Apple Fritter Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

There’s something incredibly comforting about this Apple Fritter Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe that just feels like a warm hug from your childhood. The tender, moist cake bursting with cinnamon-spiced apples, paired with that luscious brown sugar glaze, is truly irresistible. I love to whip this up whenever I want a cozy dessert that doesn’t feel too complicated but still wows everyone at the table.

You’ll find this recipe works beautifully for fall get-togethers or a weekend brunch treat, especially when apples are at their peak. What makes it special is how the glaze seeps sweetly into the cake, making every bite soft, gooey, and perfectly sweet with just the right hint of spice—it’s like apple fritters, but easier to slice and share!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Apple Fritter Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe has a role that blends perfectly—the warm spices, fresh apples, and rich sugars create layers of flavor you’ll savor. I always recommend using fresh, firm apples and real vanilla to bring out the best taste.

• Oil: Provides moistness and keeps the cake tender; neutral oils like vegetable or canola work best.
• Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel notes and moisture both in the batter and the glaze.
• Sugar: Balances sweetness and helps with the cake’s texture.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add richness.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the warm flavors and adds depth.
• Unsweetened Applesauce: Keeps the cake super moist without extra fat; plus, it intensifies apple flavor.
• Apple Cider: Adds subtle tang and a bit of natural sweetness — don’t skip this!
• Flour: The structure of your cake; I use all-purpose flour for the best crumb.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: Work together to give the cake a nice lift and light texture.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and boosts all the flavors.
• Cinnamon and Nutmeg: Classic fall spices that warm up every bite.
• Peeled Chopped Apples: Go for firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Gala for the best texture and flavor.
• Butter (for glaze): Makes that brown sugar glaze rich and velvety.
• Heavy Cream (for glaze): Gives the glaze luscious creaminess.

Variations

I love how this cake is a great base for experimenting, so don’t hesitate to tweak it to fit your taste or dietary needs. Playing with different apple varieties or spices can really make it your own.

• Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or allspice took the cinnamon and nutmeg combo to the next level for me.
• Gluten-Free: I once swapped the flour for a gluten-free blend and the texture stayed wonderfully soft—just keep an eye on baking time.
• Maple Twist: Replacing the brown sugar glaze with a maple glaze adds a rustic sweetness perfect for chilly mornings.
• Extra Crunch: Toss in chopped pecans or walnuts to the batter for a delightful crunch.

How to Make Apple Fritter Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dry Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. I like to do this first because it saves time and ensures the spices are evenly mixed throughout the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a bigger bowl, stir together the oil, brown sugar, and sugar until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition—this helps keep the batter smooth and prevents lumps. Then mix in the vanilla extract, applesauce, and apple cider. The applesauce and cider add extra moisture that makes this cake incredibly tender.

Step 3: Combine, Fold, and Add Apples

Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet until just combined—you don’t want to overmix or you might end up with a dense cake. Then carefully fold in the peeled, chopped apples so they’re evenly dispersed. I find that folding the apples in last keeps their texture nice and noticeable in each bite.

Step 4: Bake with Care

Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Bake for 45-50 minutes. Here’s a trick I learned: after about 25-30 minutes, cover the cake loosely with foil—this stops the top from getting too brown while the inside finishes baking. Use a toothpick to check doneness; it should come out mostly clean with just a few moist crumbs.

Step 5: Make That Gorgeous Brown Sugar Glaze

While the cake cools a bit, melt the butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk constantly until it boils, then boil for 1 minute before lowering the heat to cook for another minute. Let the glaze cool slightly—it’ll thicken up and become divine.

Step 6: Glaze and Serve

Use a toothpick or fork to poke holes all over the cake—it helps the glaze soak in deeply. Drizzle the warm glaze over the cake and let it set for a few minutes. This is when the magic happens: the glaze melts into the cake, making it moist and sticky, just like your favorite apple fritters but in cake form. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I usually top slices with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream—the creaminess complements the cinnamon and apple so well. A light dusting of powdered sugar can add a pretty finishing touch if you’re serving to guests.

Side Dishes

This apple fritter cake pairs beautifully with warm drinks like chai tea, hot cider, or even your morning coffee. For a brunch spread, I love serving it alongside soft scrambled eggs or a simple green salad dressed with a tangy vinaigrette.

Creative Ways to Present

For fall parties, I’ve served this cake in small squares on a wooden board with caramel sauce drizzled on the side. It’s also wonderful plated with a sprinkle of toasted pecans and a cinnamon stick garnish for extra charm. If you’re feeling fancy, add a scoop of salted caramel ice cream to really impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, I cover the cake tightly with plastic wrap or move it to an airtight container to keep it fresh. Stored this way at room temperature, it stays moist and delicious for about 3 days.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover cake slices successfully by wrapping them individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. They keep well for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or warm them in a low oven (about 300°F) wrapped in foil. Warming revives the glaze’s sticky goodness and gives you that fresh-baked taste all over again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Cake with Brown Sugar Glaze Recipe is one of those dishes I’m so happy to have in my baking arsenal—it’s straightforward, full of cozy flavors, and always feels like a special treat. Whether you’re baking for family, friends, or simply to indulge yourself, this recipe brings that perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and apple-y goodness. I really encourage you to try it—you’ll love how the glaze turns the cake into something that feels both nostalgic and new, right in your own kitchen.

Print