Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

I absolutely love sharing this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe because it’s one of those cozy, comforting treats that feel like a warm hug on a chilly day. The cake itself is moist and tender, packed with tender cinnamon-spiced apples that give it that perfect balance of sweet and slightly tart. Whenever I bake this, it fills the kitchen with such an inviting aroma—I promise you, everyone will be wanting a slice before it’s even cool!

What makes this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe so special is how surprisingly simple it is to pull together, yet you end up with a dessert that tastes like it came from your favorite bakery. Whether you’re baking for a casual get-together, a weekend brunch, or just craving a sweet treat with your coffee, this cake fits the bill perfectly. I’ve found it works beautifully to bring friends and family around the table—trust me, it’s a crowd-pleaser every single time.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe — I always appreciate when a recipe uses straightforward items you’re likely to have on hand. The combination of sour cream and butter helps keep the cake wonderfully moist, while the cinnamon and fresh apples provide that classic fall flavor we all crave.

• All-purpose flour: This is your cake’s sturdy base, choose good quality for best results.
• Granulated sugar: Balances sweetness without overpowering the apples.
• Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents make the cake tender and fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, don’t skip it!
• Unsalted butter: Make sure it’s very soft—this makes it easier to incorporate into the batter.
• Eggs: Use large eggs at room temperature for the best texture.
• Full fat sour cream: This is a game-changer for moistness and tang.
• Whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps bring the batter together.
• Pure vanilla extract: Adds warmth and depth to the flavor.
• Apples: I prefer using firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for a nice bite that holds up in baking.
• Cinnamon (ground): Essential to nail that apple fritter vibe.
• Powdered confectioner’s sugar: For the glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.

Variations

I love making this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe my own by switching up a few things depending on the season or who I’m baking for. It’s super flexible, so don’t be shy about trying your own twist!

• Use pears instead of apples: I once swapped in ripe pears, and it brought a lovely, mellow sweetness that was deliciously different.
• Gluten-free version: I’ve had success swapping all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.
• Add chopped nuts: Walnuts or pecans added into the batter or sprinkled on top give a nice crunch, which my family goes crazy for.
• Spice it up: Sometimes I throw in a pinch of nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon for extra warmth.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep your pan and oven

Set your oven to 350°F and line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper—don’t forget to leave that nice 2-inch overhang on the sides. This makes it easier to lift the cake out of the pan when it’s done, which I always appreciate when serving or storing leftovers.

Step 2: Mix your dry ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until everything’s evenly mixed. This helps the leaveners distribute evenly and gives you a uniform crumb. If you’re using a stand mixer, the paddle attachment is perfect for this step.

Step 3: Incorporate the butter

Add the very soft butter pieces to the dry mix and beat on low speed until the texture resembles fine breadcrumbs. This step is key — I learned that if your butter is too cold, it won’t mix well and your cake texture can be dense, so be patient and let it soften enough.

Step 4: Whisk and add wet ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, sour cream, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and beat on medium speed until you get a silky, thick batter. This usually takes about a minute, and it’s what gives the cake its wonderful moist texture.

Step 5: Prepare the apple filling and cinnamon sugar

Toss diced apples with sugar and cinnamon until evenly coated — this little cinnamon-sugar hug is what reminds me of apple fritters! Also, combine sugar and cinnamon for the topping in a small bowl; the sprinkle on top bakes to a sweet, crunchy finish.

Step 6: Layer your cake batter and apples

Spread about two-thirds of your batter into the prepared pan evenly; it’ll be a thin layer. Scatter the cinnamon-coated apples evenly over that layer, pressing gently to the edges. Then, drop dollops of the remaining batter over the apples and carefully spread it out to cover them without disturbing the apple pieces too much. Finally, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar topping evenly over everything.

Step 7: Bake and glaze

Bake for 25-28 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. While it’s still warm, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt to make the glaze, then drizzle it over the top. Let the glaze set for about an hour—it adds just the right sweet finish and looks gorgeous.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

For garnishes, I like to keep it simple—just a light dusting of extra powdered sugar right before serving adds a delicate snowy finish. Sometimes, I top slices with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat that pairs beautifully with the warm spices in the cake.

Side Dishes

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe shines on its own, but if you want to serve it as part of brunch, it pairs wonderfully with crispy bacon or sausage links for a savory-sweet balance. For a cozy afternoon snack, a hot cup of chai tea or fresh brewed coffee hits the spot.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve served this cake for a party, I like to cut it into little squares and arrange them on a rustic wooden board, alongside small bowls of extra cinnamon sugar and glaze for dipping or drizzling. It makes for a charming and interactive way to enjoy the cake, and guests always comment on how inviting it looks!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I recommend storing any leftover Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps the cake moist and the apples tender without drying out. After that, refrigeration extends freshness for about 3-4 more days, but be sure to bring slices to room temperature before eating for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices of this cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil with great success. They freeze well for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm briefly in the oven or microwave to bring back that freshly baked feel.

Reheating

To reheat, I like to wrap slices in foil and warm them in a 300°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, which revives the cake without drying it out. A quick zap in the microwave also works in a pinch—just cover the slice to retain moisture and avoid overcooking.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I hope you’ll give this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe a try soon—I genuinely think it’s one of those easy bakes that anyone can master and love. Over the years, it’s become my go-to whenever I want to impress without stress. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about having a homemade cake that tastes like cinnamon apple doughnuts in every bite. So, roll up your sleeves, grab some apples, and enjoy baking this lovely crowd-pleaser with your people!

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