Description
Delight in the rich flavors of fall with this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake. Featuring tender caramelized apples nestled in a moist, cinnamon-spiced cake and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, this comforting dessert is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apple Filling:
- 3 Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
For the Cake:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons milk
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the Apple Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add diced Honeycrisp apples, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Cook for 5–7 minutes until the apples soften and caramelize. Remove from heat and set aside to cool.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream together ½ cup softened unsalted butter and ¾ cup granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, indicating proper aeration for a tender cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Beat in 2 large eggs, one at a time, ensuring they are fully incorporated. Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for enhanced flavor.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour, 1 ½ teaspoons baking powder, and ¼ teaspoon salt to evenly distribute the leavening and seasoning.
- Mix Batter: Alternately add the dry flour mixture and ½ cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt) with 2 tablespoons milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently to avoid overworking the batter.
- Layer Cake and Apples: Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan and preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spread half of the cake batter evenly in the pan. Spoon half of the cooled apple filling over the batter. Repeat with remaining batter and apple filling, then gently swirl with a knife to create a marbled effect.
- Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, ensuring the cake is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Glaze: While the cake cools slightly, whisk together 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons milk, and ½ teaspoon vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake, allowing it to set before slicing to serve.
Notes
- Best served slightly warm to enjoy the gooey apple filling and tender crumb.
- You can double the recipe and bake it in a 9×13-inch pan for a larger crowd.
- Add chopped pecans to the apple filling for extra crunch and flavor.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness, up to 5 days.
