If you’ve ever dreamed of biting into the warm, comforting flavors of an apple fritter but want something easier to make and share, this Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Combining tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a moist, buttery cake and topped with a sweet glaze, this cake captures that perfect balance of spice, sweetness, and texture that makes every bite memorable. Whether you’re baking for a casual breakfast, a cozy afternoon tea, or a family gathering, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for all things apple and delightful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe calls for simple ingredients you likely have on hand, each playing an essential role in creating that luscious taste and texture. From the sweet-tart apples that provide bright fruity notes and slight chew, to the buttery cake base that acts as the perfect fluffy canvas, every element works together beautifully.
- Cooking spray: For easy cake pan preparation to prevent sticking and ensure perfect removal.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus extra for cake mix: Adds richness and a tender crumb to the cake.
- 4 1/2 cups small dice unpeeled sweet-tart apples: The star of the dish, choose varieties like Cosmic Crisp or Pink Lady for the best balance of sweetness and tang.
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar: Enhances the apples with deep caramel undertones.
- 3 teaspoons apple or pumpkin pie spice, divided: Infuses warm, cozy spice notes essential for that classic apple fritter flavor.
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt: Balances sweetness and intensifies flavor complexity.
- 1 box yellow cake mix (13.25 to 15.25 ounces): The convenient base that creates moist, fluffy texture and golden color.
- Water or milk and eggs (for cake mix): Follow box instructions; these bind the cake ingredients together and add moisture.
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the cake beautifully.
- 5 teaspoons whole or 2% milk: Mixed with powdered sugar to create a simple, shiny glaze.
How to Make Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Next, lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray for easy cleanup and release. To make sure your cake lifts out effortlessly, line the bottom and two long sides with parchment paper, creating a handy sling that will help you remove the cake once it’s baked and cooled. This small prep step makes a big difference!
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced sweet-tart apples along with the brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of apple pie spice, and kosher salt. Cook gently until the apples start to soften and most of the liquid has evaporated—this usually takes around 8 minutes. This step concentrates the apple flavors and blossoms the spices, giving the cake that signature fritter warmth. Once done, remove the skillet from heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Make the Cake Batter
Grab your yellow cake mix and combine it with the required water or milk, eggs, and the butter or oil as directed on the box. Don’t forget to stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons of apple pie spice for that added aromatic punch. Pour this fragrant batter into the prepared pan and smooth it out evenly—it’s the perfect base for your apple topping.
Step 4: Layer the Apples Over the Batter
Gently spoon the cooked apple mixture—don’t forget to include any remaining flavorful liquid—over the cake batter. This layering lets the apples sink slightly during baking, melding their tender texture with the luscious cake beneath, mimicking the delightful texture contrast of a classic apple fritter.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your pan in the oven and bake for about 30 to 35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Patience pays off here; the aroma flooding your kitchen is a sure sign of magic happening. Once baked, transfer the pan onto a wire rack and allow the cake to cool completely—this takes roughly 1 1/2 hours and is key for setting the structure before you add the glaze.
Step 6: Add the Sweet Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth and pourable to create a classic, shiny glaze. Drizzle this over the cooled cake evenly. You can serve right away for a fresh, drizzly finish or let the glaze set for 15 minutes, allowing it to form a delicate sweet crust that adds an irresistible finishing touch to your Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe.
How to Serve Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or nutmeg over the glazed surface. Toasted chopped pecans or walnuts add a delightful crunch that pairs perfectly with the soft apples. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms this cake into a dessert that could easily steal the show at any gathering.
Side Dishes
This cake shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai tea if you want a cozy afternoon treat. For brunch, serve alongside a creamy yogurt parfait or a selection of cheeses and fresh fruit to balance the sweetness with some savory freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Slice the Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe into squares or wedges and arrange them on a rustic wooden board for a casual, inviting vibe. For a special occasion, top each serving with a drizzle of caramel sauce and an extra dusting of spice. You could also cut the cake into cubes and serve as part of a dessert trifle layered with custard and whipped cream for an impressive twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once the cake is completely cool and glazed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps the cake moist and flavorful without drying out the tender crumb and luscious apple bits.
