Warm cinnamon-spiced cake, gooey apple pie filling, and a sweet vanilla glaze—this Apple Fritter Cake tastes just like your favorite apple fritter donut, but in easy, no-fuss cake form! Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this recipe uses a simple cake mix hack for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Whether you’re hosting a cozy autumn gathering or just craving a comforting homemade treat, this cake delivers big flavor with little work. Let’s bake!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Tastes like an apple fritter – All the flavors of fried dough & spiced apples, but easier!
✔ Uses a cake mix shortcut – No measuring flour, baking powder, etc.
✔ Crowd-pleasing dessert – Perfect for potlucks, holidays, or weekend treats.
✔ Soft, moist texture – Thanks to sour cream in the batter.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Cake
- 1 box (15.25 oz) white cake mix (2-layer size)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon (for warm spice)
- 1 cup sour cream (makes it extra moist)
- 3 large eggs
- ¼ cup water (to thin the batter slightly)
- 1 (21 oz) can apple pie filling (or homemade stewed apples)
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1–1½ tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
Optional Add-Ins:
- ½ tsp vanilla extract (in the glaze)
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (in the batter)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish (or line with parchment paper).
2. Make the Cake Batter
- In a large bowl, combine cake mix, cinnamon, sour cream, eggs, and water.
- Beat with a mixer on medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
3. Assemble the Cake
- Pour batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Spoon apple pie filling evenly over the top (don’t mix in—it’ll sink slightly while baking).
4. Bake to Perfection
- Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool 10 minutes before glazing.
5. Make the Glaze
- Whisk powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle over the warm cake (it’ll soak in slightly for extra sweetness).
6. Serve & Enjoy!
- Best served slightly warm with coffee or tea.
- Store leftovers covered at room temp for up to 3 days.
Pro Tips for the Best Apple Fritter Cake
🍎 Use Chunky Apple Filling – If your pie filling has big apple pieces, chop them slightly for even distribution.
🔥 Don’t Overbake – The cake should be golden and springy—overbaking dries it out.
🧁 Extra Fluffy Texture – Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt if needed.
🍯 Caramel Drizzle Option – Replace glaze with warmed caramel sauce for a richer flavor.
Variations to Try
1. Brown Sugar Cinnamon Streusel
- Mix ½ cup flour, ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 tsp cinnamon, and 3 tbsp melted butter—sprinkle over apples before baking.
2. Cream Cheese Swirl
- Beat 4 oz softened cream cheese + ¼ cup sugar + 1 egg—swirl into batter before adding apples.
3. Gluten-Free Version
- Use a GF cake mix and ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh apples instead of pie filling?
Yes! Simmer 2 cups diced apples + 2 tbsp sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon + 1 tbsp lemon juice until tender.
Can I make this in a Bundt pan?
Absolutely! Grease well, bake 40–45 mins, and invert carefully.
How do I store leftovers?
Cover at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Serving Suggestions
☕ With coffee or chai tea – The perfect morning pairing.
🍦 À la mode – Top with vanilla ice cream for dessert.
🥮 Holiday dessert – Great for Thanksgiving or Christmas brunch!
Final Thoughts
This Apple Fritter Cake is the ultimate easy dessert—packed with cinnamon apples, moist cake, and sweet glaze, it’s a guaranteed hit. Plus, it’s so simple, you’ll make it again and again!
Want more cozy fall recipes? Try these next: