As autumn approaches and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting flavors of apple fritters to warm your soul. Apple fritter cake combines the delightful essence of traditional apple fritters with the ease of a cake, making it a perfect dessert for gatherings or cozy nights at home. This moist and flavorful cake is packed with fresh apples, warm spices, and topped with a luscious brown sugar glaze.
Ingredients
For the Cake:
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
- 1/4 cup apple cider
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 cups peeled and chopped apples (about 3 large apples)
For the Brown Sugar Glaze:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour and 5 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 20 servings
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Set this mixture aside.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the vegetable oil, brown sugar, and granulated sugar. Mix until well combined. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Then stir in the vanilla extract, applesauce, and apple cider until everything is well incorporated.
Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, folding gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; it’s okay if there are a few lumps.
Step 5: Fold in Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Bake the Cake
Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Add half of the remaining apple mixture on top. Pour the rest of the batter over this layer and top with any remaining apples. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45 to 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze
While the cake is baking, prepare the brown sugar glaze. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine butter, brown sugar, and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a boil. Allow it to boil for one minute before reducing heat to low and cooking for an additional minute. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
Step 8: Glaze the Cake
Once the cake has finished baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for about ten minutes. Using a toothpick or fork, poke holes all over the top of the cake. Drizzle the brown sugar glaze generously over the top, allowing it to soak into the holes for maximum flavor.
Step 9: Serve and Enjoy!
Let the cake cool completely before slicing into squares. Serve warm or at room temperature, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream on top for an extra indulgent treat.
Conclusion
Apple fritter cake is not just a dessert; it’s an experience that brings together family and friends around a deliciously sweet centerpiece. The combination of tender cake, juicy apples, warm spices, and rich glaze makes this recipe an instant favorite for any occasion. Whether you’re celebrating fall or simply craving something sweet, this apple fritter cake will surely delight everyone who gets a slice!
