These baked apple fritters are a lighter take on the classic bakery favorite, made easy in the oven instead of deep frying. They’re soft on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and filled with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or an afternoon treat, this recipe comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love It
You’ll love these fritters for their tender texture, cozy apple flavor, and no-fry method. Baking keeps them simple and less messy while still delivering that classic fritter taste everyone enjoys.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients)
- All-purpose flour – forms the base of the batter
- Granulated sugar – adds sweetness
- Baking powder – helps the fritters rise
- Salt – balances the sweetness
- Ground cinnamon – adds warm spice
- Ground nutmeg – gives depth of flavor
- Milk – keeps the batter moist
- Eggs – bind everything together
- Vanilla extract – enhances overall flavor
- Unsalted butter (melted) – adds richness
- Apples (peeled and diced) – the main flavor and texture
For the glaze:
- Powdered sugar – creates a smooth topping
- Milk – thins the glaze
- Vanilla extract – adds sweetness and aroma
Tools for This Recipe
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking pan
- Parchment paper
- Knife
How to Make It (Step-by-Step Overview)
Step Block 1 — Prep & Batter
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking pan with parchment paper
- In one bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients
- In a separate bowl, mix the milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla
- Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently mix
- Fold in the diced apples until evenly combined
Step Block 2 — Bake & Cool
- Spoon batter onto the prepared baking pan, leaving space between each
- Bake until lightly golden and set in the center
- Remove from the oven and allow fritters to cool slightly
- Drizzle with glaze and let it set before serving
Helpful Tips
- Do not overmix the batter, or the fritters may turn dense
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture
- Let fritters cool slightly before glazing so the glaze sets nicely
Substitutions & Variations
- Swap milk for a dairy-free alternative if needed
- Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for gluten-free fritters
- Add chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture
- Sprinkle extra cinnamon over the glaze for added warmth
What to Serve With It
These fritters pair well with coffee, tea, or warm apple cider. They’re great for breakfast spreads, brunch tables, or cozy weekend desserts.
Leftovers & Storage
- Store at room temperature in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Refrigerate for up to 5 days
- Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 3 months
- Reheat gently in the oven before serving
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, they can be baked a day ahead and glazed before serving.
How do I know they’re done?
They should be lightly golden and firm in the center.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just bake in batches so the fritters have space.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is recommended for the softest texture.
Conclusion
These baked apple fritters are an easy, comforting treat that brings classic flavor without the hassle of frying. Simple to make and perfect for sharing, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Give them a try and enjoy every warm, spiced bite.
Full Recipe
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Baked Apple Fritters
Description
Soft, oven-baked apple fritters filled with warm spices and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze.
Ingredients
-
For the fritters:
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1–1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- ½ cup milk (2% or whole)
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1½–2 cups peeled, diced apples (about 2 medium apples)
For the glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
-
Prep the oven and pan
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking pan or rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
-
Prep the apples
- Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces (about ¼–½ inch). Set aside.
-
Mix dry ingredients
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, granulated sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg (if using).
-
Mix wet ingredients
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla until smooth.
-
Combine batter
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients.
- Stir gently until just combined; do not overmix.
- Fold in the diced apples with a spatula until evenly distributed.
-
Portion the fritters
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared pan, leaving space between each one.
- Gently flatten the tops slightly with the back of a spoon if desired.
-
Bake
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the fritters are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
-
Cool
- Let the fritters cool on the pan for about 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
-
Make the glaze
- In a small bowl, whisk powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add a little more milk if needed to reach a thick but pourable consistency.
-
Glaze and serve
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm (not hot) fritters.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
For best texture, avoid overbaking; start checking around 15 minutes.
Small, evenly diced apples help the fritters bake evenly.
If freezing, glaze after thawing and reheating for the best look and texture.
