Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's both easy to make and incredibly delicious? Look no further! This apple fritter cake recipe brings all the joy of classic apple fritters into a convenient, single-pan cake. It’s the perfect blend of sweet, spiced apples and a tender, melt-in-your-mouth crumb. This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a weekend baking project, or even a delightful addition to your next brunch gathering. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet spectacular dessert!
Ingredients:
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For the Cake:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking soda
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 1 ¾ cups granulated sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended), peeled, cored, and diced
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For the Glaze (Optional):
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-4 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preheat & Prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures even baking and easy removal of your delicious cake.
Mixing the Batter:
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This dry ingredient mix is the foundation of our fluffy cake.
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In a large bowl, cream together the softened butter and sugar until light and fluffy. This step incorporates air into the batter, resulting in a lighter texture. Use an electric mixer for best results.
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Beat in the eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla extract.
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Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, alternating with the buttermilk, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; don’t overmix.
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Gently fold in the diced apples.
Baking the Cake:
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Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly.
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Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
Making the Glaze (Optional):
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While the cake is still warm, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the amount of milk to achieve your desired consistency.
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Pour the glaze over the warm cake and let it drizzle down the sides.
Serving & Enjoying Your Delicious Creation:
Let the cake cool slightly before slicing and serving. This apple fritter cake is best enjoyed warm, but it's also delicious at room temperature. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra special treat.
Cooking Tips for the Best Apple Fritter Cake:
- Don't overmix the batter: Overmixing can lead to a tough cake. Mix until just combined.
- Use fresh apples: Fresh apples provide the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of spices to your liking.
- Add nuts: For extra texture and flavor, add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter.
Variations:
- Cinnamon Swirl: Add a swirl of cinnamon sugar to the batter before baking for extra cinnamon flavor.
- Cranberry Apple Fritter Cake: Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the batter along with the apples.
- Maple Glaze: Use maple syrup instead of milk in the glaze for a delightful maple flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of your servings and the specific ingredients used. For a precise nutritional breakdown, use a nutrition calculator with the exact ingredients and serving sizes. Generally, expect this recipe to be relatively high in carbohydrates and sugar due to the nature of the ingredients. It is best enjoyed as an occasional treat.
This easy apple fritter cake recipe is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of delicious dishes and quick dinner ideas. It's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. Enjoy the homemade cooking experience and the wonderful aroma that will fill your home!