Name: Apple Fritter Cake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon baking soda; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 cup (2 ounces or 4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, softened; 1 large egg, room temperature; 1/4 cup apple butter or applesauce; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt; 2 cups apple pie filling; Glaze:; 1 cup powdered sugar, sifted; 2 tablespoons milk; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Apple Fritter Cake is a delicious twist on the classic fried apple fritter—without the frying! This moist and tender cake is filled with sweet apple pie filling, spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a simple glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, it’s a comforting treat that’s easy to make in an 8×8-inch pan.

Apple Fritter Cake

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

No frying required: Enjoy all the flavors of an apple fritter without the extra oil.
Moist and tender: Sour cream or Greek yogurt keeps the cake soft and rich.
Apple-filled goodness: Packed with layers of apple pie filling for a sweet, fruity center.
Easy glaze: A simple powdered sugar topping completes the dessert.
Perfect for sharing: Cuts into 12 servings, ideal for family breakfasts or gatherings.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Cake:

all-purpose flour
baking powder
baking soda
ground cinnamon
ground nutmeg
salt
brown sugar
unsalted butter, softened
egg, room temperature
apple butter or applesauce
vanilla extract
sour cream or Greek yogurt
apple pie filling

Glaze:

powdered sugar, sifted
milk
vanilla extract

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
In a large mixing bowl, beat butter and brown sugar on medium-high speed until creamy, about 1–2 minutes.
Scrape down the bowl, then beat in the egg, apple butter (or applesauce), and vanilla.
Reduce the mixer to low and add the flour mixture alternating with sour cream/yogurt: begin and end with flour, adding in 3 additions of flour and 2 additions of dairy. Mix until just combined.
Spread half of the batter evenly into the prepared pan. Top with apple pie filling. Cover with the remaining batter.
Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
While the cake cools, make the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.
Spread the glaze over the still-warm cake and let it harden before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Use fresh apples: Replace pie filling with 2 cups diced fresh apples, sautéed with sugar and cinnamon.
Add nuts: Sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans between layers for crunch.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice to the batter.
Gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Maple glaze: Replace milk in the glaze with maple syrup for a richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Cover with a lid or foil and store at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat slices in the microwave for 10–15 seconds to enjoy warm.
Glaze can be reapplied if it softens during storage.

FAQs

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Yes, the cake can be baked a day in advance and glazed just before serving for best texture.

Can I use plain yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Yes, plain yogurt works; the cake may be slightly less thick but still moist.

Do I have to use apple butter?

No, applesauce is a suitable substitute for moisture and flavor.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, use a larger pan (like 9×13 inches) and adjust the baking time slightly.

Can I make mini cakes or muffins?

Yes, divide the batter into a greased muffin tin and bake for 20–25 minutes.

Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?

Yes, sauté diced apples with sugar and cinnamon before layering in the cake.

Is this cake dairy-free?

Not as written, but you can substitute plant-based butter and yogurt to make it dairy-free.

How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the cake. Adjust with more milk or powdered sugar as needed.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, the cake is delicious on its own, though the glaze adds a sweet finishing touch.

What’s the best way to serve this cake?

Serve warm or at room temperature, sliced into 12 pieces. It pairs well with coffee, tea, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Conclusion

Apple Fritter Cake captures the flavor of a classic apple fritter without frying, featuring a moist, spiced cake and a sweet apple filling. Topped with a simple glaze, it’s perfect for brunch, dessert, or an everyday treat. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors, this cake is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.