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
Scale
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.
