Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze

There’s something incredibly comforting about a dessert that tastes just like a homemade apple fritter—but in cake form. This Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe captures that warm, spicy aroma and tender, moist texture that makes you want seconds (and maybe thirds).

A round apple cake with a golden brown crust and a moist inside full of small apple pieces sits on a white marble board. The cake has two visible layers: a dense bottom layer with apple chunks and a top layer covered in a shiny white glaze and sprinkled pieces of nuts or sugar bits. A slice is being lifted by a pie server with a wooden handle, showing the soft, textured inside. In the background, there is a basket with red and green apples, a lit beige candle with melted wax on the white marble surface, and the whole setting is soft-lit with warm tones. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Honestly, this is one of those cakes that instantly becomes a favorite in my kitchen. It’s easy enough to whip up even if you’re not usually a baker, but the flavors feel like something special you’d order at a cozy café on a crisp fall morning.

Classic Flavor Combo: The mix of cinnamon, vanilla, and tart apples hits all those cozy notes we crave with apple desserts.
Moist and Tender Texture: Thanks to sour cream and softened butter, this cake stays beautifully soft without being dense.
Easy Yet Impressive: No complicated techniques here, but the results look like you spent hours.
Versatile Serving Options: It shines at brunch, with coffee, or even warm topped with ice cream for dessert.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This recipe calls for simple, classic ingredients that come together perfectly to balance moistness, spice, and sweetness. A few notes as you shop:

Flat lay of peeled and cubed small fresh apples, a mound of dark brown sugar, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a tiny pinch of ground cardamom in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small pile of all purpose flour, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pat of softened unsalted butter, a small heap of granulated sugar, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small dollop of sour cream, a pinch of sea salt, a small heap of baking powder, a small pile of baking soda, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of milk, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Apples: I recommend firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape but get tender when baked.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor that enhances the apple spice vibe.
Cinnamon: The must-have warm spice here, with just a hint of cardamom if you’re feeling adventurous.
Vanilla extract: Twice used—in the batter and the glaze—this lends a sweet aromatic note.
Flour and baking powder/soda: These give the cake structure while keeping it light and fluffy.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake moist, tangy, and tender.
Powdered sugar & milk (for glaze): Combine into that smooth finish that’s creamy without being too sweet.
Butter and eggs: Provide richness and help create a tender crumb.
Lemon juice: Tossed with the apples to keep them bright and prevent browning.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love tweaking this cake depending on what I have on hand or who I’m baking for. It’s forgiving and naturally adaptable—making it a fun one to experiment with.

Gluten-free version: I’ve swapped regular flour for a gluten-free blend with great results, just watch the bake time closely.
Add-ins: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples for some added crunch that balances the soft cake.
Spice it up: I sometimes bump the cinnamon and cardamom or add a pinch of nutmeg to make it extra festive in fall.
Less sweet: To cut back sugar, I reduce the granulated sugar slightly and add a bit more lemon juice to brighten flavors.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with small, cut apple pieces mixed with a brown cinnamon-like coating is shown. The apple pieces are light yellow with brown cinnamon specks, evenly mixed together in one layer inside the bowl. A woman's hand is holding the side of the bowl, and a silver spoon with a decorative handle rests inside, partially covered by the apple mixture. In the background, there is a basket with several red and green apples, a lit white candle, and a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by peeling and cubing your apples into small pieces—about half-inch chunks work best. Toss them with lemon juice, a tablespoon of flour, cinnamon, cardamom if using, and dark brown sugar. This little coat of flour helps the apples stay nicely distributed in the cake instead of sinking to the bottom.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

Cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy—that’s where you build your tender crumb. Then beat in the eggs one at a time, followed by the sour cream and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Alternate adding this dry mix with the wet mixture until just combined. Remember not to overmix to keep your cake light.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold those luscious apple pieces into your batter. The batter will be thick, but that’s what you want for a dense, luscious cake packed with fruit.

Step 4: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13 pan, smoothing the top gently. Bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk to reach your desired drizzle consistency. Pour it generously over the warm cake to soak into those crevices and crisp on top as it sets.

Top Tip

Making this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe for the first time, I learned a few tricks that transformed it from good to outstanding—here’s what I’d tell you to watch for:

Don’t skip the lemon juice on apples: It keeps them bright and fresh-tasting, preventing the cake from turning dull or mushy.
Softened butter matters: I used to try melting it, but soft butter cream-whipped with sugar creates a tender crumb and better rise.
Check doneness with care: Depending on your oven, baking times can vary a bit, so start testing with a toothpick at 55 minutes.
Glaze consistency is key: A runny glaze soaks in too much; aim for a thick but pourable glaze so you get that signature crunch on top.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple—just a light dusting of cinnamon on top can echo the flavors inside beautifully. Sometimes I add chopped toasted pecans scattered over the glaze for a nutty crunch that pairs wonderfully with the soft cake.

Side Dishes

Since the cake is rich and aromatic, I serve it with bright, fresh sides when I can. A cup of hot coffee or chai latte is my go-to. Sometimes I pair it with a simple fruit salad or a creamy whipped cream dollop for an extra indulgence.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve cut the cake into smaller squares and served them on a platter with small bowls of caramel sauce and spiced whipped cream so guests can customize their bites. It makes the experience interactive and festive!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually keep leftover Apple Fritter Cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container on the counter for up to 2 days. After that, I move it to the refrigerator to extend freshness, but be aware it might lose a bit of its tender softness there.

Freezing

This cake freezes surprisingly well. After it’s completely cooled, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or a freezer bag. It stays delicious for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving for the best texture.

Reheating

To warm up slices, I pop them in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or into a low oven (300°F) for about 10 minutes. This helps revive that soft crumb and melty glaze without drying it out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

While apples give that classic fritter flavor and texture, you can experiment with pears or firm peaches for a twist. Just adjust the spice slightly to complement the fruit’s sweetness.

Why does the recipe use both baking powder and baking soda?

The combination helps the cake rise properly while balancing the acidity from the sour cream and apples, resulting in a tender crumb without being too dense.

How thick should the vanilla glaze be?

Aim for a glaze that’s thick but pourable—if it’s too runny, it will soak fully into the cake instead of forming a slight crust. Add milk a tablespoon at a time to reach the perfect consistency.

Can I make this cake ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can bake the cake a day in advance, store it covered at room temperature, and add the vanilla glaze just before serving to keep it fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

I truly believe this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe has a special place in the lineup of everything sweet in my kitchen—it’s familiar, inviting, and always makes people smile. Once you make it, you’ll see why I keep coming back to it for mornings, afternoon snacks, or laid-back dinner dessert. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to celebrate apples.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way