There is nothing quite like a warm slice of this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe to brighten up your day with its perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and buttery flavors. Bursting with tender, caramelized Honeycrisp apples and swirled into a moist, cinnamon-kissed cake, every bite offers the nostalgic comfort of apple fritters in cake form. Topped with a silky vanilla glaze, this dessert is a showstopper for family gatherings or a delightful treat for cozy afternoons. If you love apple desserts, this recipe is destined to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a pivotal role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and aroma that make this cake irresistible. From the tender apples to the rich butter and fragrant spices, everything comes together harmoniously.
- Honeycrisp apples (3): Known for their crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, these apples hold up beautifully when cooked.
- Unsalted butter (½ cup + 2 tbsp): Adds rich, creamy flavor to both the apple filling and cake batter.
- Brown sugar (¼ cup): Brings deep caramel notes to the apple filling.
- Ground cinnamon (1 tsp): Delivers warm spice that complements the apples perfectly.
- Nutmeg (¼ tsp): Adds a subtle, aromatic touch to the apple mixture.
- Granulated sugar (¾ cup): Sweetens the cake and helps create a tender crumb.
- Large eggs (2): Provide structure and moisture.
- Vanilla extract (1½ tsp): Infuses the cake and glaze with inviting warmth.
- All-purpose flour (1½ cups): Forms the base of the cake’s tender crumb.
- Baking powder (1½ tsp): Leavens the cake to achieve lightness.
- Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all the other flavors without overpowering them.
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt (½ cup): Boosts moisture and adds a subtle tang that balances sweetness.
- Milk (2 tbsp + 2–3 tbsp for glaze): Helps smooth out the batter and glaze consistency.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Creates a glossy, sweet topping glaze for that perfect finishing touch.
How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Caramelized Apple Filling
Begin by gently melting butter in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until the apples soften and turn a lovely golden caramel color. The warmth will intensify their natural sweetness and tenderize them just right. Set this flavorful filling aside to cool while you move on to your cake batter.
Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This process incorporates air into the batter, which will help your cake rise and create a tender crumb that melts in your mouth.
Step 3: Add Eggs and Vanilla
Beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then, stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the cake batter with its captivating aroma and depth. This step is where your batter starts transforming into the foundation of pure deliciousness.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt. This ensures that the leavening agent and seasoning are evenly distributed throughout the dry mixture, setting the stage for consistent texture and rise.
Step 5: Alternate Adding Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream Mixture
Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream and milk, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. This gradual mixing method prevents overworking the batter—a key to keeping your cake moist and tender.
Step 6: Layer and Swirl the Cake Batter and Apple Filling
Spread half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared 8×8-inch baking pan. Spoon half of the caramelized apple mixture over the batter, then repeat with the remaining batter and apples. Using a knife, gently swirl the layers for a beautiful marbled effect that promises a delicious bite of cake interlaced with apple filling in every slice.
Step 7: Bake
Pop your pan into a preheated 350°F oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with an amazing aroma that perfectly captures the essence of autumn and warm desserts.
Step 8: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm cake and allow it to set. This finishing touch adds just the right amount of sweetness and a shiny, irresistible glaze.
How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an elevated presentation, try sprinkling a little ground cinnamon or a handful of finely chopped pecans over the glaze before serving. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side will add a creamy contrast that pairs beautifully with the cake’s tender texture and sweet-spiced flavor.
Side Dishes
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe shines alongside a hot cup of spiced tea, rich coffee, or even a cozy mug of warm apple cider. If you’re serving a larger brunch, consider fresh fruit or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
Creative Ways to Present
You can slice this cake into squares and serve it as a charming dessert plate centerpiece or cut it into smaller squares for buffet-style gatherings. For a charming twist, layer warm slices between thin layers of whipped mascarpone for a quick, rustic apple tiramisu inspired by this recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to two days to maintain its softness and flavor. If you need to keep it longer, refrigeration is perfectly fine, just be sure to cover it well to prevent drying out. The glaze might harden a bit in the fridge, but the cake’s flavors will remain delicious.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully! Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator. This way, you can keep the joy of the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe ready to go anytime cravings hit.
Reheating
Warm any chilled or frozen slices gently in a microwave or a preheated 300°F oven for about 10 minutes. Reheating enhances the cake’s soft texture and allows the glaze to soften, bringing back that fresh-baked feeling every time.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
While Honeycrisp apples are ideal because of their sweetness and texture, you can swap them for Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Fuji for something sweeter. Just keep in mind that the flavor and softness may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this cake dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the butter with a dairy-free margarine or coconut oil and use dairy-free yogurt or sour cream alternatives. The texture might vary a little, but the flavors will still be fantastic.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, doubling this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe works well for larger gatherings. Use a 9×13-inch pan and keep an eye on baking time; it may take a few minutes longer to bake through.
What is the best way to store the glaze if I prepare it ahead of time?
Store the glaze in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Stir it well before drizzling because it might thicken slightly as it chills. Add a splash of milk if needed to reach the right consistency.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Definitely! Adding chopped pecans or walnuts to the apple filling or sprinkling them on top of the glaze adds a wonderful crunch that complements the soft cake and tender fruit perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is like a warm hug from your oven, perfect for any occasion that calls for cozy sweetness and comfort. With its gorgeous marbling, tender crumb, and delightful glaze, it’s a recipe you’ll reach for again and again. Don’t wait to try it—you’re just a slice away from apple-filled happiness!
Print
Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful autumn-inspired dessert featuring tender, caramelized apple filling swirled into a moist, spiced cake. Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, it captures the flavors of classic apple fritters in a comforting, easy-to-make cake perfect for gatherings or cozy nights.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add diced Honeycrisp apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes until apples are tender and caramelized. Set aside to cool.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy, which helps create a tender cake texture.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in the eggs one at a time to fully incorporate them, then stir in the vanilla extract for flavor depth.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and salt to ensure even distribution of leavening and seasoning.
- Combine Batter: Add the dry ingredients to the butter mixture alternately with the sour cream (or Greek yogurt) and milk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. This keeps the batter smooth and moist.
- Assemble Cake Layers: Spread half of the cake batter into the greased 8×8-inch baking pan. Spoon half of the cooked apple mixture over the batter. Repeat with remaining batter and apple filling. Swirl gently with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and let it set before slicing. Best served slightly warm.
Notes
- Serve the cake slightly warm for the best flavor and texture.
- You can double the recipe and bake in a 9×13-inch pan for larger gatherings.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans to the apple filling before cooking.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness.
