Oh, hey there, fellow baking enthusiast! I’m so excited to share one of my absolute favorite recipes with you today—Apple Fritter Cake! Now, I don’t know about you, but when I think of fall, I think of warm spices, sweet apples, and cozy desserts that bring back all the best memories. This cake is my go-to when I want to impress friends or when I just need a little pick-me-up at home. The first time I made it, I brought some to a potluck, and it disappeared faster than I could say, “Apple fritter!”
Now, the slight crunch from the apples and the dreamy glaze really transport you to a happy place. It’s like a warm hug in cake form! Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make. Trust me, you’ll want to keep this one in your recipe book forever!
What’s in Apple Fritter Cake?
Let’s chat about what goes into this delightful dish. Each ingredient plays a delicious role in creating magic!
All-purpose flour: This is the backbone of our cake, giving it structure. You can even use whole wheat flour for a slightly different texture!
Baking powder: Helping our cake rise and become fluffy. It’s like the little booster shot that says, “Let’s get this cake going!”
Baking soda: Another leavening agent that ensures our cake is light and airy.
Salt: Just a pinch is needed to enhance the sweetness of all the other ingredients.
Ground cinnamon: This spice adds a warm, comforting flavor—perfect for those fall vibes!
Granulated sugar & brown sugar: A delightful duo that adds sweetness and moisture to our cake. I love the depth that brown sugar brings!
Unsalted butter: Because who can resist the buttery goodness? It also helps create that lovely fluffiness when whipped with sugar.
Eggs: They bind everything together and give the cake a nice rich flavor.
Vanilla extract: A splash of pure heaven! Always choose pure vanilla for the best flavor.
Buttermilk: This adds moisture and a subtle tang that makes the cake extra scrumptious.
Apples: Fresh, diced apples are the star of the show! I usually go for Granny Smith for their tartness, but use whatever you have on hand.
Chopped walnuts (optional): These add a lovely crunch. I like to toast them a bit beforehand for an extra burst of flavor!
And we can’t forget about the sweet glaze that makes this cake truly irresistible!
Powdered sugar: This sweetens and thickens our glaze into pure delight.
Milk: To get the right consistency for our glaze—don’t skimp on this part!
Vanilla extract: Yes, again! Because more vanilla is always a good idea!
Is Apple Fritter Cake Good for You?
Now, let’s be real—this is a cake, not a health bar, but there are some admirable qualities!
Apples: They provide fiber and vitamins, and they make this cake feel a bit healthier (or at least that’s what I tell myself!).
Walnuts: If you include them, they add healthy fats and can be great for heart health.
But with the sugars and butter, moderation is key. It’s totally okay to enjoy a slice (or two) and savor every bite, but I wouldn’t recommend this for breakfast every day. Perhaps save it for special occasions or a cozy weekend afternoon!
Ingredients
This recipe serves about 12 people. Here’s what you need:
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tsp baking powder
– 1/2 tsp baking soda
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1 tsp ground cinnamon
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
– 2 large eggs
– 1 tsp vanilla extract
– 1/2 cup buttermilk
– 2 cups apples, peeled, cored, and diced (about 2 medium apples)
– 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional)
For the Glaze:
– 1 cup powdered sugar
– 2-3 tbsp milk
– 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
How to Make Apple Fritter Cake?
Alright, let’s get down to business! Here’s how to whip up this decadent cake:
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13 inch baking pan, so our cake doesn’t stick. Trust me; you want a clean release!
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon. Set it aside and admire the beautiful colors!
3. In a large bowl, cream together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and softened butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes. This step really sets the mood for a delicious cake.
4. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract like you really mean it.
5. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the buttermilk. Start and end with the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix; we want it fluffy!
6. Fold in the diced apples and walnuts (if using). This part makes it all come together—so glorious!
7. Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. You’re so close!
8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Try to resist opening the oven too much—it’s hard to wait for the goodness!
9. While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Taste testing is highly encouraged.
10. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan, then drizzle the glaze over the top. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before slicing. Just look at that sweet goodness!
Sweet Tips & Variations for Apple Fritter Cake
Here are some fun ideas to make this cake even better:
– For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter. It pairs perfectly with the cinnamon and apples.
– Drizzle some caramel sauce on top for an indulgent twist. Who could say no to that?
– This cake can be served warm, or at room temperature, so it’s perfect for any occasion, even brunch!
– Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days (if there are any leftovers!).
I can’t wait for you to try this blissful Apple Fritter Cake! Trust me, once you bring this to your table, everyone will be asking for seconds. So preheat that oven, grab your mixing bowl, and let’s get baking! Don’t forget to share your creations and let me know how it turns out. Happy baking! 🍏✨
