If you’ve ever found yourself craving the nostalgia of a county fair treat but wanted something a bit lighter and easier to whip up at home, these Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new obsession. They’re packed with juicy apple chunks, kissed with warm spices, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that begs to be drizzled generously. Easy to make, crowd-pleasing, and perfect for breakfast or dessert, this recipe brings all the magic of classic fritters without the mess of frying. You’ll want to make a double batch—trust me!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Apple Fritters is that they come together with pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients. Each one plays a unique role in creating that soft, fluffy texture and irresistible flavor that makes these fritters so special.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, giving the fritters their tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning.
Baking powder: Ensures the fritters puff up for a light, cake-like bite.
Cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with apples.
Nutmeg: Just a pinch deepens the spice profile for extra fall flavor.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out all the flavors.
Milk: Keeps the batter moist and smooth—any type Breakfast, Dessert
Eggs: Bind everything together and give the fritters structure.
Vanilla extract: Adds a lovely aromatic note to both fritters and glaze.
Unsalted butter (melted): For richness and that classic bakery-style taste.
Peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp add tartness and texture in every bite.
Powdered sugar: The base for a silky-smooth, sweet glaze.
Milk (for glaze): Helps achieve the perfect pourable consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Rounds out the sweetness in the glaze.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze. If you’re a fan of extra-crispy edges, you can also lightly brush the parchment with a little melted butter.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This step ensures your spices are evenly distributed and prevents any lumps, so every bite of your Baked Apple Fritters is full of flavor.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until fully combined. This mixture will help create a moist and tender batter that holds the apples perfectly.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Don’t overmix—stirring just until you see no streaks of flour keeps the fritters light. Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 5: Portion and Shape the Fritters

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup or an ice cream scoop, drop mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Flatten the tops slightly with the back of your spoon for that classic fritter shape—this helps them bake evenly and gives them a beautiful surface for the glaze.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake for 14 to 17 minutes, or until the Baked Apple Fritters are golden and set. Your kitchen will smell heavenly! You’ll know they’re ready when the edges are lightly browned and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Step 7: Make the Glaze

While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and glossy. Adjust the milk as needed for your desired consistency—it should be thick but pourable.

Step 8: Glaze and Serve

Once the fritters are out of the oven, let them cool for about 5 minutes (if you can wait that long!). Drizzle each one with the vanilla glaze, letting it drip down the sides. These are delightful warm, but just as tasty at room temperature.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Garnishes

A little flourish goes a long way! Dust your Baked Apple Fritters with extra powdered sugar, sprinkle on cinnamon, or even add a handful of chopped toasted pecans for crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a thin drizzle of caramel sauce takes these over the top.

Side Dishes

These fritters make a show-stopping centerpiece for brunch alongside crispy bacon, scrambled eggs, or a fresh fruit salad. For dessert, pair them with a scoop of vanilla or cinnamon ice cream for a truly decadent treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the fritters on a rustic wooden board for a cozy autumn vibe, or arrange them in a doughnut tower topped with edible flowers for a festive brunch display. For parties, serve mini fritters on skewers with a side of warm glaze for dipping.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Baked Apple Fritters left (which is a big “if”), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. This keeps them moist and prevents the glaze from getting sticky.

Freezing

To freeze, skip the glaze and let the fritters cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to two months—just thaw and glaze before serving.

Reheating

For best results, warm leftover fritters in a 300°F oven for 5 to 7 minutes to revive their tender texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but they’ll be soft rather than crisp. Add fresh glaze after reheating for that just-baked finish.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for Baked Apple Fritters?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their tartness and texture, feel free to use any apple you love or have on hand. Fuji, Braeburn, or Gala work beautifully, too.

Can I make Baked Apple Fritters gluten-free?

Yes, you can substitute a good-quality 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour. Just make sure your baking powder is also gluten-free for best results.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeled apples give your fritters a soft, consistent texture, but if you like a bit of extra bite and color, you can definitely leave the peels on. Just dice the apples small so they bake evenly.

Can I add nuts or raisins?

Of course! Chopped pecans, walnuts, or even golden raisins add great texture and flavor. Stir them in with the apples, about 1/4 cup per batch, for a fun twist on classic Baked Apple Fritters.

How do I make the glaze thicker or thinner?

It’s all about the milk-to-powdered sugar ratio. Add more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze, or a splash more milk for a thinner drizzle. Start small—you can always add, but you can’t take away!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about baking up a fresh batch of Baked Apple Fritters at home. Whether you’re sharing them with loved ones or sneaking a warm one straight from the tray, this recipe is sure to become a staple. Give them a try and let the sweet, spiced aroma fill your kitchen—you’ll be hooked from the very first bite!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 13 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 8 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Baked Apple Fritters are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic fried version. Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, tender apples are folded into a fluffy batter and baked until golden. Finished with a light vanilla glaze, they make an ideal breakfast treat or a comforting dessert that’s easy to prepare and enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients

2/3 cup milk
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Main Ingredient

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Glaze

1/2 cup powdered sugar
1–2 tablespoons milk
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined and evenly distributed.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, beat the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter together until smooth and fully incorporated.
Create the batter: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients bowl, stirring gently until just combined to avoid overmixing, which could make the fritters tough.
Fold in apples: Carefully fold the peeled and diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed without breaking them apart.
Scoop fritters: Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop about 1/4 cup of batter for each fritter onto the prepared baking sheet. Flatten each slightly with the back of the spoon to encourage even baking.
Bake: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 14–17 minutes, or until the fritters turn golden brown and are set in the middle.
Prepare glaze: While fritters are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth and free of lumps.
Cool and glaze: Remove the fritters from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for about 5 minutes. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters to add a sweet finishing touch.
Serve: Enjoy the fritters warm or at room temperature for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

For crispier edges, lightly brush the tops of the fritters with melted butter before baking.
Enhance the flavor by adding chopped pecans or a pinch of apple pie spice to the batter.
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh on the same day but can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American