Description

This easy apple fritter cake features tender chunks of apple, a cinnamon sugar swirl, and a crackly vanilla glaze. It’s perfect for breakfast or dessert and comes together quickly—no frying required!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups all-purpose flour
2/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free milk)
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
1/3 cup brown sugar (for swirl)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (for swirl)
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Peel and dice apples into 1/2-inch pieces. Toss with brown sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and nutmeg (if using). Set aside.
Mix 1/3 cup brown sugar and 2 teaspoons cinnamon in a small bowl for the cinnamon sugar swirl. Set aside.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Pour wet ingredients into dry and fold gently with a spatula until just combined. Batter should be thick but pourable.
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease or line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment.
Spread half the cake batter in the pan. Top with half the apple mixture and half the cinnamon sugar swirl.
Add the rest of the batter, then layer on remaining apples and cinnamon sugar. Use a knife to gently swirl everything together.
Bake for 40–45 minutes, until golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.
Let cake cool in the pan on a wire rack for 20–30 minutes before glazing.
Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust milk for desired glaze thickness.
Drizzle glaze over warm cake. Let set for 10 minutes, then slice and enjoy.

Notes

For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. For dairy-free, substitute plant-based milk and butter. Dust apples with flour to prevent sinking. Swirl gently for a marbled look. Glaze while cake is warm for best texture. Add nuts or swap apples for pears for variations.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 square (about 1/9 of cake)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 32
Sodium: 210
Fat: 11
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 52
Fiber: 2
Protein: 4

Keywords: apple fritter cake, apple cake, breakfast cake, easy dessert, cinnamon apple, glazed cake, fall baking, brunch recipe