Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Oh, you’re going to love this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe — it’s like autumn wrapped in a cozy, sweet hug! I absolutely love how the tender cake layers are bursting with cinnamon-spiced Honeycrisp apples, all topped off with a smooth, vanilla-infused glaze that just melts in your mouth. Whether you’re craving a comforting dessert or a sweet breakfast treat, this cake hits all the right notes.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed how easy it was to make something so impressive and flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that the balance of tart Apples and the sweet glaze makes it perfect for a weekend brunch, a holiday gathering, or just an afternoon coffee break. Seriously, it’s one of those recipes you’ll keep coming back to, especially when those crisp apples are in season.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in such a cozy way — the creamy base, spiced flour mix, and apples that bring that fresh crunch. I recommend grabbing the freshest Honeycrisp apples you can because they keep their shape and flavor beautifully throughout baking.

• Salted butter: Melted for easy mixing and adds richness to the cake.
• Brown sugar: Gives a deep, caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples.
• Apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter): Adds moisture and another layer of apple flavor; apple butter is my top pick here.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Keeps the cake tender and moist — I switch between these depending on what I have on hand.
• Eggs: Bring the batter together — make sure they’re at room temp for best mixing.
• Vanilla extract: For that warm, inviting aroma throughout the cake and glaze.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the batter, giving structure to your cake.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that familiar apple fritter spice combo.
• Baking powder & baking soda: The leavening duo that ensures a light, fluffy crumb.
• Salt: To balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Honeycrisp apples: The star here — crisp, juicy, and perfect for baking.
• Powdered sugar (for glaze): Smooth and sweet, making the glaze silky and pourable.
• Whole milk: To thin out the glaze to the perfect consistency.
• Sea salt (optional for finishing): A sprinkle on top brings a lovely contrast to the glaze’s sweetness.

Variations

I like to keep things fun and sometimes switch up this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe with a few tweaks to tailor it to the season or whatever’s in my pantry. Feel free to experiment — that’s part of the joy in baking!

• Use different apples: I’ve substituted Granny Smith or Fuji for a slightly different tang or sweetness — just a heads up, some apples soften faster, so watch baking time.
• Make it dairy-free: Swap the butter for coconut oil and yogurt for a plant-based alternative; it still tastes amazing.
• Add nuts or raisins: Toss in chopped walnuts or golden raisins with the apples for extra texture — my family loves the crunch!
• Spice it up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a warm fall twist I discovered a couple of years ago.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). I always like to line my 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper — it makes lifting the cake out later so much easier and helps prevent sticking. If you don’t have parchment, a light buttering works too.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. Then add the eggs and vanilla extract, making sure everything is well combined. I like to use room temperature eggs here because they mix more evenly, giving the cake a consistent texture. Next, add your flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing gently until just combined — don’t overdo it, or the cake can get dense.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mix

Chop your Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces — about 2 cups worth. Toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla in a separate bowl. This step ensures that your apples are evenly coated and will get that lovely, sweet-spiced flavor baked right into the cake layers.

Step 4: Layer It Up

Spoon half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then, spread half of your apple mixture on top. Cover the apples with the remaining batter, smoothing it out gently. Finally, pile the rest of the apples on top, including any juices left from tossing them — these juices soak into the cake as it bakes and keep everything wonderfully moist.

Step 5: Bake the Cake

Pop the cake into the preheated oven and bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is just set — a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. I like to start checking at 55 minutes because ovens vary, and you don’t want it to dry out. Once out, let it cool for about 10 minutes before the glaze.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk gradually to get a pourable but not too thin glaze. Drizzle it over the warm cake — it’s fun to watch it slowly slide and soak in. If you like, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top to balance the sweetness and boost those flavors.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this cake with a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt right after glazing — it cuts through the sweetness perfectly. Sometimes I add a handful of chopped toasted pecans on top for crunch and a nutty flair. If you really want to impress, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully over a warm slice.

Side Dishes

For a brunch spread, pair this apple fritter cake with a fresh fruit salad or a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. It also goes wonderfully with hot coffee, chai tea, or even a crisp cider — which feels extra special when you serve it on a chilly morning.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’ve made this cake for holiday gatherings, I like to slice it into smaller squares and serve on pretty platters with a drizzle of extra glaze right before serving. You can also serve it in individual ramekins layered with the apple mixture for a fancier touch. For gift-giving, wrapping a slice in parchment and tying it with twine is a charming idea that everyone raves about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or sealed in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days — the cake stays moist and flavorful. If your kitchen is warm, I pop it in the fridge to keep it fresh, just bring it to room temp before serving.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! I like to cut it into portions, wrap each piece tightly in plastic, then place them in freezer bags. When I want a quick treat, I thaw a slice overnight in the fridge or on the countertop for a few hours, and it tastes almost like freshly baked.

Reheating

Warm a slice in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds to bring back that soft, tender texture just like fresh out of the oven. If you prefer, a quick 5-minute warm-up in a low oven (around 300°F) wrapped in foil works beautifully too, especially if you want to keep the glaze soft.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to bake every fall, and honestly, some mornings in spring too! It fills the kitchen with that irresistible aroma, and every slice tastes like a little moment of happiness. I hope you’ll love making and sharing it as much as I do — it’s such an easy way to bring a little magic to your table. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a well-loved classic in your recipe box.

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