If you’re searching for a treat that’s bursting with warm, cozy flavors, then the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is exactly what you need. This deliciously moist cake is packed with juicy Honeycrisp apples, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, and topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a wonderful dessert or snack that blends the nostalgic taste of apple fritters with the comforting texture of cake, making every bite simply irresistible.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A perfect balance of flavors: Sweet Honeycrisp apples meet warm cinnamon for a classic yet fresh taste you’ll crave again and again.
Moist and tender texture: The cake’s soft crumb keeps it wonderfully moist, making it ideal for any time of the day.
Simple and approachable: Uses easy-to-find ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for both beginners and experienced bakers.
Versatile dessert option: Enjoy it on its own, with coffee, or as a delightful brunch centerpiece.
Impressive but fuss-free: It looks like a bakery-worthy treat but doesn’t require hours of work or complicated techniques.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake plays a crucial role in crafting its unforgettable flavor and texture. From the fresh apples that add juicy bursts, to the cinnamon that wraps everything in warmth, every element is thoughtfully included.

Honeycrisp apples: Fresh and crisp, they provide natural sweetness and texture that make this cake truly shine.
All-purpose flour: The base that creates the tender crumb and lifts the cake just right.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning for that lovely, golden top.
Ground cinnamon: The signature spice that infuses the cake with its enticing warmth and aroma.
Baking powder: Ensures a light and fluffy rise for a soft cake texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the flavor notes.
Butter: Adds richness and moisture, keeping the cake tender and decadent.
Eggs: Bind the ingredients together and contribute to the cake’s structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds subtle depth and rounds out the flavors beautifully.
Milk: Helps to create a smooth batter and tender crumb in the finished cake.
Powdered sugar: The base of the glaze, adding sweetness and a smooth finish.
Apple cider or lemon juice: Optional in the glaze for a slight tang to balance the sweetness perfectly.

Variations for Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

Feel free to customize this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake to suit your taste or dietary needs—this recipe is easy to adapt without losing any of its charm.

Use different apple varieties: Try Granny Smith for a tart contrast or Fuji for extra sweetness and firm texture.
Gluten-free version: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend made for baking with similar results.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with cinnamon for a spiced apple twist.
Swap the glaze: Drizzle with a caramel or maple glaze instead of cinnamon sugar for a richer finish.
Add nuts: Incorporate chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter for added crunch and flavor.

Irresistible Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Begin by peeling, coring, and dicing your Honeycrisp apples into small cubes. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar, then set aside to infuse the flavor. This step ensures the apples remain tender and flavorful inside the cake.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, sugar, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients create the perfect foundation for a light, spiced crumb that complements the apples wonderfully.

Step 3: Cream Butter and Eggs

Using a mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Add eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, and then stir in the vanilla extract. This creates a smooth and rich base for the batter.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Slowly add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with milk. Mix just until combined—over-mixing can make the cake tough, and you want to keep it tender.

Step 5: Fold in Apples

Gently fold the prepared Honeycrisp apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the fruit too much.

Step 6: Bake the Cake

Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan, smoothing the top evenly. Bake at the recommended temperature until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of apple cider or lemon juice to create a smooth, pourable glaze.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Drizzle the cinnamon glaze evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to set for a few minutes. Slice, serve, and enjoy the sweet, spiced goodness of your homemade Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake!

Pro Tips for Making Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

Don’t skip the glaze: It’s what makes this cake taste like a true apple fritter, adding that perfect sugary finish.
Use fresh apples: Honeycrisp is ideal for its balance of sweetness and tartness, but fresh apples in general will elevate this cake.
Watch your baking time: Overbaking can dry the cake out; check the cake a few minutes before the suggested time.
Room temperature ingredients: Make sure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smooth mixing and even baking.
Don’t over-mix batter: Stir just until combined to keep the crumb tender and soft.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

Garnishes

A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of additional ground cinnamon on top can add a simple, beautiful touch that enhances the cake’s flavor and appearance.

