Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon

There's something utterly comforting about a homemade apple dessert that tastes like fall wrapped in a warm hug. This Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe is exactly that—a soft, buttery cake loaded with tender apple chunks and wrapped in just the right amount of cinnamon spice. It’s like biting into a giant, cozy apple fritter, but easier to share and impossible not to love.

The image shows a round apple cake with one slice being lifted by a spatula on the right side. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown cake with a soft, crumbly texture, and the top layer is light with chunks of apple and a white glaze drizzled over it. The cake sits on a white round tray with some crumbs scattered around. In the background, there is a basket wrapped with a floral cloth filled with red and green apples, along with a lit small cream-colored candle on the right side, all set against a white marbled surface. 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 Cinnamon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe has saved the day—whether it’s for a weekend brunch, an impromptu coffee visit, or just when you want that perfect homemade treat. The magic lies in how effortlessly the flavors come together with classic fall spices and tender chunks of apple that nearly melt in your mouth. The cake's moist texture and the luscious vanilla glaze on top make this so much more than just a cake—it’s an experience.

Deceptively Simple: It's an easy-to-follow recipe that yields bakery-quality results without the fuss.
Perfect Fall Flavor: The combo of cinnamon, cardamom, and brown sugar enhances those fresh apple notes beautifully.
Moist & Tender Texture: Thanks to sour cream and butter, the cake turns out incredibly soft and rich.
Versatile Serving: Enjoy it warm with coffee, at brunch, or drizzle on a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Getting to know the ingredients really helps in nailing this Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe. Each one plays a part in creating that irresistible texture and flavor, especially the apples and the warm spices. I always pick firm, crisp apples and make sure my butter and eggs are at room temperature to get the best crumb possible.

Flat lay of peeled and cubed fresh apples, a small pile of dark brown sugar, a small mound of ground cinnamon, a tiny pinch of ground cardamom, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a small pile of all purpose flour, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a few cubes of softened unsalted butter, a small mound of granulated sugar, two whole uncracked large eggs with clean shells, a small dollop of sour cream, a pinch of sea salt, a small pile of baking powder, a pinch of baking soda, a small bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of milk, a tiny white bowl with pure vanilla extract 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: Choose a firm variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp; their tartness balances the sweet cake perfectly.
Dark Brown Sugar: Adds a deep molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
Cinnamon: The star spice here, giving that signature warm, comforting aroma and taste.
Cardamom (optional): Just a pinch heightens the depth of flavor without overpowering the cinnamon.
Vanilla Extract: Used twice—for the apple mix and the batter—to boost that sweet fragrance and round out the flavors.
Flour: All-purpose flour forms the cake's structure while a bit coats the apples to prevent them from sinking.
Lemon Juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle brightness.
Unsalted Butter: Softened to blend smoothly, it makes the cake tender and rich.
Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the batter evenly and helps with the cake’s moist texture.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs whip air into the batter, contributing to the cake’s lightness.
Sour Cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang, which keeps the cake from feeling too sweet or heavy.
Sea Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Baking Powder & Baking Soda: They help the cake rise perfectly without becoming dense.
Powdered Sugar: For the glaze, giving a smooth, sweet topping that melts in your mouth.
Milk: Thins the glaze to just the right consistency for drizzling.

📝

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 that this Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe is so adaptable. Over time, I’ve tweaked it a bit to suit what’s on hand or my mood—sometimes adding my favorite nuts or swapping spices—and honestly, it still comes out incredible. I encourage you to play around and find your perfect spin!

Variation: Adding chopped walnuts or pecans gives it a satisfying crunch that I adore; I usually sprinkle them on top before baking.
Dietary swap: You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt without compromising moisture or tang for a lighter cake.
Spice twist: For a seasonal change, try using pumpkin pie spice instead of cardamom for an autumnal vibe.
Smaller portions: I sometimes make this in a muffin tin to gift mini cakes—they bake faster and look so cute.

