Apple Fritter Cake: 7 Easy Steps to Homemade Perfection
Craving a cozy dessert? This Apple Fritter Cake combines the warm flavors of cinnamon, tender apples, and a sweet glaze, all in one delightful treat. It's perfect for gatherings, a comforting afternoon snack, or even a special breakfast. I love how this cake brings together the best parts of apple fritters without the frying. Plus, it's easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. In just 7 simple steps, you can create this homemade perfection.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 3 cups all-purpose flour
- Provides the structure for the cake.
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- Sweetens the batter.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- Helps the cake rise.
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- Assists in leavening.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Adds warmth and spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Enhances all flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Provides a subtle depth.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Adds richness and moisture.
- 3 large eggs, at room temperature
- Bind ingredients and add structure.
- 1 cup sour cream, at room temperature
- Contributes to a moist crumb.
- 1/3 cup apple cider
- Infuses apple flavor.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Enhances sweetness and aroma.
- 4 1/2 cups tart apples, peeled and diced
- Adds fruity texture and flavor.
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- Sweetens and thickens the glaze.
- 5 tablespoons heavy cream
- Adjusts consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Adds depth to the glaze.
- Pinch of salt
- Balances sweetness.
Prep Time & Cook Time
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Apples: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-low heat. Add the diced apples and sauté until they begin to soften, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; stir to combine. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and nutmeg.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the melted butter, remaining brown sugar, granulated sugar, eggs, vanilla extract, sour cream, and apple cider until smooth.
- Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures: Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
- Assemble the Cake: Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread half of the sautéed apples evenly over the batter. Pour the remaining batter over the apples, and top with the remaining apples.
- Bake: Bake for 65 to 75 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Glaze: Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 30 minutes. In the meantime, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake before serving.
Tips & Tricks
- Apple Selection: Opt for tart apple varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance the sweetness of the cake.
- Texture Variation: For added crunch, fold in chopped nuts such as walnuts or pecans into the batter.
- Spice It Up: Experiment with additional spices like cardamom or allspice for a unique flavor profile.
- Glaze Consistency: Adjust the glaze thickness by adding more or less heavy cream to achieve your desired consistency.
- Serving Suggestion: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.
Serving Suggestions
- Vanilla Ice Cream: The creamy sweetness complements the spiced cake.
- Whipped Cream: Adds a light, airy texture to each bite.
- Hot Coffee: Enhances the warm flavors of the cake.
- Apple Cider: Echoes the apple notes in the cake for a harmonious pairing