Baked Apple Fritters Recipe – Easy, Sweet, and Cozy Fall Treat!
If you love bakery-style apple fritters but want an easier, healthier, and less messy version to make at home, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Baked Apple Fritters! 🍎✨
Unlike the traditional deep-fried variety, these fritters are baked to golden perfection, giving you all the sweet, spiced flavor and soft, fluffy texture without the excess oil. Imagine biting into a tender fritter, filled with chunks of juicy apple, kissed with cinnamon and nutmeg, and finished with a luscious vanilla glaze. It’s pure cozy baking bliss!
Perfect for fall mornings, brunch spreads, or anytime you’re craving a comforting treat, these baked fritters are a must-try. Serve them warm with coffee, or pair them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgent dessert. If you love cozy apple recipes, be sure to also check out this Apple Cinnamon Bread or this Easy Apple Crisp. 🍏
Ingredients
- For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – Provides structure to the batter.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Adds sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder – For a light fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Enhances overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds warm cozy spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Gives depth to the flavor profile.
- 2 large eggs – Binds the batter together.
- 1/2 cup whole milk – Adds moisture for a tender crumb.
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – For that sweet fragrant aroma.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted – Brings richness to the batter.
- 1 1/2 cups diced apples – Use tart-sweet varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance.
- For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – The sweet base of the glaze.
- 2 –3 tablespoons milk – Adjust as needed for consistency.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the glaze flavor.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prepare the Apple Fritter Batter
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Flour
- Sugar
- Baking powder
- Salt
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- In a separate bowl, whisk:
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Melted butter
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined.
- Gently fold in the diced apples. Do not overmix!
Step 3: Scoop the Fritters
- Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheet.
- Leave about 2 inches of space between each fritter.
Step 4: Bake
- Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fritters are set and lightly golden brown.
- A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 5: Make the Glaze
- While the fritters are baking, whisk together:
- Powdered sugar
- Milk
- Vanilla extract
- Adjust with a little more milk if the glaze is too thick.
Step 6: Glaze the Fritters
- Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the top.
- Allow the glaze to set for about 10 minutes (if you can wait!).
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!
- Serve warm or at room temperature with coffee, tea, or as a sweet afternoon snack.
Notes
Variations
Want to make these Baked Apple Fritters your own? Try these delicious twists: 1. Caramel Apple Fritters
Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for an extra indulgent treat! 2. Maple Glazed Fritters
Swap the vanilla glaze for a maple syrup glaze for cozy fall vibes. 3. Apple-Cranberry Fritters
Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart twist. 4. Spiced-Up Fritters
Add a pinch of clove or allspice to the batter for deeper warmth. 5. Nutty Fritters
Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. 6. Cinnamon Sugar Finish
Skip the glaze and toss the warm fritters in cinnamon sugar. Storage and Reheating
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. Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick refresh. Alternatively, heat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp. Freezing:
Freeze unglazed fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm and glaze before serving. 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they balance the sweetness of the batter. 2. Are these fritters sweet enough without glaze?
They are mildly sweet, but the glaze really takes them to the next level! 3. Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for similar results. 4. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond milk or oat milk works beautifully. 5. How do I prevent the fritters from spreading too much?
Make sure your batter is thick and don’t overmix. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. 6. Can I make mini apple fritters?
Yes! Scoop smaller portions and reduce bake time to about 8–10 minutes. 7. Can I add raisins?
Of course! Add 1/4 cup of raisins for extra sweetness. 8. Do these taste like doughnuts?
They do! They have that same warm, sweet flavor, but without the deep-frying. 9. Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It’s best to bake right after mixing, but you can prep your dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time. 10. What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve warm, with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert! Conclusion
These Baked Apple Fritters are a must-try for anyone who loves easy baking and cozy, comforting treats. 🍎 Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven on a crisp fall morning or packing them up for an autumn picnic, these fritters are sure to delight. They’re simple to make, require basic pantry ingredients, and are endlessly customizable. Plus, baking instead of frying makes them a bit lighter but still packed with flavor. Win-win! If you’re looking for more cozy baking ideas, check out this Homemade Apple Pie or these irresistible Apple Cider Donuts. Happy baking! 🍏✨
Want to make these Baked Apple Fritters your own? Try these delicious twists: 1. Caramel Apple Fritters
Drizzle caramel sauce over the glaze for an extra indulgent treat! 2. Maple Glazed Fritters
Swap the vanilla glaze for a maple syrup glaze for cozy fall vibes. 3. Apple-Cranberry Fritters
Fold in 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart twist. 4. Spiced-Up Fritters
Add a pinch of clove or allspice to the batter for deeper warmth. 5. Nutty Fritters
Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch. 6. Cinnamon Sugar Finish
Skip the glaze and toss the warm fritters in cinnamon sugar. Storage and Reheating
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. Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds for a quick refresh. Alternatively, heat in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes to re-crisp. Freezing:
Freeze unglazed fritters in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature, then warm and glaze before serving. 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use any type of apple?
Yes! Tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect because they balance the sweetness of the batter. 2. Are these fritters sweet enough without glaze?
They are mildly sweet, but the glaze really takes them to the next level! 3. Can I make these fritters gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for similar results. 4. Can I use plant-based milk?
Yes, almond milk or oat milk works beautifully. 5. How do I prevent the fritters from spreading too much?
Make sure your batter is thick and don’t overmix. Also, ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking. 6. Can I make mini apple fritters?
Yes! Scoop smaller portions and reduce bake time to about 8–10 minutes. 7. Can I add raisins?
Of course! Add 1/4 cup of raisins for extra sweetness. 8. Do these taste like doughnuts?
They do! They have that same warm, sweet flavor, but without the deep-frying. 9. Can I prepare the batter in advance?
It’s best to bake right after mixing, but you can prep your dry and wet ingredients separately ahead of time. 10. What’s the best way to serve these?
Serve warm, with a drizzle of glaze or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert! Conclusion
These Baked Apple Fritters are a must-try for anyone who loves easy baking and cozy, comforting treats. 🍎 Whether you’re enjoying them fresh out of the oven on a crisp fall morning or packing them up for an autumn picnic, these fritters are sure to delight. They’re simple to make, require basic pantry ingredients, and are endlessly customizable. Plus, baking instead of frying makes them a bit lighter but still packed with flavor. Win-win! If you’re looking for more cozy baking ideas, check out this Homemade Apple Pie or these irresistible Apple Cider Donuts. Happy baking! 🍏✨