Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake

The Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake brings all the cozy comfort of a warm apple fritter into a soft, melt-in-your-mouth cake you’ll crave all year long. Each slice is rich with cinnamon-swirled apples, a tender buttery crumb, and a silky vanilla glaze that gives it that irresistible bakery-style finish. Whether served for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet afternoon break, this cake fills your kitchen with the nostalgic scent of apples and spice.

Did you know apple fritters date back to medieval Europe, where cooks combined fruit and batter for festive occasions? This loaf transforms that tradition into a modern, oven-baked version that’s easier to make but just as indulgent. With one bowl, a few simple ingredients, and the magic of cinnamon, you’ll create a warm, fragrant treat that’s as comforting as it is beautiful. Slice, drizzle, and fall in love with your new favorite apple dessert.

Recipe Yield: 10 servings

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Gala)
1 cup + 2 tbsp unsalted butter, divided and softened
1 ¼ cups granulated sugar
⅓ cup brown sugar
3 large eggs
¾ cup sour cream
1 tsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp pure vanilla extract

Cinnamon Sugar Swirl:
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon

Glaze:
¾ cup powdered sugar
2–2½ tbsp water
½ tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and line a 9×5-inch loaf pan with parchment paper, leaving slight overhang for easy lifting.

2. Cook the apples:
In a small skillet, melt 2 tbsp butter over medium heat. Add diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–6 minutes until tender and caramelized. Let cool slightly.

3. Mix the batter:
In a large bowl, cream together butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then add vanilla. Mix in sour cream until smooth. Gradually add flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until just combined.

4. Layer and swirl:
Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Spoon half of the caramelized apples and sprinkle half of the cinnamon sugar swirl over the batter. Add the remaining batter, top with the rest of the apples, and sprinkle remaining cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl through the layers.

5. Bake the cake:
Bake for 55–65 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.

6. Make the glaze:
In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, 2 to 2½ tbsp water, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over the slightly warm cake and let it set before slicing.

Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe

• Use the Right Apples: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji—they hold their shape and balance the sweetness beautifully.
• Don’t Overmix the Batter: Mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the crumb light, tender, and moist.
• Add Extra Glaze for Shine: For a bakery-style finish, double the glaze and drizzle twice—once when warm, once after cooling.