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Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

5.1 from 30 reviews

This Cinnamon Apple Fritter Cake is a moist, flavorful dessert combining tender apples with a fragrant cinnamon-sugar topping reminiscent of classic apple fritters. Perfect as a comforting treat or a delightful brunch centerpiece, this cake offers a lovely balance of sweet and tart with a soft crumb and a lightly crisped sugary crust.

Ingredients

Scale

Cake Batter

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups diced apples

Cinnamon Sugar Topping

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the cake doesn’t stick during baking.
  2. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt until evenly combined.
  3. Cream Butter and Sugar, Add Eggs and Flavoring: In a separate large bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the vanilla extract, mixing well after each addition.
  4. Combine Batter: Gradually add the dry flour mixture to the creamed butter and sugar, alternating with the sour cream, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Mix just until combined to keep the batter tender.
  5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter to evenly distribute them without overmixing.
  6. Assemble and Sprinkle Topping: Pour the batter into the prepared pan and spread evenly. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar and ground cinnamon, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the batter.
  7. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center; it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
  8. Cool and Serve: Allow the cake to cool in the pan on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.

Notes

  • Use tart apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance with the sweet topping.
  • For extra richness, try adding a handful of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans to the batter.
  • You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt if preferred, which will add protein and a slight tanginess.
  • This cake tastes great on its own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
  • Store leftovers tightly covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: cinnamon apple fritter cake, apple cake, cinnamon sugar cake, baked apple dessert, fall desserts