Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of an apple fritter but want something a little different, this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe will become your new favorite. It’s like all the best parts of a classic apple fritter baked into a moist, tender cake and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze that takes it over the top. I absolutely love how this turns out every time—it’s perfect for a cozy weekend brunch or a sweet afternoon treat with coffee or tea.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed by how effortlessly it captures that nostalgic apple fritter vibe without the fuss of deep frying. The Honeycrisp apples add a juicy crunch and natural sweetness that really shines through, especially when combined with the cinnamon-spiced brown sugar layers and that addictive glaze. You’ll find that it’s an easy recipe to make your own and a huge hit with family and friends who can’t get enough of apple desserts.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe brings together baking staples with fresh Honeycrisp apples to create its signature taste and texture. Each ingredient not only adds flavor but also plays a crucial role in making the cake moist, tender, and perfectly spiced—so don’t skip any!

• Salted Butter: Using melted butter adds richness and moisture—room temp and melted is key for even mixing.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a deep caramel sweetness that pairs beautifully with apples and cinnamon.
• Apple Butter: Gives an extra punch of apple flavor and helps keep the cake moist; you can substitute with applesauce if needed.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds tang and tenderness—Greek yogurt is my favorite for that perfect balance.
• Eggs: At room temperature to help the batter combine smoothly and trap air for lift.
• Vanilla Extract: Enhances all the flavors subtly, don’t skimp here!
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that holds everything together.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that warm, spicy apple fritter taste.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These leavening agents ensure the cake rises perfectly.
• Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Crisp, juicy, and sweet—make sure they’re fresh for the best texture.
• Powdered Sugar, Whole Milk, Vanilla (for glaze): Mix to a drizzle-able glaze that finishes the cake with a sweet shine.

Variations

I like to switch things up a bit depending on the season and what I have on hand, so feel free to customize your Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. A little creativity makes the recipe even more fun!

• Apple Varieties: I’ve swapped Honeycrisp for Fuji or Granny Smith when I wanted a tarter edge—both work well but adjust the cinnamon to balance.
• Gluten-Free Version: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose for a tasty alternative that your GF friends will love.
• Spice It Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves intensifies the spiced flavor wonderfully.
• Swap Apple Butter: I sometimes use pumpkin butter in the fall for a seasonal twist that keeps the cake super moist and flavorful.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper. Having your pan ready means as soon as your batter is mixed, you can get it in the oven without delay, helping the cake rise nicely and bake evenly.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir them gently until everything is smooth and well incorporated—this mixture is the base that will keep your cake moist and flavorful, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients

Add the all-purpose flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to the wet mixture. Fold gently until just combined—overmixing can make the cake tough, so stop when you no longer see flour. The cinnamon here lends a warm spice tone that pairs perfectly with the apples.

Step 4: Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. This creates a syrupy, spiced apple layer inside the cake that gives it that signature apple fritter flavor and delightful texture.

Step 5: Layer Batter and Apples

Spread half the batter evenly into your prepared dish, then spoon about half of the apple mixture on top. Cover this layer with the remaining batter, smoothing it out gently, then finish by adding the remaining apples and any juices to the very top. This layering is key to getting apple pockets throughout the cake.

Step 6: Bake and Cool

Bake the cake for 55-60 minutes until it’s just set and golden around the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before moving to the next step.

Step 7: Make the Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools a bit, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla to make a smooth glaze. Add milk gradually until the glaze is drizzle-able but not too runny. Drizzle it generously over the warm cake and finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for that perfect sweet-salty contrast.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love to finish this cake with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt over the glaze—it balances the sweetness perfectly and highlights the apple and cinnamon flavors. Sometimes I add a light dusting of cinnamon or even some chopped toasted pecans for extra crunch and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair the cake with a simple dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it as dessert. For brunch, a smear of cream cheese or a side of crisp bacon contrasts beautifully with the sweet-spiced cake.

Creative Ways to Present

One time for a fall party, I cut the cake into squares and served them on mini wooden boards with small ceramic cups of warm caramel sauce on the side for dipping. It was a hit and made the whole table feel cozy and festive. You can also serve slices stacked with whipped cream and a sprinkle of chopped apples on top for a pretty presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though honestly, it rarely lasts that long! If you want them to stay moist longer, refrigerate for up to 4 days, but bring back to room temp before serving.

Freezing

You can freeze the unfrosted cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and foil for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then warm slightly and add the glaze fresh for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

I like to reheat slices in a low oven (about 300°F) for 5-7 minutes to gently warm without drying them out. Microwave works in a pinch but can make the cake a bit gummy; warming in the oven keeps that perfect tender crumb.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it perfectly captures the joy of fall baking with so little fuss. I love sharing it with friends and family, knowing it brings smiles and cozy comfort. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this recipe whenever you want that delicious apple-cinnamon warmth in cake form. So grab those Honeycrisp apples and get baking—you won’t regret it!

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