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If you love the comforting flavors of a classic apple fritter but want it in cake form, you are in for a real treat with this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe. Imagine tender, moist cake layered with chunks of crisp, sweet Honeycrisp apples dusted with cinnamon and brown sugar, all finished with a luscious vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch of sweetness. This dessert brings together everything you adore about homemade apple treats, perfect for any season but especially magical during cozy fall afternoons. It’s a delightful twist that’s sure to become a new favorite for your dessert rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe plays a crucial role, combining simple pantry staples with fresh apples to create a richly flavored and perfectly textured cake. From the creamy butter that gives moisture and richness to the aromatic cinnamon that warms every bite, each element works together beautifully.
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The foundation of the cake, providing structure and tenderness.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps achieve a light crumb.
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened: Brings richness and moisture for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients together and add a slight richness.
- 1 cup sour cream: Keeps the cake moist and tender with subtle tanginess.
- 1/4 cup milk: Helps thin the batter for a perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a sweet, fragrant depth of flavor.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Provides lift for a fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda: Works with sour cream to enhance rise and crumb.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances sweetness and brings out flavor.
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced: The star of the cake, offering crisp, juicy bites with natural sweetness.
- 1/3 cup brown sugar: Coats the apples for a caramelized, deep flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the apples with warm, spicy notes.
- For the glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract create the perfect glossy, sweet finish.
How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Begin by peeling and dicing your Honeycrisp apples into bite-sized pieces. Toss them gently with the brown sugar and cinnamon in a medium bowl. This simple step infuses the fruit with a lovely, spiced sweetness that will permeate every forkful of your cake.
Step 2: Cream the butter and sugar
In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar together until the mixture becomes light and fluffy. This process traps air in the batter, which helps give the cake a tender, airy texture. It’s a tactile moment where you start to see the magic happen.
Step 3: Add eggs and wet ingredients
Next, add the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Then mix in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is well combined. The sour cream adds moisture while the vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making the cake irresistibly luscious.
Step 4: Combine dry ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This step ensures the leavening agents and salt are evenly distributed, so your cake rises perfectly and tastes balanced.
Step 5: Mix wet and dry ingredients
Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined. The trick here is to avoid overmixing, which can make the cake tough instead of tender. A few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 6: Layer the batter and apples
Pour half of the batter into your greased baking pan, then spread half of the apple mixture evenly over the top. Add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the apples, gently pressing the fruit into the batter so they won’t slide off during baking. This layering creates pockets of tender cake and juicy apple bites throughout.
Step 7: Bake the cake
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The smell wafting through your kitchen at this point is pure autumn bliss. Let the cake cool in the pan for about 15 minutes before moving on to glazing.
Step 8: Make and apply the glaze
Whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth and glossy. Drizzle this glaze over the still-warm cake, allowing it to seep into cracks and add a shiny, sweet finish. This glaze is the crowning touch that makes this dessert truly special.
How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes
For an elegant presentation, sprinkle a light dusting of cinnamon or powdered sugar on top, or add a few thin slices of fresh Honeycrisp apple. A small sprig of fresh mint can add a lovely pop of color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the cinnamon and glaze.
Side Dishes
This cake pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a truly indulgent dessert experience. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a hot cup of coffee or spiced chai to make the morning extra cozy.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the cake into small squares and serve on dessert platters for a party, or layer slices with whipped cream and extra cinnamon-spiced apples as a deconstructed trifle. You can also warm slices slightly and serve with caramel sauce drizzled on top for a diner-style treat that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled and glazed, cover your Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe tightly with plastic wrap or store in an airtight container. It will stay moist and delicious at room temperature for up to three days or can be refrigerated for up to one week.
Freezing
This cake freezes beautifully. Wrap it securely in plastic wrap and then in foil or place in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, then refresh the glaze or add a fresh drizzle if needed.
Reheating
To enjoy the cake warm, slice and microwave individual pieces for 15-20 seconds or warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes. The gentle warmth brings out the apple aroma and softens the glaze slightly, recreating that just-baked feeling.
FAQs
Can I use different apples instead of Honeycrisp?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples provide a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, crisp apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn also work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this cake gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Just ensure the blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder for the best texture.
Can I add nuts to the cake?
Definitely! Adding about 1/2 cup of chopped pecans or walnuts with the apples adds a lovely crunch and complements the apple-cinnamon flavors beautifully.
How do I know when the cake is fully baked?
Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (but no wet batter), your cake is perfectly baked.
Can I make the glaze ahead of time?
Yes, the glaze can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Stir well before drizzling over the cake. For best results, glaze the cake shortly after baking while it’s still warm.
Final Thoughts
You really can’t go wrong with this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe—every bite offers warm spices, juicy apples, and that sweet, shiny glaze that feels like a hug on a plate. Whether you’re treating yourself or sharing with loved ones, this cake is sure to brighten any day and earn its spot as a beloved favorite. So preheat that oven and enjoy baking a little slice of joy some time soon!
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Print
Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is a moist and flavorful dessert combining tender cake layers with cinnamon-spiced apple pieces, topped with a sweet vanilla glaze. Perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you crave a cozy, apple-inspired treat.
Ingredients
Cake
- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large Honeycrisp apples, peeled and diced
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: In a medium bowl, toss the peeled and diced Honeycrisp apples with the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until evenly coated. Set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Preheat and grease: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×5-inch loaf pan or an 8×8-inch square pan to prevent sticking.
- Cream butter and sugar: In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to cream together the softened unsalted butter and granulated sugar until the mixture becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Add eggs: Incorporate the eggs one at a time into the creamed mixture, beating well after each addition to ensure full incorporation.
- Combine wet ingredients: Mix in the sour cream, milk, and vanilla extract until the batter is smooth and fully combined.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt to evenly distribute the leavening agents and seasoning.
- Combine wet and dry: Gradually stir the dry ingredients into the wet batter until just combined, taking care not to overmix to maintain cake tenderness.
- Layer batter and apples: Pour half of the batter into the prepared pan, spreading evenly. Layer half of the apple mixture over the batter. Pour the remaining batter on top and then sprinkle the remaining apples, gently pressing them slightly into the batter.
- Bake the cake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 50 to 60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean indicating the cake is fully cooked.
- Cool the cake: Remove the cake from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 15 minutes. This resting time makes it easier to glaze and serve.
- Make the glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and pourable.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze evenly over the warm cake. Allow the glaze to set slightly before slicing and serving for the best taste and presentation.
Notes
- Substitute other crisp apple varieties such as Granny Smith or Fuji if Honeycrisp apples are unavailable.
- For added texture and a nutty flavor, stir in 1/2 cup chopped pecans or walnuts with the apple mixture.
- Store the cake covered at room temperature for up to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week to maintain freshness.