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

A clear glass bowl filled with small, uneven pieces of peeled apple coated in a mix of light brown cinnamon and sugar, creating a textured and slightly sticky look. The apple pieces are pale yellow with areas darkened by the cinnamon. A woman's hand is holding the side of the bowl, while a black spoon rests inside, partially submerged in the fruit mixture. In the soft-focused background, there is a woven basket with green and red apples spilling out, alongside a lit candle casting warm light. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Spices

Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small pieces—that ensures every bite has just the right apple-to-cake ratio. Toss them with the brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the 2 tablespoons of flour. This flour coats the apple pieces so they don’t sink, keeping a lovely distribution throughout the cake. Set this aside while you make the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. Then add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each. Stir in the sour cream and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt in a separate bowl. Gradually fold this dry mixture into the wet ingredients, mixing just until there are no streaks of flour left. Overmixing can toughen the cake, so slow and gentle wins here.

Step 4: Fold in the Apples

Carefully fold the spiced apple mixture into your batter, making sure the fruit is evenly distributed. The batter will be thick and the apples chunky—that’s exactly what you want! Pour the entire mixture into a greased 9x13-inch pan and smooth the top.

Step 5: Bake and Cool

Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes. Check after 55 minutes by inserting a toothpick into the center; when it comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs are okay), it’s done. Let the cake cool completely in the pan on a wire rack before glazing.

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to make a smooth glaze. If it's too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, to get a drizzling consistency. Pour it over the cooled cake and let it set for about 10 minutes before slicing. That glaze adds just the right sweet crunch to complete this cozy treat.

Top Tip

Through my many attempts at perfecting this Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe, I found that small details make a huge difference—especially when it comes to the apples and baking time. These tips will help you avoid the usual pitfalls and get that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture you’re after.

Apple Choice Matters: Always pick crisp, tart apples to balance sweetness and keep the cake from becoming mushy.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Using room temp eggs and sour cream helps the batter blend smoothly, preventing a dense cake.
Don’t Overmix: Stir your dry and wet ingredients just until combined to keep the cake light and tender.
Watch the Bake Time: Since oven temps vary, start checking around 55 minutes to avoid overbaking and drying out.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe

Garnishes

I often top mine with a light dusting of cinnamon sugar before drizzling the glaze for extra sparkle and spice. A handful of toasted chopped pecans or a few fresh apple slices alongside can make it feel extra special and photo-worthy.

Side Dishes

This cake goes beautifully with a strong cup of black coffee or a creamy chai latte. At brunch, I’ve paired it with scrambled eggs and crispy bacon to balance the sweetness with savory richness—a combo that always wows guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving the Apple Fritter Cake with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. Plating individual slices with a sprig of fresh mint and a cinnamon stick really elevates the experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps it moist and the apples tender without drying out the cake.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in foil and placed in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the cake’s texture and flavor remain deliciously intact.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I pop a slice in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds or heat in a low oven (325°F) for 10 minutes. This brings back that freshly baked softness and makes the glaze slightly melty and irresistible.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal due to their firmness and tartness, you can use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples. Just remember that softer apples might make the cake a bit mushier.

What’s the best way to ensure the cake stays moist?

Using room temperature ingredients like eggs and sour cream helps the batter combine smoothly. Also, be careful not to overbake; removing the cake when a toothpick comes out with a few moist crumbs will keep it tender.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Yes! Swap the all-purpose flour for a trusted gluten-free flour blend that measures cup-for-cup. You might want to add a teaspoon of xanthan gum if your blend doesn’t already include it to help with texture.

How do I store leftover apple fritter cake?

Store leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, freeze wrapped slices as described above and thaw before reheating.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Cake with Cinnamon Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort treats during apple season and beyond. It’s simple enough to whip up on a busy day, yet special enough to impress your family or guests. Honestly, every time I bring it out, I find myself smiling because it tastes like a beautiful, cozy moment in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll be glad you did, and soon it might just become a favorite ritual in your kitchen too.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Ingredients & Why They Work

Make It Your Way