5 Delicious Reasons to Make These Baked Apple Fritters Today

If you love apple fritters but want a lighter twist on the traditional deep-fried treat, these Baked Apple Fritters are exactly what you need. Made with tender apple chunks, cozy cinnamon spice, and baked until golden, they’re a healthier alternative to classic fritters—without sacrificing flavor. These warm, comforting fall apple recipes are perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack.

Each bite of these baked fritters delivers that irresistible combination of crispy edges and a soft, fluffy center, packed with fresh apples and coated in a sweet vanilla glaze. Unlike the fried version, there’s no messy oil or splatter—just easy oven baking. Pair them with a hot mug of our butterscotch steamer or a cup of banana milk for the ultimate cozy breakfast or fall afternoon treat.

Looking for more seasonal baking inspiration? Don’t miss our peaches and cream loaf or fruity pebbles breakfast bread—both are reader-favorite baked breakfast recipes that pair beautifully with fruit-forward treats like these apple fritters.

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What Are Baked Apple Fritters?

Classic apple fritters are deep-fried pastries made with cinnamon-spiced dough and chunks of tender apple, usually finished with a sweet glaze. While traditional fritters are rich and satisfying, they also come with extra oil and calories from frying. This baked apple fritters recipe offers all the comforting flavor and texture you love—soft on the inside, crispy on the outside—without ever turning on the fryer.

Instead of frying, these baked fritters are cooked in the oven until golden and lightly crisp, making them a more wholesome option for everyday indulgence. They’re perfect as a part of your fall apple recipes collection or as a healthier spin on easy apple desserts. Plus, they’re incredibly simple to prepare—just like our fresh peach bundt cake or strawberry cheesecake dump cake, these come together quickly and taste like they came from a bakery.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔️ No Deep Frying – Less oil means a healthier, lighter treat!
✔️ Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick preparation.
✔️ Perfect for Fall & Year-Round – Warm cinnamon-spiced apples make these fritters a cozy treat.
✔️ Great for Breakfast or Dessert – Enjoy them with coffee in the morning or as a sweet snack anytime!

Ingredients for Baked Apple Fritters

To make these delicious fritters, you’ll need:

For the Fritters:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• 2 large apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120ml) milk
• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup (120g) powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

Kitchen Equipment Needed

To make these baked apple fritters, you’ll need:
✔️ Mixing bowls
✔️ Whisk
✔️ Measuring cups and spoons
✔️ Baking sheet
✔️ Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
✔️ Spoon or ice cream scoop for shaping fritters
✔️ Cooling rack

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

3. In a separate large bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until well combined.

Step 3: Combine the Batter

4. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Do not overmix!
5. Fold in the diced apples, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.

Step 4: Shape and Bake the Fritters

6. Using a spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter.
7. Bake for 15–18 minutes or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 5: Make the Glaze

8. While the fritters are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
9. Once the fritters are done, let them cool slightly on a wire rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters.

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy!

10. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.

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Tips for Perfect Apple Fritters

⭐ Use the Right Apples: Tart apples like Granny Smith add a nice balance of sweetness and acidity. Honeycrisp or Fuji work well too.
⭐ Don’t Overmix the Batter: Overmixing can make the fritters dense instead of light and fluffy. Stir until just combined.
⭐ Make Uniform Sizes: Use an ice cream scoop to ensure even baking.
⭐ Let Them Cool Slightly Before Glazing: This prevents the glaze from melting too much.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Overmixing the Batter: This can make the fritters tough. Mix just until combined.
❌ Skipping the Parchment Paper: Helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
❌ Not Checking for Doneness: Insert a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, they’re done!
❌ Applying Glaze Too Soon: If the fritters are too hot, the glaze will melt and become too thin.

Serving and Presentation Ideas

These Baked Apple Fritters are best enjoyed warm, but here are some fun serving ideas:

🍏 With a Cup of Coffee or Tea – A cozy pairing for breakfast or a snack.
🍯 Drizzle with Honey or Caramel Sauce – For extra sweetness.
🍦 Serve with a Scoop of Vanilla Ice Cream – Turns them into a decadent dessert!
🍁 Sprinkle with Cinnamon Sugar – Adds extra flavor and a slight crunch.

For a brunch spread that balances sweet and savory, pair these baked apple fritters with a hearty hash brown egg casserole. Or, keep things fruity and fun with a slice of fruity pebbles breakfast bread.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

Storage:

• Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
• For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating:

• Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes for the best texture.
• Microwave: Heat for 10–15 seconds to warm them up quickly.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

🍏 Gluten-Free Version: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
🥛 Dairy-Free Option: Substitute almond milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
🍎 Extra Spiced: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for a deeper fall flavor.
🍫 Chocolate Twist: Mix in chocolate chips for a sweet variation!

Craving more fruity bakes? You’ll love our peaches and cream loaf or the fresh peach bundt cake with a cinnamon glaze—perfect companions to these apple fritters.

FAQs About Baked Apple Fritters

Q: Can I use different types of apples?
A: Yes! Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or a mix of both works well.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can bake them a day in advance and store them in an airtight container. Just warm them up before serving.

Q: How do I make the glaze thicker?
A: Reduce the milk slightly or add more powdered sugar to reach your desired consistency.

Q: Can I freeze baked apple fritters?
A: Absolutely! Freeze them in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

These Baked Apple Fritters are a fantastic way to enjoy a classic treat without the extra oil from frying. Soft, fluffy, and bursting with apple-cinnamon goodness, they’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a warm, homemade treat that the whole family will love!

If you enjoyed these baked apple fritters, don’t miss our marshmallow cheesecake for something creamy, or try our irresistibly easy strawberry cheesecake dump cake for a fruity twist that’s just as simple to make.

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