Apple Fritter Cake

Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful twist on classic apple fritters, presenting the same wonderful flavors in a convenient cake form. With layers of spiced apples and a sweet cinnamon glaze, this moist and aromatic cake is a perfect treat for any occasion.

Apple Fritter Cake

Ingredients:

For Filling:

• 1 heaping cup of sliced apples (cored, quartered, and sliced)
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• Small pinch freshly grated nutmeg
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water
• 1/2 cup brown sugar (a mix of dark and light)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

For Cake:

• 1/3 cup butter
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 eggs
• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt/sour cream)

For Glaze:

• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 6 tablespoons milk

How to Make:

For Filling:

1. Make the filling by combining apples, sugar, water, cinnamon, and cornstarch in a small saucepan. Cook on low heat for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and the apples soften. Set aside to cool.
2. In a small bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon together until well combined. Set aside.

For Cake:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour a 9×13 baking dish.
2. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy (about 3 minutes). Add applesauce and vanilla, mixing until combined. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.
3. Sift the dry ingredients together. Add the dry ingredients to the batter in three parts, alternating with the yogurt in two parts, starting and ending with the dry ingredients. Beat until just combined.
4. Spoon half of the batter into the prepared pan. Spoon the cooled apple mixture over the batter carefully and spread evenly. Sprinkle 2/3 of the brown sugar cinnamon mixture over the apples and cover with the rest of the batter. Sprinkle the remaining brown sugar cinnamon mixture over the top.
5. Bake for 45-55 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

For Glaze:

1. While the cake is baking, make the glaze. In a bowl, mix powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until the glaze reaches the desired consistency.
2. When the cake comes out of the oven, immediately but carefully pour the glaze onto the hot cake. Try to pour as evenly as possible. Tilt the cake if needed to spread the glaze evenly. Pour any pooled glaze back over the top.
3. Let the cake sit for a while to allow the glaze to set.

Tips:

1. Apple Selection: Choose a flavorful apple variety like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the filling. The combination of sweet and tart apples adds depth to the dish.
2. Glazing Technique: Pour the glaze evenly while the cake is still warm for optimal absorption. Tilt and spread the glaze to ensure it covers the entire surface.
3. Storage: Store leftover cake in an airtight container at room temperature for a day or refrigerate for an extended shelf life. Warm it slightly before serving for a fresh-from-the-oven experience.