There’s something irresistibly cozy about a dessert that tastes like a warm hug, and this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is exactly that. It combines soft, tender cake with juicy cinnamon-spiced apples and a sweet glaze that’s just dreamy—perfect for a chilly afternoon or any time you want that comforting apple flavor.

A round apple cake with a golden brown crust and a moist inside full of small apple pieces sits on a white marble board. The cake has two visible layers: a dense bottom layer with apple chunks and a top layer covered in a shiny white glaze and sprinkled pieces of nuts or sugar bits. A slice is being lifted by a pie server with a wooden handle, showing the soft, textured inside. In the background, there is a basket with red and green apples, a lit beige candle with melted wax on the white marble surface, and the whole setting is soft-lit with warm tones. 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 can’t tell you how many times this cake has come through for me when I wanted something easy yet impressive. It’s like biting into a giant apple fritter, but without frying or a messy dough—just pure, homey yumminess that fills your kitchen with the best smells.

Perfect balance of flavors: The cinnamon, cardamom, and vanilla meld beautifully with fresh apples for that classic apple fritter taste.
Effortlessly moist: Thanks to sour cream and butter, you get a soft, tender crumb you’ll want to keep coming back to.
Simple yet stunning: The vanilla glaze ties everything together and gives you that delightful crunch and sweetness on top.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether for brunch, dessert, or a special occasion, this cake is almost always requested once people try it!

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is there for a reason—creating layers of texture and flavor that come together in one baked delight. When picking your apples, I recommend using tart yet slightly sweet varieties, like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, for that perfect balance.

Flat lay of peeled and cubed small fresh apples, a mound of dark brown sugar, a small heap of ground cinnamon, a tiny pinch of ground cardamom in a white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl of pure vanilla extract, a small pile of all purpose flour, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pat of softened unsalted butter, a small heap of granulated sugar, two whole uncracked large brown eggs, a small dollop of sour cream, a pinch of sea salt, a small heap of baking powder, a small pile of baking soda, a small white bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of milk, 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: Small cubes soak up cinnamon and lemon juice, keeping them fresh and flavorful while adding natural moisture to the cake.
Dark brown sugar: Adds deep caramel notes that complement the spices and apples beautifully.
Cinnamon: The warm, classic spice that’s essential for that apple fritter vibe.
Cardamom (optional): A subtle spicy hint that elevates the flavor without overpowering it.
Vanilla extract: Used both in the cake and glaze for a fragrant sweetness that ties flavors together.
All-purpose flour: The base for the cake and helps lightly coat apple cubes so they don’t sink to the bottom.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and keeps apples from browning.
Unsalted butter: Softened, it brings tenderness and rich flavor.
Granulated sugar: For just the right sweetness. I usually use fine sugar to help blend better.
Eggs: Room temperature eggs help the batter come together smoothly for a light crumb.
Sour cream: This is my secret to moist cake—it adds a slight tang and tender texture.
Sea salt: Just a pinch to enhance all the other flavors.
Baking powder & baking soda: The leavening agents that give the cake lift and prevent it from being dense.
Powdered sugar: For the glaze that gives a sweet, silky finish.
Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency for that perfect 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 a bit depending on the season or occasion. You can easily swap in different spices or even toss in some nuts for crunch. Don’t be afraid to make it your own.

Variation: Once, I stirred in chopped toasted pecans—gave the cake a beautiful texture boost and nutty flavor that friends adored.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut yogurt instead of sour cream and vegan butter to adapt for dairy sensitivities. The cake stays moist!
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves gives a warm depth if you prefer more pronounced fall flavors.
Apple swap: Try substituting pears or even a mix of berries for a different fruity twist.

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

A clear glass bowl filled with small, cut apple pieces mixed with a brown cinnamon-like coating is shown. The apple pieces are light yellow with brown cinnamon specks, evenly mixed together in one layer inside the bowl. A woman's hand is holding the side of the bowl, and a silver spoon with a decorative handle rests inside, partially covered by the apple mixture. In the background, there is a basket with several red and green apples, a lit white candle, and a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prepare the Spiced Apple Mixture

First, peel and cube your apples into small pieces—about half-inch chunks work best. Toss them with dark brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cardamom (if using), lemon juice, vanilla extract, and the 2 tablespoons of flour. This coating keeps the apples flavorful and prevents them from sinking in the batter. Let this mixture rest while you prepare the cake batter to let those flavors meld.

Step 2: Make the Batter

Cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until fluffy—this usually takes about 3-4 minutes with a mixer on medium speed. Add in eggs one at a time, beating well after each, then blend in sour cream and vanilla extract. In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually fold these dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined; overmixing can make it tough, so stop when you see no more flour.

Step 3: Combine and Bake

Gently fold the apple mixture into your batter, distributing evenly but not stirring too vigorously. Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs. You want a tender cake, not dry!

Step 4: Prepare the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable. Adjust with a bit more milk if needed to get your desired consistency. Drizzle it generously over the warm cake so it can seep into the nooks and crannies, adding that final sweet crunch.

Top Tip

Having baked this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe multiple times, here are my personal tips that really made a difference in the final cake’s texture and taste.

Coat Your Apples: Tossing the apples in flour before folding them in stops them from sinking and keeps every bite evenly fragrant.
Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and sour cream at room temperature mix more uniformly, giving you a smooth batter and consistent bake.
Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir gently once the dry ingredients go in to avoid a dense cake—light, tender crumb is the goal!
Glaze Timing: Pour the glaze on cake while it’s still warm, not hot, so it soaks in nicely without melting off completely.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple with a light dusting of cinnamon on top or a few thin apple slices for a pretty rustic effect. Sometimes, a sprinkle of chopped toasted walnuts adds great texture and a touch of earthiness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of cinnamon-spiced coffee or chai. For brunch, adding a fresh fruit salad or creamy yogurt on the side balances the maple-like sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served slices in pretty bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It instantly feels like a dessert fit for guests, and the warm-cold combo is blissful.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover apple fritter cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to keep it soft. Beyond that, refrigeration helps it last longer but I let it come back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes well—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently warm in the oven. The glaze might soften but the flavor stays delicious.

Reheating

I like reheating slices in a toaster oven for just a few minutes at low heat. It refreshes the cake’s softness and slightly melty glaze without drying it out. A quick zap in the microwave works too if you’re in a hurry.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use different types of apples in this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe?

Absolutely! Apples like Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp all work well. Just make sure your apples are firm to avoid a mushy texture in the cake.

Is there a gluten-free version of this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe?

Yes! You can substitute all-purpose flour with an equal amount of a gluten-free flour blend that includes xanthan gum. The texture will be very similar, but be sure to check your blend’s instructions for best results.

Can I make this Apple Fritter Cake dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the unsalted butter for a dairy-free alternative and replace sour cream with coconut yogurt or a similar plant-based substitute. The cake remains moist and delicious!

How do I know when the Apple Fritter Cake is fully baked?

You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs clinging to it. The cake should also spring back lightly when pressed with a finger. Avoid opening the oven door too early to prevent sinking!

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe holds a special place in my heart, reminding me of cool fall mornings baking with family. It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to reach for again and again, whether it’s a casual weekend treat or a cozy holiday dessert. Give it a try—you just might find a new favorite that’s easy to whip up but feels like something truly special.