Name: Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups apples (peeled and cubed small, about 4 large apples, 550g); ½ cup dark brown sugar (packed); 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom (optional); 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons all purpose flour; 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice; ½ cup unsalted butter (softened); ¾ cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs (room temperature); ½ cup sour cream (room temperature); 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract; ¼ teaspoon sea salt; 2 cups all purpose flour (240g); 1 teaspoon baking powder; ¼ teaspoon baking soda; 1 cup powdered sugar; 2 tablespoons milk (more as needed); ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract

There’s something incredibly comforting about warm apple and sweet vanilla together — that’s exactly why I’m excited to share this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe with you. It captures the essence of cozy autumn days and makes your kitchen smell like a dream.

The image shows a round apple cake with one slice being lifted by a spatula on the right side. The cake has two layers: the bottom layer is a golden-brown cake with a soft, crumbly texture, and the top layer is light with chunks of apple and a white glaze drizzled over it. The cake sits on a white round tray with some crumbs scattered around. In the background, there is a basket wrapped with a floral cloth filled with red and green apples, along with a lit small cream-colored candle on the right side, all set against a white marbled surface. 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

This recipe holds a special place on my dessert rotation because it feels like biting into your favorite apple fritter donut, but in a cake form that's easier to slice and share. I honestly think it’s a game-changer for afternoon coffee breaks or weekend brunches.

Homemade comfort: It combines tender cake with juicy, spiced apple pieces – just like classic apple fritters, but way easier to make.
Glaze magic: The vanilla glaze adds a sweet crunch that takes the flavor to heavenly levels.
Perfect for fall: Apple harvest season is the best excuse to bake this, but honestly, I make it year-round because it’s that good.
Super shareable: It feeds a crowd nicely and is always the first to disappear at parties or family dinners.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe plays a key role in building those layers of flavor and texture. From the spice-kissed apples to the moist cake base and silky glaze, everything blends perfectly for a balanced dessert.

Flat lay of peeled and cubed fresh apples, a small pile of dark brown sugar, a small mound of ground cinnamon, a tiny pinch of ground cardamom, a small white bowl with vanilla extract, a small pile of all purpose flour, a small white bowl of freshly squeezed lemon juice, a few cubes of softened unsalted butter, a small mound of granulated sugar, two whole uncracked large eggs with clean shells, a small dollop of sour cream, a pinch of sea salt, a small pile of baking powder, a pinch of baking soda, a small bowl of powdered sugar, a small white bowl of milk, a tiny white bowl with pure vanilla extract 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: I recommend using tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a lovely contrast with the sweet cake.
Dark brown sugar: Packs in that deep caramel richness that pairs beautifully with apples.
Cinnamon: The classic spice that brings warmth to every bite.
Cardamom: Optional but trust me, it adds a subtle exotic twist you won’t regret.
Pure vanilla extract: A double dose here—adds fragrant sweetness to the batter and glaze.
All purpose flour: Gives structure but keeps the cake lovely and tender.
Lemon juice: Helps balance sweetness and keeps apples from browning.
Unsalted butter: For richness without overpowering the other flavors.
Granulated sugar: Contributes to moistness and sweetness.
Eggs: Hold everything together with that perfect lift.
Sour cream: Keeps the cake extra moist and adds a slight tang that complements the apples.
Sea salt: Balances sweetness and enhances all the flavors.
Baking powder & baking soda: The dynamic duo for perfect rise.
Powdered sugar, milk: The magic ingredients for the silky, sweet vanilla glaze.

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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

One of the things I adore about this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe is how easy it is to tweak based on what you love or what you have on hand. Customize away!

Variation: I sometimes swap out half the sour cream for Greek yogurt to brighten the flavor and add a bit more tang – it’s a wonderful twist. Also, feel free to sprinkle chopped nuts on top before baking for extra crunch.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with small, uneven pieces of peeled apple coated in a mix of light brown cinnamon and sugar, creating a textured and slightly sticky look. The apple pieces are pale yellow with areas darkened by the cinnamon. A woman's hand is holding the side of the bowl, while a black spoon rests inside, partially submerged in the fruit mixture. In the soft-focused background, there is a woven basket with green and red apples spilling out, alongside a lit candle casting warm light. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Spiced Apples

Start by peeling and cubing about 4 large apples into small bits—smaller pieces mean every forkful gets that gooey, cinnamony apple goodness. Toss them with dark brown sugar, cinnamon, optional cardamom, lemon juice, pure vanilla extract, and a touch of flour. The flour helps absorb the juices and keeps the apples from sinking to the bottom when baking.

