Pull-Apart Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

Introduction

Pull-Apart Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful treat that combines soft biscuit dough with a sweet, spiced apple filling. This easy-to-make dessert is perfect for sharing and offers warm, gooey bites bursting with autumn flavors.

Ingredients

• 2 cans biscuit dough (about 16 biscuits)
• 1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup apple butter
• 2 cups apple, chopped into small squares (such as Honeycrisp)
• 1 1/2 tsp orange zest
• 1 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp apple pie spice
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp orange juice or milk
• 1/2 tsp orange zest (for glaze)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a deep dish 10” pie plate or tart plate with parchment paper. Set aside.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, mix the chopped apples, 1 1/2 tsp orange zest, brown sugar, and apple pie spice. Set this apple filling aside.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cinnamon and granulated sugar for the cinnamon sugar. Set aside.
4. Step 4: Unroll the biscuit dough and separate into 16 biscuits. Flatten each biscuit slightly. Place about 1/2 Tbsp apple butter in the center, then top with approximately 1 Tbsp apple filling. Reserve any leftover apple filling for later.
5. Step 5: Fold each biscuit in half and use a fork to seal and crimp the edges securely.
6. Step 6: Arrange 12 filled biscuits in a circle along the edge of the prepared pan, slightly overlapping and leaving a gap in the center.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the remaining apple filling over the dough in the pan.
8. Step 8: Place the remaining 4 filled biscuits on top, fitting them into the center gap so it’s covered fully.
9. Step 9: Pour the melted butter evenly over the dough and apples, then sprinkle with the cinnamon sugar mixture.
10. Step 10: Bake for 25-30 minutes until the dough is golden and the filling is bubbling. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before glazing.
11. Step 11: To make the glaze, whisk powdered sugar, remaining orange zest, orange juice (or milk), and vanilla together until smooth. Drizzle over the cake and let set for about 5 minutes.
12. Step 12: Serve warm. Enjoy by slicing or pulling apart with your hands.

Tips & Variations

• Try using different apple varieties like Fuji or Granny Smith for varied sweetness and tartness.
• For extra crunch, sprinkle some chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts on top before baking.
• If you prefer a stronger orange flavor, add a bit more orange zest to the glaze.
• You can substitute apple butter with cinnamon butter or honey for a twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers covered at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for 4-5 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave for 20-30 seconds or bake in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use homemade biscuit dough instead of canned?

Yes, homemade biscuit dough works well if you prefer to make it from scratch. Just ensure it is rolled out and cut into similar-sized rounds for even cooking.

Can I prepare this dessert in advance?

You can assemble the pull-apart cake up to the baking step and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just be sure to bring it to room temperature before placing it in the oven for best results.

Pull-Apart Apple Fritter Cake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x

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Description

This Pull-Apart Apple Fritter Cake is a delightful twist on classic apple fritters, featuring tender biscuit dough filled with spiced apple filling, baked to golden perfection, and topped with a zesty orange glaze. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, this cake offers gooey apple filling and cinnamon sugar sweetness in every pull-apart bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Biscuit Dough

• 2 cans biscuit dough (about 16 biscuits)
• 1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup apple butter

Apple Filling

• 2 cups apple, chopped into small squares (Honeycrisp recommended)
• 1 1/2 tsp orange zest
• 1 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar
• 1/2 tsp apple pie spice

Cinnamon Sugar

• 1 1/2 Tbsp granulated sugar
• 3/4 tsp cinnamon

Orange Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 Tbsp orange juice (or milk)
• 1/2 tsp orange zest
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a deep dish 10-inch pie plate or tart plate with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Set aside.
2. Prepare Apple Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped apples, orange zest, brown sugar, and apple pie spice. Stir thoroughly to evenly coat the apple pieces. Set aside to let flavors meld.
3. Make Cinnamon Sugar: In a small bowl, whisk together the granulated sugar and cinnamon until well mixed. Set aside for later use.
4. Prepare Biscuit Dough: Unroll the two cans of biscuits and separate into 16 individual biscuits. Flatten each biscuit slightly with your hands or a rolling pin.
5. Fill Biscuit Dough: Place about 1/2 tablespoon of apple butter in the center of each flattened biscuit. Then add approximately 1 tablespoon of the apple filling on top of the apple butter. Note that there will be leftover apple filling reserved for assembling the cake.
6. Seal Biscuits: Fold each biscuit in half over the filling, then use a fork to press and crimp the edges, sealing them completely to keep the filling inside during baking.
7. Arrange Bottom Layer: Place 12 filled biscuits in a fanned circle around the edge of the prepared pan, overlapping slightly, and leave a space in the center of the pan.
8. Add Remaining Filling: Sprinkle the leftover apple filling evenly over the biscuits and around the pan center.
9. Top Layer Arrangement: Place the remaining 4 filled biscuits on top of the apple filling, positioning a corner of each in the center gap so they fully cover it.
10. Butter and Cinnamon Sugar: Pour the melted butter evenly over the entire assembly, then sprinkle the prepared cinnamon sugar generously on top.
11. Bake the Cake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the biscuit dough is golden brown and the apple filling is bubbly and gooey.
12. Cool: Remove the cake from the oven and let it cool for 10 to 15 minutes to set before glazing.
13. Prepare Orange Glaze: While the cake cools, whisk together the powdered sugar, orange zest, orange juice (or milk), and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
14. Glaze the Cake: Drizzle the orange glaze evenly over the warm apple fritter cake and let it set for about 5 minutes.
15. Serve: Serve the cake warm. It can be sliced or pulled apart by hand for a fun and tasty treat.

Notes

• Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
• Apple butter adds moisture and deeper apple flavor; substitute with cinnamon jam if unavailable.
• Be sure to seal biscuit edges well to prevent filling leakage during baking.
• The pie plate or tart plate should be deep to hold the filling without spilling.
• Allowing the cake to cool slightly before glazing helps the glaze set better.
• If orange juice is not available, milk can be used in the glaze though it will alter the flavor slightly.
• This recipe can be made ahead and baked just before serving; assemble and refrigerate for up to 6 hours.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Baking
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: apple fritter cake, pull-apart cake, apple dessert, cinnamon sugar, orange glaze, easy baking, biscuit dough dessert