying, no fuss, just tender bites of fall flavor baked into a golden pan of comfort.

The apples soften into little caramelized pockets of flavor, the cinnamon swirl runs through every slice, and the topping? Sweet, buttery crumble that crisps just enough on top while the glaze sinks in to finish the job. You don’t need to wait for fall to make this. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend brunch, a dessert with warm cider, or even a breakfast treat (because yes—cake for breakfast is valid here).

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 2 cups peeled and chopped apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened to room temperature)
• 2 large eggs
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• 1¾ tsp baking powder
• ½ cup milk (whole milk preferred for richness)

For the Brown Sugar Swirl & Crumble:

• 1/3 cup light brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsp melted unsalted butter

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2–3 tbsp milk (start with 2 and thin as needed)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line an 8×8-inch or 9×9-inch square baking pan with parchment paper, letting some hang over the sides for easy lifting.
• In a small bowl, toss the chopped apples with 1/3 cup brown sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon. This mixture will get layered and baked into the cake. Set it aside so the apples can absorb the flavor.
• In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light, fluffy, and pale in color—about 2–3 minutes.
• Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Add vanilla extract and mix again until fully incorporated.
• In another bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
• Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients in two batches, alternating with the milk. Mix gently until smooth—don’t overbeat.
• Spread half of the cake batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly.
• Sprinkle half of the cinnamon apple mixture over the batter. Use a butter knife or skewer to gently swirl the apples into the batter.
• Add the remaining batter over top and spread it carefully, then add the rest of the apple mixture and swirl again to create layers of apple and cinnamon throughout the cake.
• In a separate small bowl, make the brown sugar crumble by mixing the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and melted butter until large crumbs form. Sprinkle generously over the top of the cake batter.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 40–50 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the top is golden brown. The apples should be tender and the crumble slightly crisp.
• While the cake bakes, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk to create a smooth glaze.
• When the cake is done, let it cool in the pan for 10–15 minutes, then drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake so it melts into the surface. Let the glaze set slightly before slicing.

Tips & Optional Variations

• Double the Apple Layer: Want more fruit in every bite? Add ½ cup more chopped apples and layer them more heavily.
• Add Crunch: Mix in ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts with the apple layer for texture.
• Caramel Finish: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce instead of the glaze for a bakery-style upgrade.
• Overnight Prep: You can prep the batter and apples the night before, keep them separate in the fridge, then layer and bake the next morning.
• Bigger Crowd? Double the recipe and bake in a 9×13 pan for 50–60 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Cake

This cake is incredibly versatile—it’s casual enough to make for your family on a weekend morning, but beautiful and delicious enough to serve at a holiday table. The apple chunks soften into pockets of warm flavor, the swirl keeps every bite interesting, and the brown sugar crumble adds that bakery-style finish without making it complicated. The glaze pulls it all together into something that feels extra special. Even better? It stays moist for days and tastes just as good reheated. Serve it warm with whipped cream, a scoop of ice cream, or just a fork and a quiet moment. However you enjoy it, one thing’s for sure—this cake brings the fall bakery vibe into your kitchen any day of the year.

Final Thoughts

Apple Fritter Cake is one of those nostalgic bakes that feels like it’s been in your recipe box forever—even if you just discovered it. It’s rich, cozy, and totally satisfying, filled with all the cinnamon-apple flavor of your favorite donut shop fritter, but without the fryer or mess. Whether you serve it warm for breakfast, wrap up slices for a friend, or keep the pan all to yourself, this is comfort food at its finest.