Description
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful fall treat that combines the flavors of classic apple fritters in a moist, tender cake. Featuring chopped Honeycrisp apples baked within a cinnamon-spiced batter and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze sprinkled with flaky sea salt, this dessert offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart with a comforting autumnal touch.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Apple Mixture
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Make the Cake Batter: In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt or sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated. Then add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just combined, careful not to overmix.
- Prepare the Apple Mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. This mixture will create pockets of sweet, spiced apple flavor within the cake.
- Assemble the Cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the apple mixture over the batter. Cover the apples with the remaining batter, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining apple mixture, including any juices left in the bowl.
- Bake the Cake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the cake is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and 2-3 tablespoons of whole milk in a bowl. Adjust the milk quantity to achieve a smooth, pourable consistency.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm or room temperature cake and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to enhance the flavors. Slice and enjoy this comforting apple fritter cake!
Notes
- This cake is reminiscent of an apple fritter in cake form, offering a moist texture and spiced apples.
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their balance of sweet and tart flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking.
- The glaze is adjustable—add more milk for a thinner glaze or less for a thicker drizzle.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt and milk with plant-based alternatives.
- Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for a week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 396 kcal
- Sugar: 26 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
