Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Name: Apple Fritter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 65 min
Total time: 115 min
Yield: 16
Ingredients: 1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan; 4 1/2 cups peeled, cored and finely chopped tart apples; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, divided; 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 3/4 cup white sugar; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 3 eggs, at room temperature; 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; 1 cup full fat sour cream, at room temperature; 1/3 cup apple cider; 2 cups all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup powdered sugar; Pinch of salt; 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract; 5 tablespoons heavy cream, or as needed

Cook Time: 65 minutes

This delicious apple cake is made with rich brown butter, fresh apples, and topped with a creamy icing. Perfect for a cozy treat!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the pan
4 1/2 cups peeled, cored, and finely chopped tart apples
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup firmly packed light brown sugar, divided
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided
3/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 large eggs, at room temperature
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 cup full fat sour cream, at room temperature
1/3 cup apple cider
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda

Icing

1 cup confectioner's sugar
1 pinch salt
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
5 tablespoons heavy cream, or as needed

Directions

Place 1 cup unsalted butter into a light-colored medium saucepan. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until the butter is browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once browned, transfer the butter to a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool for 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, combine the chopped apples and lemon juice. Toss to coat the apples evenly. Add 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon, then toss again until everything is thoroughly mixed. Set aside.
Preheat your oven to 350F (175C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish generously with butter.
To the cooled brown butter, add white sugar, the remaining 1/2 cup brown sugar, salt, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk until everything is well combined.
Crack the eggs into the mixture and add the vanilla extract. Whisk until fully incorporated. Then add the sour cream and apple cider, whisking until smooth.
Sift together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, stirring until the batter is mostly smooth.
Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and smooth it into an even layer.
Evenly scatter the apple mixture, along with any accumulated juices, over the top of the batter.
Bake the cake in the preheated oven for 55 to 65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean.
Once baked, allow the cake to cool for about 15 to 20 minutes.
Meanwhile, prepare the icing by whisking together the powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream. Add more heavy cream if necessary to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
Pour the icing over the warm cake, spreading it evenly across the surface to cover completely.
Serve the cake while still warm for the best flavor and texture.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	346
Total Fat	17g	22%
Saturated Fat	10g	50%
Cholesterol	79mg	26%
Sodium	216mg	9%
Total Carbohydrate	45g	17%
Dietary Fiber	1g	5%
Total Sugars	31g
Protein	4g	7%
Vitamin C	2mg	3%
Calcium	60mg	5%
Iron	1mg	6%
Potassium	116mg	2%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may vary depending on your calorie needs.

The History of Apple Fritter Cake

Apple fritter cake finds its roots in the classic American love for both apples and fried pastries. Inspired by the traditional apple frittera small, deep-fried dough filled with spiced applesthis cake was developed as a baked alternative that captures the same comforting flavors without the frying. Its popularity surged in the mid-20th century when home bakers sought desserts that combined the warm, cinnamon-spiced sweetness of fritters with the convenience of cake baking.

Regional Variations

While apple fritter cake is most commonly associated with the United States, particularly in the Northeastern states, each region has its own twist. In Pennsylvania, for example, bakers often add a touch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth. Southern variations may incorporate pecans or a drizzle of caramel sauce, while New England versions highlight tart apples and brown sugar to complement the local apple harvests. The cakes flexibility makes it a beloved dessert across various American regions.

Differences from Similar Desserts

Apple fritter cake is often compared to traditional apple cake or apple pie, but there are distinct differences. Unlike apple pie, which relies on a crust and layered filling, this cake integrates chopped apples directly into the batter and tops them with a sweet glaze, mimicking the fritters texture. Compared to apple coffee cakes, apple fritter cake is richer and often includes browned butter, giving it a nutty depth of flavor not commonly found in other apple desserts.

Typical Serving Occasions

This cake is versatile and enjoyed in multiple settings. It is commonly served as a warm dessert after dinner, paired with coffee or tea during afternoon gatherings, or even as a special breakfast treat during holidays. Cafs and bakeries often feature it in the fall, when apple harvests are plentiful, offering a nostalgic taste of autumn comfort. Its moist texture and spiced sweetness make it a crowd-pleaser for both casual family meals and festive occasions.

Interesting Facts

Using browned butter in the batter enhances the cake with a rich, toasty aroma, reminiscent of traditional apple fritters.
The icing, typically made from powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, is poured over the cake while warm, creating a glossy finish that melts slightly into the apple topping.
Although the recipe is distinctly American, similar versions exist in Europe under names like "Apfelkchlein," though those are usually fried rather than baked.
The combination of sour cream and apple cider in the batter adds moisture and subtle tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the glaze and brown sugar.
Apple fritter cake can be adapted with nuts, raisins, or different apple varieties, making it a customizable dessert that reflects local tastes and seasonal produce.

FAQ about Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Store any leftover Apple Fritter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it for longer, place it in the fridge, where it will last up to 1 week. For even longer storage, you can freeze the cake for up to 3 months. Be sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

Yes, you can make the Apple Fritter Cake ahead of time. Once the cake has completely cooled, store it in an airtight container. If you plan to serve it the next day, it's best to refrigerate it to keep it fresh. To serve, you can warm it up slightly in the microwave or oven for the best texture.

Yes, you can substitute apple cider with apple juice or even water if you don’t have apple cider. While apple cider adds a deeper flavor, apple juice or water will still work fine, though the flavor might be a bit lighter.

Yes, you can use a different type of apple, though tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for this recipe. They provide the right balance of sweetness and tartness. If you use sweeter apples, you might want to adjust the sugar content slightly.

The cake is done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out mostly clean, with just a few moist crumbs. It may take anywhere between 55 to 65 minutes, depending on your oven. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover it loosely with aluminum foil.

Absolutely! Walnuts, pecans, or even a sprinkle of granola could add a nice texture to the cake. If you'd like, you can fold the nuts into the batter before baking, or sprinkle them on top of the cake along with the apples. Just be mindful of the size and texture of the nuts you choose.

If your icing is too thick, simply add a little more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. Be careful not to add too much, as it can make the icing too runny.

For the best flavor and texture, serve the Apple Fritter Cake warm. The icing will melt beautifully into the cake, making it extra delicious. However, it can still be enjoyed at room temperature or even chilled if you prefer.

If you don't have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Both alternatives will provide the necessary moisture and a bit of tangy flavor. The texture might be slightly different, but it will still work well in the recipe.

To prevent the apples from sinking, coat them lightly in a mixture of flour and cinnamon before adding them to the cake batter. This helps them stay suspended in the batter as the cake bakes.

Comments

MatureSquid4545

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

What if you don't have apple cider. Could you use some applesauce.

ChirpyCane3269

01/26/2025 12:56:34 AM

Made the cake exactly as the recipe said. Next time I 'll increase the cinnamon in the cake to 1 teaspoon.

Mitsi Withington

02/22/2025 10:57:34 PM

My family enjoyed this cake. The sour cream makes this cake very moist. I didn't have apple cider so I used apple juice. It worked out well. I want to try the cider next time is make this. I added walnuts too. This is a great dessert for the colder weather. The icing is very good. I like it so much I will use it for other cakes that call for icing.

Richard Jackson

02/09/2025 09:32:47 PM

I didn’t expect it to come out this perfect.

William Johnson

11/26/2024 07:33:25 PM

This is a new favorite in my house.

Cook Time: 65 minutes

Apple Fritter Cake Recipe