Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

There’s something truly magical about a dessert that combines the cozy warmth of spiced apples and the sweet crunch of a light glaze—enter the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake comes together with juicy chunks of Honeycrisp apples folded right into the batter, then topped with a luscious vanilla glaze and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. It’s like biting into a soft, moist cake and an apple fritter all at once, minus the fried dough and mess.

This recipe shines best on crisp fall mornings or as a comforting afternoon treat with a cup of tea or coffee. When I first tried this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe, I found it strikes the perfect balance of sweet and spice with a texture that’s tender and satisfying. You’ll find it’s surprisingly easy to make, and you don’t have to be a baker extraordinaire to pull it off. Trust me, it’s worth keeping this one in your regular rotation.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

For this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe, I love how the combination of brown sugar and apple butter gives a deep, rich apple flavor, while Greek yogurt or sour cream adds a nice tang and moisture to the batter. Using Honeycrisp apples means you’ll get that crisp bite and natural sweetness without the cake getting soggy.

• Salted Butter: Melting the butter creates a smooth base and adds richness right from the start.
• Brown Sugar: It’s all about that caramel-y depth to complement the apple flavors.
• Apple Butter (or Applesauce/Pumpkin Butter): Adds extra apple goodness and moisture; apple butter works best for a richer taste.
• Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: This keeps the cake super tender and not dry at all.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix more easily and help with texture.
• Vanilla Extract: I always grab pure vanilla for the best flavor boost.
• All-Purpose Flour: The backbone for structure, so measure carefully for the right crumb.
• Cinnamon: The warm spice that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Baking Powder and Baking Soda: These give the cake a good lift and light bite.
• Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
• Honeycrisp Apples: Chopped into chunks to keep that fresh apple texture in every bite.
• Additional Brown Sugar, Cinnamon, and Vanilla: For coating the apples—this is the secret that turns them into juicy, flavorful pockets within the cake.
• Powdered Sugar: The base of the glaze that adds that classic sweet finish.
• Whole Milk: Just enough to thin the glaze to a drizzle-friendly consistency.
• Flaky Sea Salt: Don’t skip this on top—it really makes the flavors pop!

Variations

I like to switch things up depending on the season or what I have on hand, and you can totally make this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe your own. It’s a forgiving recipe, so feel free to experiment a bit with toppings or add-ins to suit your tastes or dietary needs.

• Apple Substitutes: I’ve tried Granny Smith for a tarter bite or Fuji for a sweeter cake; Honeycrisp works best for texture but feel free to swap.
• Spice Variations: Adding nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon gives it a more complex warm spice profile.
• Dairy-Free Version: Use non-dairy yogurt and vegan butter to make it dairy-free without losing moisture.
• Extra Crunch: Toss some chopped walnuts or pecans into the apple filling for added texture that my family goes wild over.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 inch baking dish with parchment paper—this makes cleanup a cinch and helps the cake release effortlessly. While the oven warms up, chop your Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces and toss them in a bowl with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. This mix softens and sweetens the apples just right during baking, creating those delightful pockets of flavor.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything blends smoothly. Then, add all the dry ingredients—flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt—and stir gently until just combined. Over-mixing can stiffen the batter, so mix until you no longer see flour streaks, but don’t go overboard.

Step 3: Layer and Bake

Spread half the batter evenly in your prepared pan, then dollop half of your apple mixture on top. Cover the apples with the remaining batter and finish off with the rest of the apples, including any juice left in the bowl—this helps keep the top moist and flavorful. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 55-60 minutes until the cake is just set and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

While the cake cools for 10 minutes, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla to make your glaze. Adjust the milk to get a perfect drizzle consistency—thin enough to pour but thick enough to hold on the cake. Drizzle generously over the warm cake and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. This final salty-sweet touch takes the cake from delicious to unforgettable.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I love serving this cake simply with a light dusting of extra cinnamon or more flaky sea salt on top for contrast. Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream if we’re feeling indulgent. Fresh mint leaves also add a nice pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Side Dishes

This cake pairs beautifully with a hot cup of chai or black coffee. For a brunch spread, I like to serve alongside crispy bacon or sausage and a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette. It balances sweet with savory perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve layered mini versions of this cake in mason jars, alternating cake and glaze for a pretty individual dessert. You can also sprinkle toasted nuts on top or drizzle caramel sauce for an extra treat. Wrapping a slice in parchment paper tied with twine makes for a charming gift!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually cover leftover cake tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days without losing moisture. If your kitchen is warm, popping it in the fridge works fine too, just bring the cake back to room temperature before serving for the best texture.

Freezing

I’ve had great luck freezing slices wrapped tightly in plastic and foil—just thaw overnight in the fridge. When ready to enjoy, a few minutes at room temperature or a brief zap in the microwave brings it back to life.

Reheating

I usually warm slices in the microwave for 20-30 seconds to bring out that soft, melty apple flavor, or pop it in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes to freshen the glaze and crisp the edges just a bit. Either way, it tastes close to freshly baked!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe has become one of my go-to desserts to impress guests or simply indulge in a homemade treat with minimal fuss. I love that it feels special but doesn’t require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing cake that fills your kitchen with the smell of fall and makes your taste buds sing, I wholeheartedly recommend giving it a try. You’ll enjoy every bite just as much as I do!

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