Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

If you’re anything like me, you adore that perfect balance of sweet and cozy fall flavors—and that’s exactly why this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe quickly became one of my go-to treats. Imagine soft, buttery cake layered with tender Honeycrisp apples, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze and a hint of flaky sea salt. It’s like biting into a warm apple fritter, but way easier to make at home. Stick around—I’m about to share every little detail to help you pull off this fan-freaking-tastic dessert with ease.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays a crucial role here—from the creamy richness of melted butter to the warm sweetness of brown sugar. Using fresh Honeycrisp apples is a game-changer because they hold their shape nicely while adding a crisp, tart contrast.

• Salted butter: Melted for easy mixing and adds rich buttery flavor.
• Brown sugar: Provides deep caramel notes—don’t skip the dark variety if you can.
• Apple butter: A secret weapon for moisture and intense apple flavor; you can swap for applesauce or pumpkin butter but apple butter is my fave.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds tenderness and a slight tang.
• Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature to blend smoothly.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the warm flavors wonderfully.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake—measure carefully for perfect texture.
• Cinnamon: A must for that spicy-sweet apple vibe.
• Baking powder & baking soda: Both work to give you a nice rise without heaviness.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and strengthens flavors.
• Honeycrisp apples: Bright, crisp, and juicy—perfect to mix into the batter.
• Powdered sugar: For the glaze to melt beautifully atop the cake.
• Whole milk: Used to thin the glaze just right.
• Flaky sea salt: For that finishing touch that brings out all the flavors.

Variations

One of the things I love about the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is how flexible it is. I’ve played around with this cake for years, so I’m sharing a few ways you might want to make it your own.

• Swap the fruit: I sometimes swap Honeycrisp for Fuji or Gala apples for a slightly different sweetness and texture—and it still turns out amazing.
• Dairy-free twist: Use coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream and vegan butter for a plant-based option that’s just as indulgent.
• Add nuts: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts for a little crunch and extra warmth.
• Spicing it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for a cozy seasonal touch that pairs beautifully with cinnamon.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. I usually line my 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper—not just for easy cleanup, but it helps the cake release perfectly once baked. Don’t skip the parchment; it’s a simple step that pays off big time.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla until everything is smooth and well combined. Using room temperature eggs really helps avoid lumps and keeps the batter silky. I learned the hard way that cold eggs can make your batter clumpy and harder to mix evenly.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In another bowl, sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. When you add this to the wet ingredients, stir gently until just combined. Overmixing is tempting but avoid it if you want a tender crumb—stop stirring as soon as you don’t see dry flour.

Step 4: Toss Apples with Spices

In a separate bowl, mix your chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. This coating infuses the apples with sweetness and spice and helps them caramelize beautifully in the bake. This is when your kitchen starts smelling like magic—I love this step!

Step 5: Layer and Bake

Spread half the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then spoon over about half the apple mixture. Cover with the remaining batter and top with the rest of the apples, including any juices. Bake for 55-60 minutes until the cake is just set—stick a toothpick in and if it comes out with only a few moist crumbs, you’re golden. Let the cake cool for 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Thin it out with more milk if needed— it should be pourable but thick enough to stick to the cake. Drizzle generously over the warm cake and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. That salty-sweet combo? Absolute game-changer!

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after glazing— it brings the flavors to life. For extra indulgence, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream is dreamy and melts right into every bite.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a cup of hot chai tea or coffee on a crisp day. If you’re serving it for brunch, simple scrambled eggs or a side of maple-glazed bacon balance the sweetness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like baking this cake in individual ramekins or mini casseroles for single servings that feel extra thoughtful. Another fun way is to layer the apple mixture and batter in a clear baking dish so you see those apples nestled inside—guaranteed to make your guests curious (and hungry!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer freshness, refrigerate—but bring back to room temp or warm slightly before serving to keep that tender texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake successfully—wrap it securely in plastic wrap and foil, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Freezing does change the texture slightly, but it’s still super tasty and a lifesaver for busy days.

Reheating

To reheat, pop slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Adding fresh glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar after reheating helps bring the magic back.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe truly feels like a warm hug in dessert form. The blend of tender cake, juicy apples, and that sweet, salty glaze always wins over my family and friends. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded how simple ingredients can come together to create something so comforting and memorable. I really hope you try this recipe and find as much joy in it as I do—because trust me, once you make it, it’s going to be your new fall obsession, just like mine!

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