Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

If you love the warm, comforting flavors of apple fritters but want something a little easier to slice and serve, you’ll absolutely adore this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe. I absolutely love how this cake pulls together the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisp apples with a tender, cinnamon-swirled batter, all topped with a luscious vanilla glaze sprinkled with flaky sea salt. It’s like apple fritters and cake had a delicious baby, and trust me, every bite feels like a cozy hug.

This recipe works wonderfully for brunches, cozy weekend breakfasts, or even as an easy dessert for family dinners. When I first tried this cake, I was amazed at how it held the juicy apple pieces perfectly without turning soggy, and the glaze adds just the right touch of sweetness with a hint of saltiness that keeps you coming back for more. If you’ve been searching for a sweet apple treat that’s both simple and impressive, this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is totally worth trying.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic behind the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe lies in simple quality ingredients that complement each other perfectly. Pick out firm, juicy Honeycrisp apples for the best texture, and don’t skip the apple butter—it deepens the flavor in a way applesauce just can’t match.

• Salted butter: I like using salted butter to add a little extra flavor right from the start.
• Brown sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-y sweetness that’s perfect with apples.
• Apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter): Apple butter makes this cake extra moist and amplifies the apple flavor wonderfully.
• Greek yogurt or sour cream: This keeps the cake tender and adds a subtle tang.
• Eggs: Room temperature eggs mix better and help with a smooth batter.
• Vanilla extract: Don’t skimp on this—it deepens all the sweet spices and flavors.
• All-purpose flour: Provides structure but keeps things tender.
• Cinnamon: Essential for that cozy apple fritter vibe.
• Baking powder and baking soda: These work together to give the cake a perfect rise.
• Salt: Balances flavors, especially important with the glaze.
• Honeycrisp apples: Chopped up to bring that crisp, juicy crunch.
• Powdered sugar: For the glaze that ties everything together.
• Whole milk: Thins the glaze perfectly without watering it down.
• Flaky sea salt: Just a pinch on top of the glaze creates that delightful sweet-salty contrast.

Variations

I love that this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is so adaptable. Over the years, I’ve tweaked it depending on whatever I had on hand or my mood, and it still shines every time. Feel free to make it your own and experiment with flavors or textures!

• Spice it up: Adding nutmeg or allspice gives the cake a richer, more autumnal flavor that my family really enjoys in cooler months.
• Applesauce switch: When I’m short on apple butter, I use unsweetened applesauce plus a touch of cinnamon—and it still tastes fantastic.
• Gluten-free: I’ve tried swapping in a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, and the texture remains soft with no compromise on flavor.
• Different apples: Fuji or Gala can work if Honeycrisp aren’t available, though Honeycrisp’s natural sweetness really elevates the cake.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Mix the Batter

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and lining a 9×9 inch baking pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, Greek yogurt, eggs, and vanilla extract until everything is nicely combined. This mix is the flavorful base, so make sure it’s smooth before adding the dry ingredients.

Step 2: Add the Dry Ingredients

Next, add the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir them in gently until just combined—overmixing can make your cake tough, so a few lumps here and there are totally okay. This is the step where you’ll start to see the batter take on that soft, cakey texture that works perfectly with the apples.

Step 3: Prepare the Apple Mixture

In a separate bowl, toss your chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. This simple coating enhances the apples’ natural flavor and helps them stay tender but not mushy once baked. I always make sure the pieces are evenly coated so every bite bursts with sweet-spiced apple goodness.

Step 4: Layer and Bake

Spread half of the batter evenly into your prepared pan. Spoon half of the apple mixture over the batter, then gently cover the apples with the remaining batter. Top it all off with the rest of the apples and any juices left in the bowl. Bake for 55 to 60 minutes until just set – I keep an eye on the center and test with a toothpick for a clean or slightly moist crumb. Let it cool for about 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 5: Make the Glaze and Finish

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk one tablespoon at a time to get the perfect pourable consistency—you want it thick enough to coat but thin enough to drizzle. Pour over the warm cake and sprinkle with flaky sea salt for that contrasting bite. I love serving this cake warm so the glaze stays nice and melty.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Garnishes

I usually keep it simple with just the glaze and a dusting of flaky sea salt, but for a little extra wow factor, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dusting of cinnamon sugar works beautifully. Sometimes I add a scoop of vanilla ice cream if serving as dessert—it’s the ultimate comfort combo!

Side Dishes

Pair this cake with a cup of strong coffee or chai tea for the perfect fall morning. If it’s brunch, it goes wonderfully alongside scrambled eggs or crispy bacon to balance the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe as individual squares with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a sprig of fresh mint. It’s a simple touch that turns it into a dessert everyone remembers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover cake wrapped tightly in plastic wrap or stored in an airtight container at room temperature. It stays moist and delicious for 2-3 days, though I usually finish it before then—hard to resist!

Freezing

If I want to preserve it longer, I slice the cooled cake into portions, wrap each piece in plastic, then foil, and freeze. When you thaw it overnight in the fridge, it tastes almost as fresh as the day it was baked.

Reheating

To reheat, I pop slices in the microwave for about 20 seconds until warm and then add a fresh drizzle of glaze or a little butter. It revives the softness and flavor beautifully, making leftovers just as tasty as the first day.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe has become one of those dishes I turn to when I want something that feels like a special treat but doesn’t take forever or require fancy skills. I love how it brings out the best in fresh apples while wrapping them in a moist, tender cake that’s topped with a simple, irresistible glaze. Trust me—you’ll enjoy this one whether you’re serving a crowd or just treating yourself on a cozy afternoon. Give it a try, and I’m pretty sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen too!

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