Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

If you love the cozy combination of cinnamon and apples in a tender, moist dessert, you are going to fall head over heels for this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake. This cake captures the essence of fall in every bite, boasting juicy diced apples folded into a soft, cake-like batter, all finished with a crunchy cinnamon-sugar topping that mimics those beloved apple fritters from the fair. It’s incredibly easy to make but delivers a homemade treat that feels special enough for breakfast, dessert, or an anytime snack. Once you try this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake, it might just become your new go-to for sharing warmth and sweetness with friends and family.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake is like prepping for a delicious adventure that is both straightforward and rewarding. Each item plays an important role in building the perfect balance of flavor, moisture, and texture.

• All-purpose flour: The foundation of our cake, creating a tender crumb that holds everything together perfectly.
• Granulated sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness and helps with the golden color of the cake’s surface.
• Unsalted butter, softened: Provides richness and moistness to the batter, enhancing its flavor.
• Eggs: Act as a binder and add structure, ensuring the cake isn’t too dense.
• Vanilla extract: Brings depth and warmth, perfectly complementing the cinnamon and apples.
• Baking powder: A leavening agent that gives the cake its light and airy texture.
• Baking soda: Lets the cake rise beautifully and pairs with the sour cream to tenderize the crumb.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all flavors.
• Sour cream: Adds moisture and tanginess, creating a tender crumb and helping the cake stay fresh longer.
• Diced apples: Provide fresh bursts of fruity sweetness and moisture in every bite.
• Brown sugar: Mixed with cinnamon for a crunchy topping that mimics the best flavors of an apple fritter.
• Ground cinnamon: Infuses the cake with that signature warm spice flavor that makes it so comforting.

How to Make Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure your cake won’t stick. This simple prep sets the stage for a smooth baking experience and a perfect release once your cake is done.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Combining these dry ingredients now ensures that they are evenly distributed throughout your batter, which is key to even rising and texture.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar, Then Add Eggs and Vanilla

Using a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy. This step is crucial for incorporating air and creating a tender crumb. Next, add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract for that extra pop of aroma.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients and Sour Cream

Slowly incorporate the flour mixture into the butter mixture, alternating with sour cream. This helps maintain the batter’s moisture and keeps it from becoming too dense. Mixing gently at this stage will ensure your cake remains light and tender.

Step 5: Fold in Diced Apples and Spread the Batter

Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter. These juicy pieces create delightful pockets of fruit throughout the cake. Once combined, pour and spread the batter evenly into your greased baking pan to create a smooth surface for the cinnamon topping.

Step 6: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Topping

In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and ground cinnamon together. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter. This layer will caramelize in the oven, giving you that beautiful signature crunch and that nostalgic apple fritter flavor we all crave.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. This baking time allows the apples to soften and the flavors to meld into one unforgettable Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake

Garnishes

For an inviting presentation, a dusting of powdered sugar or a drizzle of vanilla glaze adds elegance and extra sweetness. A few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of chopped nuts can also make the cake look as good as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, turning it into a mouthwatering dessert treat. For breakfast or brunch, serve with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai to complement the warm cinnamon notes.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve slices of this Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake in rustic wooden plates for a cozy feel at autumn gatherings or stack smaller cut squares in a dessert buffet. You can even turn leftovers into a trifle by layering with custard and whipped cream for a show-stopping twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container to keep it moist. It will stay fresh on the counter for 2 to 3 days or you can refrigerate it for up to a week, making it a convenient make-ahead treat.

Freezing

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake freezes beautifully. Wrap individual slices well in plastic and foil or store in airtight freezer containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture, so you can enjoy it anytime.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh-baked warmth, pop a slice in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or reheat in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes. This revives the softness of the cake and refreshes the cinnamon sugar topping.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apples for the Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake?

Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith work great to balance the sweetness, but sweeter varieties like Fuji or Gala will add a milder, juicier flavor. Just make sure to dice them evenly for consistent baking.

Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free baking?

This recipe calls for all-purpose flour, so it is not gluten-free as written. However, you can substitute a gluten-free flour blend designed for baking, keeping in mind some textural differences might occur.

Can I make this cake dairy-free?

You can swap out the butter for a plant-based margarine and use a dairy-free sour cream alternative. The flavor will still shine, just be mindful of baking times as dairy-free ingredients sometimes affect the texture slightly.

How do I know when the cake is fully baked?

The best test is to insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center. If it comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs, the cake is done baking. If it has wet batter, give it a few more minutes and test again.

Can I add nuts or raisins to this cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add great texture and flavor. Fold them in along with the diced apples for a personalized twist on the classic Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake.

Final Thoughts

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake is one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its simple ingredients come together in the most delightful way, creating a comforting treat that’s perfect any time of day. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself baking it over and over again to share with those you love.

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