Apple Fritter Cake
An Irresistible Treat: Apple Fritter Cake
Imagine your favorite old-fashioned doughnut transformed into a delicious cake! That’s exactly what you get with the Apple Fritter Cake — a soft, apple-filled cake with a crispy sugar glaze that perfectly captures the essence of a classic apple fritter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Apple Fritter Cake is not just a dessert; it’s a delightful experience. Whether you’re serving it as a sweet breakfast or a heartwarming dessert, its rich apple flavor and light, fluffy texture are sure to win you over. Plus, it’s a clever way to enjoy breakfast for dessert, especially if you have a picky eater who doesn’t fancy breakfast for dinner!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Small saucepan
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Sifter
- Toothpick (for testing doneness)
Ingredients
For the Filling:
- 1 heaping cup of sliced apples (cored, quartered, and sliced)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
- Small pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar (or 1/4 cup each of dark and light brown sugar)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Cake:
- 1/3 cup butter
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup applesauce
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 2 eggs
- 2 1/4 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain yogurt or sour cream can also be used)
For the Glaze:
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 6 tablespoons milk
Step-by-Step Instructions
For the Filling:
Combine apples, sugar, water, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and the apples soften slightly. Set aside to cool. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar and cinnamon until well combined and set aside.
For the Cake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Add the applesauce and vanilla, mixing until combined. Incorporate the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
- Sift the dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients to the batter in three parts, alternating with the yogurt in two parts, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined.
- Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Evenly spread the cooled apple mixture over the batter. Sprinkle 2/3 of the brown sugar cinnamon mixture over the apples and cover with the rest of the batter. Finally, sprinkle the remaining brown sugar cinnamon mixture over the top.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
For the Glaze:
While the cake is baking, prepare the glaze. Mix the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk in a bowl until the glaze reaches your desired consistency. As soon as the cake comes out of the oven, pour the glaze evenly over the hot cake. You may need to tilt the cake to distribute the glaze properly. Allow the cake to sit for a while to let the glaze set.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the apples are sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
- Don’t overmix the batter to keep the cake light and fluffy.
- Pour the glaze while the cake is still hot to allow it to seep into the cake, enhancing flavor and moisture.
Additional Tips and Variations
- For a nutty twist, add some chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple layer or sprinkle on top before baking.
- Experiment with different types of apples for varied flavor profiles.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
While the exact nutritional content can vary, a serving of Apple Fritter Cake is approximately:
- Calories: 320
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 4g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I make this cake ahead of time?
Yes, this cake can be made a day in advance. Just store it in an airtight container at room temperature.
Can I freeze Apple Fritter Cake?
Absolutely! Once cooled, wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep any leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days.
Conclusion
Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful fusion of breakfast and dessert that will charm your taste buds. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let us know how it turns out for you! We’d love to hear about your experience and any creative variations you come up with.