Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite fall treats—there’s just something magical about the mix of tender cake, cinnamon-spiced apples, and that irresistible drizzle of glaze with a touch of flaky sea salt. I love it because it combines all the comforting flavors of an apple fritter into an easy-to-slice cake that works beautifully for breakfast, snack time, or even a cozy dessert.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how the tart and sweet Honeycrisp apples stay perfectly tender without turning mushy, adding that fresh juicy bit to every bite. You’ll find that it’s a breeze to make, yet the layers of flavor and texture deliver so much oomph. Plus, the glaze adds a perfect balance of sweetness and a little salt kick that elevates the entire cake.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

I’ve found that using fresh Honeycrisp apples here is the key to getting that perfect sweet-tart bite combined with cinnamon and a glaze that’s just right. Each ingredient plays its part, from the apple butter adding subtle richness to the brown sugar boosting caramel notes.

• Salted butter: Use real butter melted — it adds incredible richness and helps the cake stay tender.
• Brown sugar: Adds a lovely molasses flavor that pairs beautifully with the apples and cinnamon.
• Apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter): I love the depth apple butter gives, but applesauce works great if that’s what you have.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: This keeps the cake moist without heaviness and provides a subtle tang.
• Eggs: At room temperature for best mixing and fluffiness in the cake.
• Vanilla extract: Enhances all the cozy flavors.
• All-purpose flour: The base of the cake—make sure to measure properly to avoid dryness.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon works perfectly here for that apple fritter warmth.
• Baking powder and baking soda: Both help your cake rise and get fluffy; don’t skip them.
• Salt: A pinch to balance sweetness and enhance flavors.
• Honeycrisp apples: The star of the show—with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
• Powdered sugar: For a smooth glaze that melts just right on top.
• Whole milk: To thin the glaze to that perfect drizzle consistency.
• Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on top to cut through sweetness and add texture.

Variations

I love tinkering with this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe depending on the season or mood. It’s a wonderfully flexible base that invites your creativity—so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

• Spiced up with nutmeg: Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the batter and apple mixture gives a cozy extra warmth I adore in cold weather.
• Use pears instead of apples: When Honeycrisp apples aren’t in season, ripe pears offer a deliciously sweet alternative that still pairs perfectly with the cinnamon glaze.
• Make it gluten-free: I swapped all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free blend with great results—just watch the bake time closely.
• Add chopped nuts: Toss in some walnuts or pecans for a bit of crunch and extra flavor contrast.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Space and Ingredients

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper — this helps the cake release easily later. While the oven warms up, chop your Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces, then toss them with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla to let those flavors start mingling.

Step 2: Mix the Batter

In a large bowl, stir together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy. Then add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, mixing just until combined. I like to stop as soon as there are no flour streaks to make sure the cake stays tender.

Step 3: Layer Apple and Batter

Spoon half the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Then dollop about half the apple mixture over the batter and gently spread it out. Cover the apples with the remaining batter, smoothing it carefully, and finish with the rest of the apples and any extra juices. This layering gives you those delightful pockets of apple surprise throughout the cake.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection and Glaze

Bake for 55 to 60 minutes, until the cake is just set — a toothpick inserted near the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs. Let it cool for about 10 minutes while you whisk together the glaze ingredients: powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla until smooth, thinning with milk until it’s perfect for drizzling.

Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm cake, then sprinkle a little flaky sea salt on top for the perfect finishing touch. The glaze sets quickly, adding a beautiful shine and that salty-sweet finish you’ll crave.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just a sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top because it contrasts so nicely with the glaze. Sometimes, I’ll add a light dusting of cinnamon or a few toasted pecans for extra texture and warmth.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs wonderfully with a hot cup of coffee or a lightly spiced chai tea—perfect for cozy mornings or afternoon treats. If you’re serving as dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes it to the next level.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to slice the cake into neat squares and arrange them on a wooden board with autumn leaves and small bowls of extra glaze for dipping. It looks charming and encourages everyone to dig in at their own pace.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the cake cools completely, I store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If your kitchen is warm, just pop it in the fridge to keep the glaze intact and the apples nice and fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen slices wrapped tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, and they thaw beautifully overnight in the fridge. To revive the glaze’s shine, I like to drizzle a little extra fresh glaze after reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices gently in a toaster oven or microwave for about 20-30 seconds—it brings out that fresh-baked warmth and softens the apples perfectly. Just be careful not to overheat, or the cake will dry out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe enough—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a warm hug from your kitchen. Whether you’re baking it for weekend brunch or a sweet surprise during the week, it consistently brings smiles and satisfying bites. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your home, just like it did in mine.

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