There’s something so nostalgic and comforting about a homemade apple dessert, and this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe really hits the spot. Imagine tender, cinnamon-spiced apples baked into a soft cake with a luscious vanilla glaze melting on top – pure fall bliss in every bite!

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 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

I promise this cake will quickly become one of your go-to desserts. It’s the perfect balance of moist cake and gooey apple bits wrapped in warm spices—comfort food at its finest. Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make, so you don’t have to be a pro baker to nail it.

Easy to make: The ingredients are simple and the steps straightforward, so you’ll get impressive results without fuss.
Moist and tender cake: The sour cream and butter keep it incredibly soft and rich.
Perfect apple flavor: Small apple chunks mixed with cinnamon and a touch of cardamom make every bite taste like fall.
Glorious vanilla glaze: A sweet, slightly crunchy topping that takes this cake from delicious to unforgettable.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This cake bakes up beautifully thanks to the mix of fresh apples, warm spices, and rich dairy components. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating that classic apple fritter taste without the hassle of frying.

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: I use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for that perfect balance of sweet and tangy that holds shape when baked.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep caramel flavor that pairs so well with apples and cinnamon.
Cinnamon: The star spice that gives this cake its unmistakable fall aroma.
Cardamom (optional): A little twist I like to add for subtle complexity and warmth.
Vanilla extract: Both in the batter and glaze, it rounds out the flavors beautifully.
All purpose flour: The base for structure without heaviness.
Lemon juice: Keeps the apple pieces fresh and bright, preventing browning.
Unsalted butter: Essential for moistness and richness.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter perfectly without overpowering.
Eggs: Adds structure and helps the cake rise.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake amazingly tender and moist—don’t skip it!
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
Baking powder and baking soda: Give the cake the right rise and texture.
Powdered sugar: For the smooth vanilla glaze that seals the deal.
Milk (for glaze): Adjusts the consistency of the glaze for just the right drizzle.

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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 playing around with this recipe depending on the season or mood. Sometimes I swap in different warming spices or even toss in some chopped nuts for extra crunch. The base is so versatile, you can totally make it your own.

Variation: One time, I tried adding diced pears alongside the apples for a sweeter, juicier cake – it was delicious and kept the texture lovely.
Dietary tweak: For a dairy-free version, swapping sour cream with coconut yogurt works well, though the texture will be slightly different.
Spice mix: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice if you’re looking for a more complex spice profile.
Extra texture: Toss in chopped walnuts or pecans when mixing the apples for a bit of crunch that contrasts the soft cake.

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

Start by peeling and cubing your apples into small pieces—about half-inch chunks work best. Toss them immediately with the lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), vanilla extract, and flour. This mix ensures the apples stay juicy but don’t leak too much moisture into the cake batter. Let it sit while you get the batter ready.

Step 2: Whip up the batter

Using a hand or stand mixer, cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy – this usually takes about 3-4 minutes. Then, beat in the eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Mix in the vanilla extract and sour cream next; this combination is what keeps the cake so tender and moist.

Step 3: Combine dry ingredients & mix in apples

In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and sea salt. Gradually add this to your wet ingredients, mixing just until combined. Then fold in the spiced apple mixture gently to avoid breaking up those juicy apple pieces.

Step 4: Bake to golden perfection

Transfer the batter to a greased 9x13-inch pan and spread it evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The aroma will fill your kitchen with warm, cozy scents – that’s your cue it’s close!

Step 5: Whisk and drizzle the vanilla glaze

While your cake cools for about 15 minutes, mix powdered sugar with milk and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk; too thin, add a touch more powdered sugar. Drizzle generously over the warm cake, letting it harden slightly for that signature crunch.

Top Tip

Having made this apple fritter cake countless times, I’ve learned a few things that really help with a flawless outcome. These tips have saved me from common mistakes and boosted flavor every time.

Don’t skip the sour cream: It’s the secret ingredient that keeps the cake moist and tender, even a day or two after baking.
Cut your apples uniformly: Small, even pieces bake consistently and avoid creating soggy pockets.
Mix the glaze gradually: Adding milk slowly lets you control the thickness perfectly, so it clings just right to the cake.
Watch the baking time: Start checking around 55 minutes because oven temps vary; overbaking dries the cake out.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I often sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a handful of chopped toasted pecans on top after glazing for added crunch and spice. A dusting of powdered sugar just before serving makes it look extra inviting — like it came fresh from a bakery.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a strong cup of coffee or black tea for breakfast or brunch. For something more indulgent, serve warm slices alongside vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert — it’s cozy and comforting any time of day.

Creative Ways to Present

For a brunch party, I like to cut the cake into squares and serve it buffet-style with small jars of extra glaze or caramel sauce for guests to drizzle themselves. Another fun idea is layering slices with fresh apple slices and whipped cream to create a rustic apple trifle.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, you can store this cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or tightly wrapped in plastic wrap. I usually keep mine in an airtight container to maintain moistness without drying out.

Freezing

This apple fritter cake freezes surprisingly well! Wrap individual slices or the whole pan tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm slices in the oven or microwave.

Reheating

To bring back that just-baked vibe, warm slices in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes. Microwaving works too, just watch so it doesn’t get soggy. A quick reheat brings out the apple’s juiciness and the glaze’s slight crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use other types of apples in the Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice tartness that balances the sweetness of the cake. Softer apples tend to become mushy when baked.

What’s the secret to keeping the cake moist?

The key is using sour cream in the batter along with the softened butter. Sour cream adds moisture without weighing down the cake and contributes to a tender crumb. Also, don’t overbake the cake; start checking at 55 minutes.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking flour blend that includes xanthan gum. Baking time might vary slightly, so keep an eye on doneness. The texture will be just as delightful.

What should the consistency of the vanilla glaze be?

You want the glaze to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon but still drizzle easily. If it’s too thin, it will run off the cake; if too thick, it won’t spread well. Adjust with milk or powdered sugar until you reach the perfect drizzle consistency.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is a true celebration of simple ingredients coming together to create something magical. Every time I bake it, I’m reminded how a comforting dessert doesn’t have to be complicated. Give it a try, and I bet it’ll earn a permanent spot on your recipe list too—perfect for cozy moments or impressing friends at brunch.