First Step: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and preparing a 9-inch springform pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper and give it a light spray of oil to ensure the cake releases easily after baking, setting the stage for a successful apple fritter cake.

Second Step: Cook the apples in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Combine 4 large apples (peeled and diced), 1/3 cup dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons salted butter, 1 and 3/4 teaspoons cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon cloves, and 1 tablespoon boiled or regular apple cider. Let this mixture simmer for 8 to 10 minutes until the apples turn tender and caramelized, then mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 teaspoon water and stir it in to thicken; set aside to cool slightly. This step builds the flavorful layers that make apple fritter cake special and can be adapted for different dietary needs by using vegan butter if required.

Third Step: Prepare the cake batter in one bowl for simplicity. Whisk together 1/3 cup melted salted butter, 1/4 cup vegetable oil, 1/2 cup granulated sugar, and 1/3 cup plus 1 tablespoon packed light brown sugar until well combined. Add 2 large eggs at room temperature, 1/3 cup full-fat sour cream, and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract, mixing until smooth. For a lower-fat option, you could swap sour cream with Greek yogurt here to customize your apple fritter cake.

Fourth Step: Fold in the dry ingredients halfway. Add 1 and 3/4 cups spooned and leveled all-purpose flour, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 1/4 teaspoon baking soda, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 and 1/4 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg to the wet mixture, stirring gently. Then, pour in 1/2 cup milk and mix just until combined, being careful not to overmix for the best texture; this ensures the apple fritter cake rises properly and stays moist.

Fifth Step: Layer the batter and apples in the prepared pan. Spread half of the batter evenly in the pan, followed by half of the cooked apples, then add the remaining batter and top with the rest of the apples for those delicious layers. If you’re making a vegan version, double-check your substitutes at this point to maintain the cake’s structure.

Sixth Step: Bake the cake for 46 to 52 minutes. Place it in the preheated oven and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick it should come out with moist crumbs. Once baked, let the cake cool in the pan for 15-20 minutes, then release the sides and transfer it to a rack.

Final Step: Make and apply the glaze. Whisk together 3/4 cup powdered sugar, 2 to 3 tablespoons boiled apple cider, 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 tablespoon water if needed to thin. Drizzle the glaze over the warm cake and let it cool for 30-40 minutes before serving. This finishing touch enhances the flavors, and you can adjust for low-sugar diets by reducing the powdered sugar slightly in your apple fritter cake.