If you’re craving a dessert that perfectly balances tender cake and a sweet, fruity crunch, the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. This cake captures the essence of classic apple fritters—with their warm spices and caramelized apple bits—transformed into a soft, moist bundt cake that’s finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. Each bite offers a little bit of crisp, a little bit of sweetness, and a whole lot of comforting fall vibes, making it one of my favorite treats to share with friends and family any time of the year.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this cake plays an essential role, bringing together flavors, textures, and aromas that make this dish truly special. From the soft butter enriching the crumb to the Honeycrisp apples that provide juicy bursts of flavor, these simple ingredients combine beautifully to create a cake that’s both rustic and refined.
- All-purpose flour: The base that gives structure to the cake and keeps it tender.
- Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to provide a light, fluffy texture.
- Cinnamon and nutmeg: Warm spices that evoke cozy, comforting flavors, essential in any apple dessert.
- Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Adds richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth crumb.
- Granulated sugar: Provides sweetness and helps with the cake’s golden color.
- Eggs: Bind ingredients and contribute to the cake’s tender texture.
- Vanilla extract: Offers aromatic warmth that complements the apples and spices.
- Whole milk: Adds moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
- Honeycrisp apples: The star ingredient, these apples bring crispness, sweetness, and a perfect balance of tartness.
- Brown sugar: Mixed with the apples to enhance caramel-like flavors and soft sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: For the glaze, providing a sweet finishing touch.
How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Pan
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9-inch bundt pan ensures the cake will release smoothly after baking, giving you those beautiful, classic fritter cake rings.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt together in a medium bowl. This combination of dry ingredients ensures that every bite carries the perfect hint of spice and rises just right.
Step 3: Cream Butter and Sugar
In a separate large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture turns light and fluffy. This step creates air pockets that help your cake rise beautifully and adds to the moistness of the crumb.
Step 4: Add Eggs and Vanilla
One by one, beat in the eggs, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Stir in the vanilla extract to layer in a subtle aromatic flavor.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Gradually alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the milk to the butter mixture, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overworking the batter, which keeps the cake tender.
Step 6: Prepare the Apple Mixture
In a small bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar and a sprinkle of cinnamon. This step sweetens the apples and starts to infuse them with that iconic apple fritter flavor.
Step 7: Fold Apples into the Batter
Gently fold the sugared apples into the batter, distributing those juicy pieces evenly throughout. Then pour the batter into your prepared pan, spreading it evenly for an even bake.
Step 8: Bake the Cake
Pop the pan into the oven and bake for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma that makes waiting almost impossible.
Step 9: Cool the Cake
Allow the cake to cool for about 10 minutes in the pan before turning it out onto a cooling rack. Letting it cool completely is crucial before glazing so the glaze won’t melt away.
Step 10: Make and Drizzle the Glaze
Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a luscious glaze. Drizzle generously over the cooled cake, adding a lovely finish that’s sweet, shiny, and perfectly indulgent.
How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or chopped toasted pecans right on the glaze for added texture and a touch of rustic charm. Fresh apple slices or a dollop of whipped cream make an inviting flourish that heightens the experience.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a cozy cup of hot coffee or tea. The warm spices complement creamy sides beautifully, turning a simple serving into a memorable treat.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve individual slices topped with cinnamon sugar or even a drizzle of caramel sauce. Consider layering cake cubes with apple compote and whipped cream for a quick trifle that will wow guests and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days to maintain moisture and freshness. For longer storage, refrigeration is perfectly fine but may slightly firm up the texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this Apple Fritter Cake by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and then bring to room temperature before serving to keep the flavors vibrant and the texture soft.
Reheating
Warm individual slices for about 15-20 seconds in the microwave to revive that fresh-baked feel, especially if you plan to serve them with ice cream or a warm beverage.
FAQs
Can I substitute other apple varieties for the Honeycrisp?
Yes! While Honeycrisp apples give that fantastic balance of sweetness and tartness with a crisp texture, Granny Smith or Fuji apples can work well too, adapting the flavor slightly but still delicious.
Is this cake suitable for baking in pans other than a bundt pan?
Absolutely! You can use a regular cake pan or loaf pan, but adjust the baking time accordingly—smaller pans may bake faster, so keep an eye on the toothpick test.
Can I make this cake gluten-free?
Sure! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend suitable for cakes. Make sure your baking soda and powder are gluten-free as well for best results.
How long does the glaze stay fresh?
The glaze is best enjoyed fresh but will stay good on the cake for 1-2 days when refrigerated. If it absorbs moisture and loses shine, a quick re-drizzle of fresh glaze brightens things up nicely.
Can I add nuts or raisins to this cake?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins add wonderful texture and a bit of extra flavor. Fold them in with the apples before baking for a delightful twist.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, aromatic treat that captures the spirit of apple fritters but in cake form, you simply have to try the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe. It’s approachable, bursting with flavor, and always a crowd-pleaser. Baking and sharing this cake feels like wrapping yourself in a warm hug—perfect for special occasions or simply brightening an ordinary day.
Print
Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful fusion of tender cake and sweet, cinnamon-spiced apples. Featuring chopped Honeycrisp apples folded into a moist batter and topped with a smooth vanilla glaze, this cake offers the nostalgic flavors of an apple fritter in a beautiful bundt cake form. Perfect for cozy autumn gatherings or anytime you want a comforting dessert with a fruity twist.
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 medium Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
Glaze Ingredients
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9-inch bundt pan or a similar cake pan to prevent sticking.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside for later use.
- Cream Butter and Sugar: In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened unsalted butter with granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy, which creates a tender texture in the cake.
- Add Eggs and Vanilla: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the butter-sugar mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture alternately with the milk to the wet ingredients, starting and ending with the dry. Mix gently until just combined to avoid overmixing and tough cake.
- Prepare Apples: In a separate bowl, toss the peeled, cored, and chopped Honeycrisp apples with packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon, coating them evenly and enhancing their sweetness.
- Fold Apples into Batter: Gently fold the sugared apples into the cake batter, distributing them evenly without crushing.
- Fill Pan and Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared bundt pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 45-55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is done.
- Cool the Cake: Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely, which helps it set properly.
- Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the cooled cake before serving to add a sweet finish reminiscent of classic apple fritters.
Notes
- Honeycrisp apples are preferred for their crisp texture and tart-sweet flavor, but Fuji or Gala apples can be substituted.
- Ensure the butter is softened (not melted) to create a light and fluffy batter.
- Do not overmix the batter once the flour is added to avoid a dense cake.
- Use a toothpick or cake tester to check doneness; the cake should come out clean when done.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk with almond or oat milk and butter with a vegan alternative.
- Let the cake cool completely before glazing to prevent the glaze from melting off.
- The cake can be stored covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
