If you adore that sweet, cinnamony, apple-flecked treat you find at your favorite coffee shop, then you’re going to fall head over heels for this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe. It’s basically an apple fritter in cake form—soft, cozy, and crowned with a glossy glaze that’s just the right amount of sweet with a hint of sea salt to balance it. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to make it all year long, not just fall!

❤️

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple-forward flavor: Using Honeycrisp apples gives the cake a perfect balance of tart and sweet with a crisp texture inside.
Easy to make: The steps are straightforward and forgiving, so you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful cake even if you’re not a baking pro.
The irresistible glaze: The vanilla glaze with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt turns this from good to absolutely crave-worthy.
Perfect for any occasion: Whether it’s a cozy weekend brunch or a dessert for friends, this cake always impresses.

The image shows three thick square slices of a baked dessert with a dark brown base full of small orange chunks inside, topped with a light drizzle of white glaze that has a shiny and smooth texture. The dessert slices sit on crinkled parchment paper with some scattered crumbs around. To the top left, there is a small blue and white vase holding a dark red flower with deep green leaves. The whole scene is lit by warm sunlight creating strong shadows and highlights, placed on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake, apple fritter cake recipe, easy apple cake with glaze, fall dessert recipes, homemade apple cake

Ingredients You’ll Need

This cake brings together ingredients that work wonderfully in harmony—the tender crumb from yogurt or sour cream, the rich warmth of cinnamon, and the sneaky magic of apple butter that deepens the apple flavor. Plus, using brown sugar adds a molasses note that makes you wish you were eating fall all year.

Flat lay of two bright Honeycrisp apples, a small mound of golden brown sugar, a stick of melted salted butter glistening, a dollop of creamy apple butter, a small jar of vanilla extract with a tiny spill, a heap of warm cinnamon powder, smooth white powdered sugar scattered lightly, and a few flakes of coarse sea salt crystals, all beautifully arranged on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake, apple fritter cake recipe, easy apple cake with glaze, fall dessert recipes, homemade apple cake

Salted butter: Melted butter adds richness and moisture, so don’t skip melting it beforehand.
Brown sugar: Provides warmth and a little caramel-like sweetness that complements the apples perfectly.
Apple butter (or applesauce/pumpkin butter): I like apple butter because it intensifies the apple flavor, but applesauce works in a pinch.
Greek yogurt or sour cream: These keep the cake incredibly moist and tender without being heavy.
Eggs: Make sure they’re at room temperature so the batter comes together smoothly.
Vanilla extract: Adds that lovely sweet aroma that elevates every bite.
All-purpose flour: The base of the cake – be gentle when mixing so you don’t overwork it.
Cinnamon: Essential for that classic apple fritter spice combo.
Baking powder and baking soda: These leavening agents work together to give the cake just the right lift.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances flavors.
Honeycrisp apples: Use fresh, crisp apples chopped into chunks—this adds great texture and brightness.
Powdered sugar, whole milk, vanilla extract (for glaze): Whisked together to make that shiny, luscious drizzle on top.
Flaky sea salt: Sprinkled on the glaze for a surprising crunch and flavor contrast.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Don’t be shy about tweaking it to suit what you have or your mood—this recipe loves a little personalization!

Swap the fruit: I’ve replaced Honeycrisp apples with Granny Smith for more tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness—both work beautifully.
Dairy-free option: Use coconut yogurt or dairy-free sour cream and a plant-based butter substitute for a vegan-friendly twist.
Add nuts: Chopped pecans or walnuts sprinkled between layers add a delicious crunch my family adores.
Spice it up: Experiment with warming spices like nutmeg or cardamom for depth beyond cinnamon.

How to Make Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Step 1: Get your oven and pan ready

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×9-inch baking dish with parchment paper so you can lift the cake out easily later—this little trick saves you from sticky edges and uneven cuts.

Step 2: Mix the batter

In a large bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, apple butter, and Greek yogurt. Then add eggs and vanilla extract, mixing gently but thoroughly. Now sift in the flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined—overmixing can make your cake tough, and we want it soft and fluffy!

Step 3: Prepare the apple filling

In a separate bowl, toss the chopped Honeycrisp apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla. This little coating helps the apples stay moist and flavorful inside the cake without making it soggy.

