Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze

There’s something incredibly comforting about the tender crumb and warm spices in an Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe. It’s not just any cake—it’s like biting into a giant, soft apple fritter, soaked with vanilla and topped with a sweet, crunchy glaze. Trust me, this cake quickly became my go-to for cozy mornings and friendly gatherings.

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’m genuinely excited to share this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe because it nails both taste and texture—soft, moist cake with pockets of tender apples and a glaze that seals in just the right amount of sweetness. Every time I bake it, it fills the kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Incredible Moistness: The sour cream and apples keep the cake unbelievably moist and tender, unlike any regular apple cake you've tried.
Perfect Blend of Spices: Cinnamon and a hint of cardamom add warmth without overpowering the natural sweetness of the apples.
Easy Yet Elegant: This recipe is straightforward but yields a cake that looks and tastes like you spent hours crafting it.
Versatile Enjoyment: It’s perfect for breakfast with coffee, a cozy afternoon snack, or even served warm with ice cream for dessert.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Apple Fritter Cake comes together with classic pantry staples and fresh apples, which bring both sweetness and texture. I always recommend using crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sugar and spices perfectly.

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: Peeled and cubed small so they bake evenly throughout the cake, adding juicy pockets of flavor.
Dark brown sugar: Adds a deep, molasses-like sweetness that complements the cinnamon beautifully.
Cinnamon: Your classic apple spice that’s essential for that warm, cozy feel.
Cardamom (optional): A subtle spice that adds aromatic depth; you can leave this out if you prefer.
Vanilla extract: Used twice in this recipe for a rich, fragrant vanilla flavor.
All purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cake while keeping it tender.
Lemon juice: Keeps the apples bright and prevents browning.
Unsalted butter: Softened for easy mixing; butter brings richness and a delicate crumb.
Granulated sugar: Balances the brown sugar and adds sweetness to the batter.
Eggs: At room temperature to ensure smooth, even mixing and proper cake rise.
Sour cream: A secret weapon that adds moisture and a slight tang, elevating the cake's softness.
Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors, especially the sweetness and spices.
Baking powder & baking soda: These leavening agents create a tender, airy texture.
Powdered sugar, milk & vanilla: Together they create the glaze that adds a delightful, sweet crunch on top.

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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 that this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe works well on its own, but it’s also super easy to tweak. Feel free to adjust the spices or add mix-ins to make it uniquely yours.

Variation: I’ve tried swapping half the apples for pears, and it adds a lovely sweetness and soft texture that’s deliciously different.
Dietary modifications: For a dairy-free version, you can replace the butter with coconut oil and use a plant-based sour cream alternative; the texture stays great!
Spice it up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice can deepen the fall flavors if that’s your jam.

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 Apples for Maximum Flavor

Start by peeling and dicing your apples into small cubes—about half an inch works best. Toss them with lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, cardamom (if using), vanilla extract, and a little flour. This coating keeps the apples juicy but prevents them from sinking to the bottom of the cake. Give it a good mix, then set aside while you prepare the batter.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

Cream the softened butter with granulated sugar until light and fluffy—that’s key for a tender crumb. Beat in eggs one at a time followed by vanilla extract and sour cream. In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, baking powder, and baking soda. Slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet mixture, blending gently until just combined. Don’t over-mix here or the cake might get dense.

Step 3: Fold in the Apples and Bake

Fold your spiced apple mixture carefully into the batter so the fruit is evenly distributed. Pour this into a greased cake pan and smooth out the top. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean (the apples make it moist, so expect a few crumbs but no wet batter). Let the cake cool completely before glazing.

Step 4: Make and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together until smooth and pourable. Add a splash more milk if it’s too thick. Drizzle it generously over the cooled cake, creating that classic crunchy finish that everyone loves. Let the glaze set for at least 15 minutes before slicing.

Top Tip

From my many attempts baking this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe, a few tweaks made all the difference. These tips really helped me achieve that perfect soft texture and balanced flavor.

Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Eggs and sour cream at room temp blend seamlessly with the butter, giving your batter a smooth, airy consistency.
Don’t Skip the Flour on Apples: This keeps the apples suspended rather than sinking to the bottom, so every bite gets that fruity surprise.
Test for Doneness Carefully: Insert the toothpick off-center near apple clumps to avoid mistaking moist apple juice for raw batter.
Glaze Consistency Matters: Thin glaze slightly with milk to let it drizzle easily—too thick and it won’t spread evenly over the cake.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I often garnish slices with a light dusting of cinnamon or even chopped toasted pecans for an extra crunch. Sometimes, a sprinkle of coarse sugar right after glazing adds an irresistible sparkle and bite.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a simple cup of freshly brewed coffee or chai. For brunch, I like to serve it alongside creamy yogurt or lightly whipped cream to complement the spices and apples.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve tried serving it warm with a scoop of cinnamon ice cream and a drizzle of caramel sauce. It turns this humble cake into an indulgent dessert that'll wow your guests without extra fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once glazed, I store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze seals in moisture so the cake stays tender without drying out. If you prefer it chilled, wrap tightly and refrigerate; just bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this cake before without the glaze to preserve freshness. Wrap slices individually in plastic wrap and then foil. When ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and add the glaze fresh for the best texture.

Reheating

To revive leftover slices, I pop them in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave briefly (about 20 seconds). This brings back that fresh-baked warmth and soft crumb, almost like it just came out of the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of apple for this cake?

Yes! While tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal for balancing sweetness, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the cake sweeter, so adjust sugar if needed.

What’s the best way to prevent the apples from sinking in the batter?

Coating the diced apples in a bit of flour before folding them into the batter helps suspend them evenly throughout the cake during baking, giving you apple-filled bites every time.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend that measures cup-for-cup. Just make sure it contains xanthan gum or add some separately for structure.

How long does the glaze stay fresh on the cake?

The vanilla glaze sets nicely within 15 minutes and stays fresh for a couple of days when stored at room temperature. Beyond that, it might start to dry or crack, so it’s best enjoyed fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe holds a special spot in my collection because it’s simple enough for everyday baking yet impressive enough for company. The blend of soft, spiced apples and that irresistible vanilla glaze feels like a warm hug in dessert form—and I hope you enjoy making and sharing it just as much as I do.

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