Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

If your kitchen craves the cozy aroma of autumn and the sweet satisfaction of a treat that’s both comforting and just a tad indulgent, then these Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new obsession. Imagine crisp chunks of tart apple nestled inside a cinnamon-kissed dough, all baked to golden perfection and draped with a dreamy vanilla glaze. This recipe brings all the nostalgia of a bakery-fresh fritter to your own oven with way less fuss and a lot less guilt. Baked, not fried—every bite is apple-forward, perfectly fluffy, and irresistibly delicious!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

What’s beautiful about Baked Apple Fritters is just how simple the ingredients list is! Each item has an essential role, bringing flavor, moisture, or that signature soft, tender crumb that makes these fritters so unforgettable.

• All-purpose flour: The structure and backbone of your fritters, providing the right amount of chew.
• Granulated sugar: Sweetness in every bite, helping the fritters brown appealingly in the oven.
• Baking powder: Essential for lift and fluffiness—no dry, dense fritters here!
• Cinnamon: A warm spice that’s pure magic with apples, giving that classic, comforting aroma.
• Salt: Just a pinch elevates and balances all the sweet flavors beautifully.
• Milk: Keeps the batter moist and helps create a soft, tender crumb.
• Large egg: Binds everything together and gives structure and richness to the dough.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and helps keep the fritters extra moist and flavorful.
• Vanilla extract: Just a splash intensifies the sweetness and warmth of every bite.
• Peeled and diced apples: The star of Baked Apple Fritters! Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold up beautifully and deliver a juicy, tart pop.
• For the glaze: Powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract spin together for a lush, glossy topping that sets with the prettiest finish.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven

Start by inviting some warmth into your kitchen: preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This little step ensures the fritters won’t stick, and a lined pan will make clean-up a breeze.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing the dry ingredients first helps ensure the baking powder and cinnamon are evenly distributed, which leads to perfectly fluffy fritters with just the right amount of spice in every bite.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing these separately before combining them with the dry ingredients helps prevent over-mixing and gives you a smoother batter.

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Pour your wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir gently until just combined. Don’t be tempted to over-mix—stir just until there are no big streaks of flour left. Now, fold in those gorgeous, juicy diced apples! They’ll add pops of tart sweetness and moisture throughout your fritters.

Step 5: Scoop and Shape

Using about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter, scoop onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a few inches between each fritter. With a spoon, flatten each slightly to create that classic, rustic fritter shape. This ensures they bake up evenly and get just the right amount of golden edges.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the Baked Apple Fritters for 14 to 16 minutes, or until they’re puffed, golden brown, and set. You’ll know they’re done when the kitchen is full of that heavenly apple-cinnamon aroma and the fritters spring back when gently touched.

Step 7: Glaze!

While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Once the fritters come out of the oven, drizzle generously with this luscious glaze—or dip the tops into the glaze if you love a thick, sweet layer. Let the glaze set before serving, if you can resist!

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Baked Apple Fritters Garnishes

Garnishing your Baked Apple Fritters is half the fun! Try a final dusting of cinnamon sugar before baking for an extra pop of sweetness, or finish with a few toasted pecans or walnuts on top of the glaze for a bit of crunch. If you’re feeling fancy, a little sprinkle of flaky sea salt can make those flavors really pop.

Side Dishes

These fritters pair beautifully with fresh fruit, a bowl of creamy Greek yogurt, or a steaming cup of coffee or chai. For a brunch spread, serve alongside crispy bacon or soft scrambled eggs to balance the sweetness. You could even add a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re leaning into dessert territory!

Creative Ways to Present

For gatherings or special occasions, arrange your Baked Apple Fritters on a platter with small bowls of various dips: caramel sauce, sweetened cream cheese, or chocolate ganache. Stack them tall on a cake stand for a festive brunch centerpiece, or wrap individual fritters in wax paper and pack them in lunchboxes or picnic baskets for a sweet surprise.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Baked Apple Fritters tasting their best, store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If it’s particularly humid, pop them in the fridge—just know the glaze may weep a bit, but the flavor will still be amazing.

Freezing

These fritters freeze wonderfully! Let them cool to room temperature, then arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet to freeze solid. Transfer to a freezer bag or container, separating layers with parchment paper. When you’re ready for a treat, let them thaw at room temperature and reheat as needed.

Reheating

Reheat Baked Apple Fritters in the microwave for 15-20 seconds per fritter, or in a toaster oven at 300°F for about 5 minutes. This will revive their soft, fluffy texture and make the glaze just a little gooey again—almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert, Breakfast

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are standouts for their tart flavor and firmness, feel free to experiment with Golden Delicious, Fuji, or even a mix of whatever you have on hand. Just avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, which can become mushy during baking.

Can I make these Baked Apple Fritters gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour blend using a 1:1 ratio. Be sure it includes xanthan gum for structure, or add 1/2 teaspoon if not. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is it possible to make Baked Apple Fritters ahead of time?

You sure can. Prepare and bake the fritters as written, then let them cool completely. Store unglazed fritters in an airtight container, and add the glaze just before serving for the freshest taste and prettiest finish.

Can I add nuts or other fruit to the batter?

Go for it! Fold in a handful of chopped toasted pecans, walnuts, or even dried cranberries along with the apples for added flavor, crunch, and a bit of visual flair. Just keep the total add-ins to about 1/2 cup so the batter stays together.

What if I don’t have parchment paper for baking?

No worries—just grease your baking sheet well with butter or nonstick spray to ensure the fritters release easily. Parchment does offer the easiest clean-up and best browning, but it’s not essential.

Final Thoughts

If you love the flavors of apple pie but crave something delightfully easier and lighter, give these Baked Apple Fritters a spin in your oven. One bite is all it takes to fall for the warm cinnamon, tender apple, and that just-sweet-enough glaze. Happy baking, and enjoy every golden, gooey bite!

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