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If you are looking for a dessert that gracefully captures the essence of cozy autumn mornings and turns it into an irresistible treat, this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine tender cake bursting with the sweet tartness of Honeycrisp apples, layered with cinnamon-spiced sugar, and finished off with a luscious glaze that balances sweetness and a touch of flaky sea salt. This cake is simple enough for everyday baking but special enough to impress everyone from family to guests. Once you try this recipe, it will become a treasured staple for any occasion, bringing warmth and smiles to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe plays a crucial role in delivering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that comforting homey feeling. From the creamy richness of melted butter to the crisp pop of fresh apples, every element elevates this cake into a delectable experience.
- Salted butter (1/2 cup): Adds moisture and a rich, creamy depth that makes the cake tender and flavorful.
- Brown sugar (1/2 cup plus 1/2 cup): Provides warmth and caramel notes essential for the apple layer and the batter.
- Apple butter (1/2 cup): Or swap with applesauce or pumpkin butter to inject natural fruit sweetness and enhance moistness.
- Greek yogurt or sour cream (1/2 cup): Gives a tangy creaminess while keeping the cake wonderfully soft and tender.
- Eggs (2, room temperature): Bind everything together, adding structure without heaviness.
- Vanilla extract (2 teaspoons + 1 tablespoon): Brings warmth and rounds out flavors beautifully in both batter and glaze.
- All-purpose flour (2 1/4 cups): Forms the sturdy base of this cake, balancing texture and volume.
- Cinnamon (2 teaspoons total): Infuses the cake and apple filling with spicy sweetness, creating that signature apple fritter vibe.
- Baking powder (1 teaspoon): Helps the cake rise for a light, airy crumb.
- Baking soda (1 teaspoon): Works alongside baking powder to ensure perfect lift and tenderness.
- Salt (1 teaspoon): Balances sweetness and enhances other flavors.
- Honeycrisp apples (2, chopped – about 2 cups): The star ingredient, offering crisp texture and juicy tartness that shines in every bite.
- Powdered sugar (1 cup): Essential for the glaze’s smooth sweetness and silky finish.
- Whole milk (2-3 tablespoons): Adjusts glaze consistency to a perfect drizzle.
- Flaky sea salt (for topping): Adds an unexpected contrast that makes the glaze pop against the sweet cake.
How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to ensure your cake lifts out easily after baking and keeps its perfectly tender edges intact.
Step 2: Mix the Batter
In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, and apple butter until smooth. Then stir in the Greek yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Once combined, gently fold in the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix just until everything comes together – overmixing can make the cake tough, so take it slow here for the best texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Apple Filling
In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with the other 1/2 cup of brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract. This mixture will create the delicious pockets of warmly spiced fruit that make this cake feel like a true apple fritter.
Step 4: Assemble the Cake
Spread half of the cake batter evenly into your prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the apple mixture over the batter, distributing the fruit and sugary juices evenly. Cover the apples with the remaining batter, then top with the rest of the apples and any leftover juices from the bowl. This layering ensures every mouthful bursts with apple goodness.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Bake your cake in the preheated oven for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is just set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean with only a few moist crumbs. Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes before moving on – patience here means the glaze will settle beautifully on top.
Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, the remaining 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract, and 2 to 3 tablespoons of whole milk, adding milk slowly until the glaze is smooth and drizzle-ready. Pour this luscious glaze over the warm cake and sprinkle with flaky sea salt to create that signature contrast and highlight the apple fritter inspiration.
How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe, consider a light dusting of cinnamon or extra flaky sea salt on top right before serving. A few thin apple slices or a sprinkle of crushed pecans can add an inviting touch both visually and texturally.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of lightly whipped cream to balance the warm spices with creamy coolness. For a breakfast or brunch twist, serve alongside a cup of strong coffee or spiced chai tea to enhance all those cozy flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the cake in individual ramekins with the warm glaze drizzled on top for a charming presentation. Another idea is to layer slices between pancakes or waffles for a decadent brunch treat packed with apple fritter goodness. You can even cut the cake into bite-sized squares and serve them as mini desserts for a party plate that everyone will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. Stored at room temperature, it stays fresh for up to 2 days. For longer keeping, refrigeration extends its life to about 4 days without sacrificing texture.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it well in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat slices in a microwave for 15 to 30 seconds or warm in a low oven (about 300°F) for 10 minutes to bring back that freshly-baked softness. Spoon a little extra glaze or cream on top after reheating to refresh the flavors and sweetness.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
While Honeycrisp apples are ideal for their crisp texture and balanced sweetness, you can substitute Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness. Just be sure to chop them similarly to maintain the right texture in the cake.
Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut yogurt or a dairy-free sour cream alternative. Also, use a non-dairy milk like almond or oat milk for the glaze to keep it fully dairy-free.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Absolutely. Replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum or a similar binder. Your cake may have a slightly different texture but will still be deliciously moist and flavorful.
Why does the glaze have sea salt?
The flaky sea salt adds a wonderful contrast that enhances the sweetness of the glaze and the apple layers. It brings out the rich flavors and makes every bite taste more nuanced, similar to the sweet-salty balance in classic apple fritters.
Can I make this cake without the glaze?
Yes, the cake alone is delicious and moist with the sweet apple filling. However, the glaze is what truly mimics the classic apple fritter experience, giving you that irresistible signature shine and flavor boost, so we highly recommend not skipping it if possible!
Final Thoughts
Trying this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is like inviting a cozy autumn morning into your kitchen, every time you bake it. The combination of tender cake, sweet-spiced apples, and a perfectly balanced glaze makes it a standout treat you’ll want to share over and over again. Whether it’s a family gathering, brunch with friends, or a comforting solo indulgence, this cake will quickly become a favorite you’ll keep coming back to.
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Print
Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55-60 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful fall dessert featuring layers of moist cake infused with warm cinnamon and chunks of juicy Honeycrisp apples. Topped with a sweet vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, this cake combines sweet and tart flavors with a soft, tender crumb for a perfect treat any time of the day.
Ingredients
Cake Batter
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter)
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 eggs, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- 1 teaspoon salt
Apple Mixture
- 2 Honeycrisp apples, chopped (about 2 cups)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons whole milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 350° F. Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the cake.
- Make the cake batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until blended. Add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just incorporated to avoid overmixing, which can toughen the cake.
- Prepare the apple mixture: In a separate bowl, mix the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla extract to evenly coat the fruit with flavor.
- Assemble the cake layers: Spread half of the cake batter evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spoon about half of the apple mixture evenly over the batter. Cover the apples with the remaining batter and then top with the rest of the apples along with any juices that remain in the bowl.
- Bake the cake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 55-60 minutes until the cake is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Remove from the oven and let cool in the pan for 10 minutes.
- Prepare and add the glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk (start with 2 tablespoons and add up to 3 as needed to reach a drizzle-able consistency), and vanilla extract in a small bowl. Drizzle this glaze generously over the warm cake. Finally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top to enhance the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the cake warm or at room temperature for a comforting, sweet treat.
Notes
- You can substitute apple butter with applesauce or pumpkin butter if desired.
- Using room temperature eggs ensures better mixing for a smoother batter.
- Be careful not to overmix the batter after adding flour to keep the cake tender.
- The glaze consistency can be adjusted by adding more or less milk depending on how thick or thin you prefer it.
- Flaky sea salt adds a nice balance to the sweetness of the glaze and apples.
- This cake is best enjoyed within 2 days but can be refrigerated and gently warmed before serving.