Step 4: Layer it up

Spread half of the batter evenly into the baking dish first. Then, sprinkle half the apple mixture evenly over the batter. Repeat with the remaining batter to cover the apples, then top it all with the rest of the apples, including any juices left in the bowl—this keeps every forkful juicy and delicious.

Step 5: Bake and cool

Pop the cake into the oven for 55-60 minutes or until it’s just set in the middle. I like to check with a toothpick inserted in the center—it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs, but no wet batter. When done, let the cake cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before glazing.

Step 6: Whip up the glaze and finish

While the cake cools, mix the powdered sugar, whole milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add milk gradually so the glaze isn’t too runny or too thick—it should drizzle easily but still coat the back of a spoon. Pour the glaze generously over the warm cake, then sprinkle flaky sea salt on top for that gorgeous sweet-salty finish.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Slicing apples evenly: I recommend using a sharp knife to chop your Honeycrisp apples into uniform pieces to ensure even baking and texture throughout the cake.
Don’t overmix batter: I used to beat the batter too much but learned that gentle folding keeps the cake tender and fluffy.
Check cake doneness early: Ovens vary, so start checking at 50 minutes to avoid overbaking and dry edges.
Glaze consistency matters: Thin glaze carefully with milk to avoid it running off the sides; aim for a pourable but thick texture.

How to Serve Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

A beige patterned plate holds a rectangular piece of dessert with a rough brown base layer filled with small golden-brown chunks. The top layer is covered in a thick white glaze dripping down the sides and pooling slightly on the plate. There are small scattered bits of the dessert around the main piece, and an old-fashioned silver fork rests diagonally across the plate, partially touching the dessert. The plate sits on a white marbled surface, with sunlight casting strong shadows. A portion of the dessert is also on crumpled brown paper at the bottom of the image, also drizzled with white glaze. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake, apple fritter cake recipe, easy apple cake with glaze, fall dessert recipes, homemade apple cake

Garnishes

When I serve this cake, I love adding a scattering of toasted chopped pecans on top besides the sea salt—adds crunch and a toasty note that’s irresistible. Sometimes a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream alongside the warm cake takes it to the next level of indulgence.

Side Dishes

Pair it with a hot cup of chai tea or spiced coffee to complement the cinnamon and apple flavors. For brunch, it’s amazing alongside scrambled eggs or even crispy bacon—you get this delightful sweet-and-savory harmony that’s unforgettable.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve served this cake at family gatherings in a rustic style, simply dusting powdered sugar on top for a snowy look, or drizzled in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. For holiday parties, topping slices with caramel drizzle and a sprig of fresh rosemary makes it festive and fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually wrap leftover cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days—just make sure it’s covered so it doesn’t dry out. If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate it and let it come back to room temp before eating.

Freezing

This cake freezes well! I slice it before freezing, then wrap individual pieces in foil and store in a zip-top bag. When you want a treat, just thaw overnight in the fridge and warm gently before serving.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes to bring back that fresh-baked warmth and soften the glaze just slightly. Microwaving works too, but the oven method keeps the cake’s texture better.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples in the Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe?

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp apples are my favorite because of their sweetness and firmness, you can swap in Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for sweeter notes. Just make sure to use apples that hold their shape well when baked, so the texture stays lovely and not mushy.
What’s the best way to store leftover cake?

Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and keep it at room temperature for up to two days. If you want it to last longer, refrigerate it. Before serving, let it come back to room temperature or warm it in the oven for the best texture.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes! You can substitute the Greek yogurt or sour cream with coconut or almond-based yogurts and use a dairy-free butter substitute. The texture might be slightly different but still delicious.
How thick should the glaze be?

The glaze should be pourable but thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a splash more milk; if too thin, add more powdered sugar. This balance helps it cling to the cake beautifully without just running off.

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Glazed Honeycrisp Apple Fritter Cake Recipe turns out every time—like a warm hug from the inside out. When I first tried baking it, I was amazed at how truly simple ingredients could make something this crave-worthy. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do, and that it becomes your go-to comfort dessert (or breakfast!) to share with friends and family. Give it a go—you won’t regret it!