Freezing
If you want to save your Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe for later, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or place it in a freezer-safe container. Frozen, it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results, so it retains its moist texture and fresh flavors.
Reheating
To warm leftover slices, pop them in a microwave for 15 to 20 seconds, just until pleasantly warm. If you prefer a crispier glaze and cake edges, reheating in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes works beautifully, bringing back that just-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While sweet-tart apples like Cosmic Crisp or Pink Lady add the best balance of flavor, you can substitute with Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples based on your preference or what’s available. Just remember that sweeter apples will yield a softer, less tart result.
Do I need to peel the apples before cooking?
No need to peel them. Leaving the peel on adds lovely texture, color, and extra nutrients to the cake. Just make sure to wash and dice the apples evenly for uniform cooking.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the yellow cake mix with a gluten-free version. Just ensure the mix you pick includes baking instructions suited for gluten-free flours, and check that all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
Is it possible to make the cake without a boxed cake mix?
Definitely! You can make a homemade yellow cake batter, incorporating the same apple pie spices. This gives you control over the ingredients and can yield an even richer cake, though the boxed mix keeps the recipe quick and foolproof.
How long will the cake keep fresh after glazing?
Once glazed, the cake stays fresh at room temperature for up to two days. If you extend storage beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate it because the glaze may start to soften and the cake could dry out without proper covering.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence. It brings the familiar comfort of apple fritters into a shareable cake form, making it a favorite for every occasion. Once you try it, you’ll find it hard to go back to ordinary apple desserts because this one strikes all the right notes with so little fuss. Trust me, your kitchen will be filled with smiles and sweet aromas for days!
Print
Easy Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 35 mins
- Total Time: 2 hrs 5 mins
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Easy Apple Fritter Cake is a deliciously spiced dessert inspired by classic apple fritters. Soft yellow cake batter is topped with tender, cinnamon-spiced apples and baked to perfection, then finished with a smooth vanilla glaze. This cake offers the perfect balance of sweet and tart with comforting flavors—ideal for fall or anytime dessert cravings.
Ingredients
For the Apple Filling
- Cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 1/2 cups small dice unpeeled sweet-tart apples, such as Cosmic Crisp or Pink Lady (about 4 medium or 1 1/2 pounds apples)
- 1/4 cup packed light or dark brown sugar
- 3 teaspoons apple or pumpkin pie spice, divided
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
For the Cake
- 1 (13.25- to 15.25-ounce) box yellow cake mix
- Water or milk and eggs needed for cake mix (see package directions)
- Butter needed for cake mix (see package directions)
For the Glaze
- 3/4 cup powdered sugar
- 5 teaspoons whole or 2% milk
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Heat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line the bottom and two long sides with parchment paper to create a sling for easy removal.
- Cook Apples: Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and kosher salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples soften and liquid almost evaporates, about 8 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Prepare Cake Batter: In a bowl, prepare the yellow cake mix according to package directions, mixing with water or milk, eggs, and the butter or oil called for. Stir in the remaining 2 teaspoons apple pie spice. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the surface.
- Add Apples to Batter: Evenly spoon the cooked apples and any remaining juices over the cake batter in the pan.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven until a tester inserted into the center comes out clean, about 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and place the pan on a wire rack to cool completely, about 1 1/2 hours.
- Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake. Serve immediately or allow the glaze to set for about 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Choose tart and sweet apples like Cosmic Crisp or Pink Lady for the best flavor and texture.
- Using parchment paper sling makes it easier to lift the cake out of the pan without damage.
- You can substitute 2% milk for whole milk in the glaze for a lighter option.
- Storage: Store leftover cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat slices gently in the microwave for a few seconds to restore softness.