Step 2: Cream Butter and Sugars

In a large bowl, beat softened butter and granulated sugar until fluffy—this can take about 3-4 minutes with an electric mixer. This step is key to a light texture, so don’t rush it.

Step 3: Add Eggs and Sour Cream

Mix in eggs one at a time, making sure each is fully incorporated before adding the next. Then fold in sour cream, vanilla extract, and sea salt, which gives the cake a lovely balance.

Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients & Fold in Apples

Whisk together flour, baking powder, and baking soda separately. Gradually add this to the wet mixture and mix until just combined — be careful not to overmix to keep the cake tender. Finally, fold in your prepped apple mixture, making sure it’s evenly distributed.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden

Pour the batter into a greased 9x13-inch pan and bake in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for about 60 minutes. Start checking around 55 minutes — the top should be golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean (a few moist crumbs due to apples is fine!).

Step 6: Make and Drizzle the Vanilla Glaze

While the cake cools slightly, whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract together into a smooth glaze. Pour it generously over the warm cake to create that signature crunchy topping. Let it set for 15-20 minutes—if you can wait that long!

Top Tip

After making this Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe several times, I learned a few little tricks to get it just right every time. These saved me from soggy cake or fruit sinking to the bottom, and I’m sure they’ll help you too.

Small apple cubes: Cut the apples small and toss them in flour and lemon juice to keep the texture just right and prevent browning.
Don’t overmix: Once you add dry ingredients, mix gently and just until combined to preserve the cake’s tender crumb.
Check oven temperature: A 350°F oven is ideal—higher temps risk burning the glaze before the cake cooks through.
Glaze consistency: Start with less milk and add more if you need to thin the glaze; it should be pourable but not watery.

How to Serve Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a hint of extra cinnamon or freshly chopped pecans on top of the vanilla glaze just before serving—it adds a little elegance and crunch. Sometimes a dusting of powdered sugar does the trick if you want it simple and classic.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert. For brunch, serve alongside strong coffee or chai tea to complement the spices and sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive gathering, I spread the cake out on a wooden board and garnish with edible flowers and fresh apple slices. It always draws compliments and makes the table feel extra special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. The glaze might soften slightly, but the flavors deepen and it tastes fantastic even the next day.

Freezing

This cake freezes well if you slice it first. I place wax paper between slices and freeze in a ziplock bag for up to 2 months. To thaw, just leave slices on the counter or microwave briefly.

Reheating

Warm leftover slices in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes to revive that fresh-baked feel. Adding a scoop of ice cream or butter really brings it to life again.

Frequently Asked Questions:

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

Absolutely! While I recommend tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance, sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala can be used if you prefer a sweeter cake. Just make sure your apples are firm and not overly ripe.

Is it okay to omit the cardamom?

Yes, cardamom is optional and adds just a subtle flavor twist. If you don’t have it or aren’t a fan, leaving it out won’t affect the cake’s success at all. The cinnamon is the star spice here.

Can I make this cake gluten-free?

You can! Substitute an equal amount of your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. Just make sure it includes a binding agent like xanthan gum to keep the texture tender. Baking times may vary slightly, so keep an eye on the cake during baking.

How thick should I make the vanilla glaze?

Your glaze should be pourable but not watery—think a smooth syrupy consistency. If it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it reaches that texture. If too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar. This helps it set with a nice crunch on top of the cake.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze Recipe feels like a warm hug in dessert form to me. It’s one of those cakes you’ll find yourself craving over and over, especially when apples are in season. Trust me, once you make it, you'll want to bake it again and again to share with friends, family, or just to enjoy a little slice of homemade comfort anytime. Give it a try—I promise it’ll quickly become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it did in mine.