Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

I’ve got to tell you, this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites for cozy weekends and holiday gatherings. There’s just something so comforting about the way the tender cake melts in your mouth, studded with juicy, cinnamon-spiced Honeycrisp apples, and topped with a shiny, vanilla glaze that has just the right hint of flaky sea salt. Every bite feels like a warm hug straight from the kitchen.

What I love most is how versatile this cake is—it works beautifully as a breakfast treat with your morning coffee, a sweet afternoon snack, or a simple yet impressive dessert for friends and family. If you’ve ever wanted the flavors of classic apple fritters but in a fuss-free cake form, this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is totally worth trying. Plus, it’s a breeze to bake, which means more time enjoying and less time stressing.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is super important here—especially the Honeycrisp apples, which bring both flavor and texture that make this cake special. I also love using apple butter to boost the apple flavor without making the batter too wet.

• Salted Butter: Using salted butter adds just the right touch of saltiness to balance the sweetness.
• Brown Sugar: This gives a deeper caramel note to the cake and the apples.
• Apple Butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter): I stick with apple butter for the best apple punch, but applesauce is a great swap in a pinch.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Adds tang and moisture, making the crumb tender and rich.
• Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature for better mixing and structure.
• Vanilla Extract: Brings warmth that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: The base of the cake that holds everything together just right.
• Cinnamon: For that classic apple spice flavor throughout the batter and apples.
• Baking Powder & Baking Soda: These help the cake rise and keep it fluffy.
• Salt: Enhances flavors and balances the sweetness.
• Honeycrisp Apples: These are the star—juicy, crisp, and perfect for baking without turning to mush.
• Powdered Sugar: For the glaze that adds just the right sweet finish.
• Whole Milk: To thin out the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Added at the end for a subtle crunch and flavor pop.

Variations

I love how easy it is to tweak this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe to fit different moods or dietary needs. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll often find me experimenting with a handful of nuts or swapping ingredients to keep things fresh.

• Add Walnuts or Pecans: I sometimes toss in chopped nuts with the apples for a lovely crunch that reminds me of classic apple fritters.
• Use Pumpkin Butter: For a seasonal spin, pumpkin butter adds depth and autumn vibes.
• Make it Vegan: Swap butter for coconut oil, use a flax egg, and choose dairy-free yogurt—I’ve tried this and the cake still comes out tender and delicious.
• Add a Streusel Topping: Mix brown sugar, flour, butter, and cinnamon to sprinkle over the top before baking for extra texture.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

First thing, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper. This step is crucial so your cake won’t stick and will come out perfectly shaped. I usually cut the parchment to extend up the sides like handles—it makes lifting the cake out a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, stir together melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. Then, add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Mix gently until just combined; overmixing can make the cake tough. I always remind myself that a few lumps are totally fine here—patience pays off in texture!

Step 3: Prepare the Apples

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. This keeps the apple pieces nicely coated and lets the sugars melt into the fruit while baking, creating that irresistible caramelized effect. The first time I tried leaving them plain, the apples just didn’t pop as much—this mix is a game changer.

Step 4: Layer the Cake and Apples

Spread half the batter evenly into your prepared pan, then spoon about half of the apple mixture on top. Carefully cover the apples with the remaining batter, then layer the rest of the apples and their juicy mixture right on top. This layering ensures every bite has the perfect balance of fluffy cake and sweet apple pockets—you’ll love how the juices soak down into the cake.

Step 5: Bake Until Set

Bake for 55-60 minutes, or until the cake is just set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. I always start checking closer to 55 minutes so it doesn’t dry out. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before the next step.

Step 6: Whip Up the Glaze and Finish

While your cake cools slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and enough whole milk to thin the glaze so it drips off your spoon but isn’t too runny. Drizzle this over your warm cake, then sprinkle with flaky sea salt—trust me, that touch of saltiness enhances the sweetness spectacularly. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature; it’s fantastic either way.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I like sprinkling a little extra flaky sea salt right after glazing because it brightens the flavor and adds a subtle crunch. Sometimes, I also add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top when serving dessert—pure bliss!

Side Dishes

This cake shines best on its own, but if you’re serving it for brunch, try pairing it with fresh fruit salad or a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the sweetness. A warm cup of coffee or chai latte is my go-to companion when digging in.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I love cutting the cake into small squares and serving on a pretty platter with small forks for easy sharing. Sometimes, I drizzle extra glaze over each square just before serving and garnish with thin apple slices or cinnamon sticks for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers tightly wrapped in plastic wrap or in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. I’ve found this keeps the cake moist and flavorful, but if your kitchen is warm, I recommend refrigerating it.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—wrap individual slices or the whole cake well in plastic and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When I’m ready to enjoy, I thaw slices overnight in the fridge and warm gently in the oven.

Reheating

To bring the cake back to life, I warm it in a 300°F oven for 10-15 minutes. You can add a little extra drizzle of glaze or a smear of butter to freshen it up. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the texture gummy.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe has found a special place in my heart and kitchen. It’s that perfect balance of sweet, spice, and fresh apple that just makes me smile every time I bake it. I can’t recommend it enough if you love classic apple desserts but want something simpler and more approachable. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy how easy it is to make and how delicious it tastes, I promise it’ll become a favorite in your home too.

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