Side Dishes

Serve slices alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream to contrast the warm spices and sweet glaze. Plus, a hot cup of coffee or chai tea pairs perfectly with every bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving individual slices with drizzles of caramel sauce or chopped toasted pecans on top for a fancy touch that impresses guests effortlessly.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week to maintain freshness.

Freezing

This cake freezes beautifully—wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave for about 15 seconds or warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes to bring back a fresh-from-the-oven taste.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this cake?

Yes, while Honeycrisp apples are recommended for their sweet-tart balance and crisp texture, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith apples can work well, offering different levels of tartness and sweetness.

Is this cake suitable for gluten-free diets?

It can be made gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend. Make sure your baking powder is gluten-free for best results.

How long does the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake keep fresh?

When stored properly in an airtight container, the cake stays fresh for about 2 days at room temperature and up to a week in the refrigerator.

Can I make this cake vegan?

To make a vegan version, replace eggs with flax eggs or applesauce, use plant-based milk, and swap butter with vegan butter or coconut oil. Flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What’s the best way to avoid dry cake?

Be careful not to overbake—check with a toothpick a few minutes before the suggested time, and ensure your butter and eggs are at room temperature for a smoother batter.

Final Thoughts

If you love cozy fall flavors or just want a cake that feels like a warm hug, the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is your new go-to treat. Its blend of juicy apples, tender cake, and irresistible cinnamon glaze makes for a truly memorable dessert. Give it a try and watch it become a favorite in your home!

Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake

Author: Mary
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 12 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free (when using gluten-free flour blend)

Print Recipe

Description

The Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake is a moist and tender cake filled with juicy Honeycrisp apples and warm cinnamon spice, topped with a sweet cinnamon glaze. It combines the nostalgic flavors of apple fritters with the comforting texture of cake, making it a perfect dessert or snack for any time of the day.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Cake

3 cups Honeycrisp apples, peeled, cored, and diced
2 ½ cups all-purpose flour (or gluten-free baking blend for gluten-free option)
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder (ensure gluten-free if needed)
½ teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup milk, room temperature

For the Glaze

1 ½ cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 to 2 tablespoons apple cider or lemon juice (optional, for slight tang)

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and dice the Honeycrisp apples into small cubes. Toss them with a little cinnamon and sugar, then set aside to infuse the flavor. This ensures the apples remain tender and flavorful inside the cake.
Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, granulated sugar, and cinnamon. These dry ingredients form the perfect base for a light, spiced crumb that complements the apples.
Cream Butter and Eggs: Using an electric mixer, beat the butter until smooth and creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition, then stir in the vanilla extract to create a rich, smooth batter base.
Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the wet ingredients, alternating with the milk. Mix just until combined to avoid overmixing and keep the cake tender.
Fold in Apples: Gently fold the prepared Honeycrisp apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution without breaking down the fruit.
Bake the Cake: Pour the batter into a greased or parchment-lined 9×13-inch baking pan and smooth the top evenly. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-55 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean and the edges are golden brown.
Make the Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together powdered sugar, cinnamon, and a splash of apple cider or lemon juice until smooth and pourable.
Glaze and Serve: Drizzle the cinnamon glaze evenly over the cooled cake, allowing it to set for a few minutes. Slice and enjoy the sweet, spiced delight of the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake.

Notes

Don’t skip the glaze; it gives the cake its signature apple fritter finish.
Use fresh Honeycrisp apples for the best balance of sweetness and tartness.
Check the cake a few minutes before the suggested baking time to avoid overbaking and dryness.
Ensure butter, eggs, and milk are at room temperature for smoother mixing and even baking.
Stir the batter just until combined to keep the cake soft and tender.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Category: Desserts
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12th of cake)
Calories: 320
Sugar: 28g
Sodium: 180mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Honeycrisp apple cake, apple fritter cake, cinnamon apple cake, glazed apple cake, moist apple cake, fall dessert, easy apple cake