Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

I absolutely love this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe because it feels like a cozy hug in dessert form. The way the sweet and tart Honeycrisp apples meld with warm cinnamon and a tender cake base creates a comforting treat that’s perfect for fall mornings or an afternoon coffee break. When I first tried this recipe, I was blown away at how easy it was to assemble, yet how impressive the final cake looked and tasted.

You’ll find that this cake is wonderfully versatile—it works great as a breakfast cake, a snack alongside tea, or even a casual dessert. Plus, the glaze adds that perfect sweet finish with just a touch of flaky sea salt to keep every bite interesting. If you’re looking for a recipe that balances effort and reward beautifully, this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is one you’re definitely going to want to bookmark.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a role in creating that perfect balance of flavor and texture in this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe. When shopping, pick fresh Honeycrisp apples for crispness and natural sweetness, and if possible, go for good quality vanilla extract – it really makes a difference.

• Salted butter: Using salted butter adds just the right hint of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Brown sugar: This gives that rich, toasty sweetness you expect in apple desserts.
• Apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter): Apple butter adds concentrated flavor; if you use applesauce, choose one without added sugar for control.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and a subtle tang that keeps the cake tender and not too sweet.
• Eggs: At room temperature for best texture and even mixing.
• Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and depth to both the cake and apple layers.
• All-purpose flour: The sturdy base for structure; be sure to spoon and level for accuracy.
• Cinnamon: The classic spice that elevates the apple flavor beautifully.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These leaveners ensure a nice rise and fluffy texture.
• Salt: Keeps the flavors balanced and highlights the sweetness.
• Honeycrisp apples: Chopped for bursts of fresh apple flavor and sweet crunch.
• Powdered sugar: For the smooth, sweet glaze that finishes the cake.
• Whole milk: Used to adjust glaze consistency for easy drizzling.
• Flaky sea salt: The finishing touch that cuts through sweetness and adds texture.

Variations

I love making this cake my own depending on the season or what I have on hand. You should definitely feel free to tweak it to match your preferences, whether that’s swapping out apple butter for pumpkin butter in fall or trying different types of apples for a new twist.

• Use different apples: I’ve tried this with Fuji and Gala apples; each brings slightly different sweetness and texture, which I enjoy experimenting with.
• Dairy-free option: Substitute the yogurt with coconut yogurt and butter with a plant-based alternative—turns out wonderfully!
• Add nuts: Toasted walnuts or pecans add great crunch; my family goes crazy for this addition in the fall.
• Spiced variation: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for deeper spice flavors when you want something extra cozy.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Pan and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper, letting the edges hang over the sides for easy removal later—this little step saves you from sticking nightmares and makes clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Cake Batter

In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. Then add in your dry ingredients—flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—and mix just until you don’t see any flour streaks. Don’t overmix here; just enough to combine will keep the cake tender.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mix

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. This coating not only seasons the apples but also helps them soften and caramelize beautifully as the cake bakes.

Step 4: Layer the Cake and Apples

Spread half the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then spoon half of the apple mixture on top. Repeat by covering those apples with the remaining batter and topping with the final apple mix along with any juices. This layering builds those classic apple fritter pockets you’ll love biting into.

Step 5: Bake Until Just Set

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, or until the cake is just set in the middle—a toothpick inserted near the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool for about 10 minutes while you prepare the glaze.

Step 6: Whip Up the Sweet Glaze

Whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Add milk a little at a time until you reach a pourable consistency. Drizzle this glaze generously over your warm cake, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt to really elevate those flavors.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with a light dusting of extra powdered sugar and a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the glaze—it balances the sweetness perfectly. Sometimes I add a few toasted pecans or a dollop of whipped cream if we’re feeling indulgent.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with hot coffee, chai tea, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re serving it as dessert. For a cozy brunch, try it alongside scrambled eggs or a light green salad with citrus dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this cake on a wooden board with a rustic linen napkin and fresh apple slices arranged on the side. Sometimes I drizzle extra glaze in artistic swirls on the plate. It always gets compliments for looking as good as it tastes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cake cools completely, I wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for 2-3 days—perfect for enjoying leftovers without feeling like they’re stale.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer bag. When you want one, just thaw it overnight in the fridge or warm it gently in the microwave. The texture holds up surprisingly well for a cake with fresh fruit.

Reheating

I like reheating pieces in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5-7 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth without drying it out. If you don’t have a toaster oven, the microwave works too—just keep the time short to avoid rubbery bites.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen—it’s the kind of recipe that feels like a warm invitation to slow down and enjoy a slice with friends or family. I hope when you make it, you’ll find as much joy in the scent of baking apples and cinnamon as I do, and that it brings a bit of cozy comfort to your table. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this one again and again.

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