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
Scale
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.
