Description
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful autumn dessert that captures the flavors of classic apple fritters in a moist, tender cake. Featuring juicy Honeycrisp apples layered within a spiced batter, it’s finished with a sweet vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for the perfect balance of sweet and savory. Perfect for cozy fall gatherings or a comforting treat any day.
Ingredients
Scale
Cake Batter
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Apple Mixture
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Make the batter: In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined. Gradually add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix to keep the cake tender.
- Prepare the apple mixture: In a separate bowl, combine the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, mixing thoroughly to coat the apples.
- Assemble the cake: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the apple mixture over the batter. Carefully cover the apples with the remaining batter, then top with the remaining apple mixture along with any juices left in the bowl.
- Bake the cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 55-60 minutes or until the cake is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove from the oven and let the cake cool for 10 minutes.
- Make the glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk (adding 2-3 tablespoons as needed to reach drizzling consistency), and vanilla extract in a bowl. Drizzle this glaze generously over the warm cake and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for contrast.
- Serve: Enjoy the cake warm or at room temperature. The combination of sweet glaze, tender spiced cake, and juicy apples makes this dessert truly irresistible.
Notes
- This cake is reminiscent of apple fritters but in a soft, cakey form, making it a perfect fall dessert.
- Use Honeycrisp apples for their sweetness and crisp texture; other tart apples can work but may affect flavor.
- Apple butter can be substituted with applesauce or pumpkin butter if desired.
- For best results, do not overmix the batter to keep the cake light and tender.
- Sprinkling flaky sea salt on top enhances the sweet glaze with a subtle salty contrast.
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/8 of cake)
- Calories: 396 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 4 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
