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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe – Crispy, Sweet, and Oven-Baked Perfection!

If you're craving the comforting taste of fall — warm cinnamon, juicy apples, and a sweet glaze — but want to skip the frying oil, then these Baked Apple Fritters are for you. This recipe delivers everything you love about classic apple fritters: golden brown edges, a soft cake-like center, and spiced apple chunks in every bite. But here’s the twist — they’re baked, not fried. These fritters are easy, lighter, and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday treat. Made with simple pantry staples and fresh apples, you can whip up a batch in under an hour. They're tender, cozy, and deliciously addictive, with a vanilla glaze that drips into all the nooks and crannies. Let’s bake a dozen of these irresistible fritters that will make your kitchen smell like a warm apple orchard.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
bake & Cooling & Glazing time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 12 fritters
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍎 For the Fritters:
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour – The foundation of the batter ensuring structure
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar – Provides just the right level of sweetness
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder – Helps create a light fluffy texture
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness and enhances flavor
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – Adds cozy aromatic warmth
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg – Brings depth and richness to the spice mix
  • 2 large eggs – Bind the ingredients together
  • 1/2 cup whole milk – Adds moisture and creaminess
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – Boosts the warm bakery-style flavor
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted – Adds moisture and richness
  • 1 1/2 cups diced apples – Tart-sweet and tender use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
🍥 For the Glaze:
  • 1 cup powdered sugar – Smooth sweet base
  • 2 –3 tablespoons milk – Adjust as needed for glaze consistency
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract – Adds depth and fragrance

Equipment

  • You don’t need any special tools for these oven-baked treats, just a few baking basics:
  • Mixing bowls (large and medium)
  • Whisk and silicone spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Ice cream scoop or spoon (for portioning)
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
  • Cooling rack
  • Small bowl – for glaze

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until well combined.
Step 3: Whisk Wet Ingredients
  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth.
Step 4: Combine Batter
  1. Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined — don’t overmix.
  2. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring even distribution throughout the batter.
Step 5: Scoop Fritters
  1. Using an ice cream scoop or large spoon, drop heaping scoops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart.
  2. Optional Tip: Gently flatten each mound with the back of the spoon to create a fritter-like shape.
Step 6: Bake
  1. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  2. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely before glazing.
Step 7: Make the Glaze
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
  2. Adjust consistency by adding a bit more milk (for thinner glaze) or powdered sugar (for thicker).
Step 8: Glaze the Fritters
  1. Drizzle the glaze generously over the slightly warm fritters. Let the glaze set for 5–10 minutes.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for 2–3 days.
Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Reheating:
Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes.
Add fresh glaze if reheating multiple times, as it can dissolve.
Avoid stacking fritters while warm to preserve the crisp edges.
🥄 Variations
These fritters are easily customizable. Try these fun flavor twists:
Caramel Apple Fritters: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.
Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup in the glaze for extra autumn vibes.
Spiced Pear Fritters: Substitute apples with diced ripe pears and a pinch of cardamom.
Nuts & Apples: Fold in 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch.
Mini Fritters: Use a tablespoon to scoop and bake bite-sized fritters (reduce bake time to 12–15 minutes).
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with flax eggs and use almond milk and plant-based butter.
❓ 10 FAQs
1. Can I use different apple varieties?
Yes! Granny Smith adds tartness; Honeycrisp or Fuji give a sweeter bite. Avoid overly soft apples like Red Delicious.
2. Can I fry this recipe instead of baking?
This batter is designed for baking. For frying, you’ll need a thicker batter and oil-safe adjustments.
3. Do these taste like traditional apple fritters?
They have the same cozy flavor and cinnamon-apple goodness, but with a lighter, more muffin-like texture.
4. Can I skip the glaze?
Yes, but the glaze adds sweetness and classic apple fritter shine. Try a dusting of powdered sugar instead.
5. Why did my fritters turn out dry?
Be sure not to overbake. Check them at 18 minutes and remove when just golden.
6. Can I freeze baked apple fritters?
Absolutely! Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.
7. Can I make the batter ahead of time?
It’s best baked fresh, but you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately the night before and combine in the morning.
8. How do I make the glaze thicker?
Add more powdered sugar. For thinner glaze, add more milk — adjust a teaspoon at a time.
9. What’s the best way to dice apples for fritters?
Peel and dice apples into ¼-inch cubes for even baking and perfect texture in every bite.
10. Can I use a muffin tin instead of a baking sheet?
Yes! Spoon batter into greased muffin cups for more structured fritter muffins. Bake ~18 minutes.
🏁 Conclusion
These Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect answer when you want a cozy, sweet treat without the mess of frying. Bursting with juicy apples, warm spices, and a drizzle of vanilla glaze, they’re the ultimate fall indulgence — without the guilt.
Quick, simple, and crowd-pleasing, these fritters make your kitchen smell amazing and your mornings feel special. Whether you’re serving them for brunch, dessert, or a holiday breakfast spread, they’re guaranteed to bring comfort and joy.
So grab your apples, preheat your oven, and bake up a batch of fritter magic today!