Apple Fritter Cake with Vanilla Glaze

A tender cinnamon cake layered with crisp diced apples and a buttery brown sugar swirl, then finished with a simple vanilla glaze for a cozy fall bakery-style dessert.

Prep: 20 min · Cook: 45 min · Yield: 9 · Method: Oven

Ingredients

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 0.75 cup granulated sugar
• 2 large eggs
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 0.75 cup whole milk
• 2 medium apples
• 0.5 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup confectioners' sugar

Cooking instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch square baking pan and line the bottom with parchment paper. Peel, core, and dice the apples into 1/4-inch pieces. (about 5 min) — 350°F
2. Whisk the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter and granulated sugar until light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Beat in the eggs one at a time, then mix in 1 teaspoon vanilla. (about 5 min)
3. Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture in three additions, alternating with the milk in two additions. Mix just until combined; do not overmix. Fold in the diced apples. (about 5 min)
4. Stir the brown sugar, melted butter, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon vanilla together. Spread half the batter in the prepared pan. Spoon the brown sugar mixture over it, leaving a small border, then spread the remaining batter on top. Drag a butter knife through the batter in a few gentle swirls. (about 5 min)
5. Bake until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with a few moist crumbs, 42 to 48 minutes. Cool in the pan for 20 minutes, then lift out and cool completely before glazing. (about 48 min) — 350°F
6. Whisk the confectioners' sugar with 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or water until smooth and pourable. Drizzle over the cooled cake, let it set for 10 minutes, then cut into squares. (about 10 min)