If you love the warm, spiced flavors of classic fair treats but want a lighter twist you can enjoy any time, you are in for a delight! This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe brings together juicy apples, tender bites of cakey dough, and a luscious glaze, all without a fryer in sight. Each fritter comes out golden and puffy, studded with sweet apple bits, and draped with just enough vanilla glaze to make every bite irresistible. It’s the kind of comforting bake that turns a chilly morning into a celebration, and it might just become your new go-to treat.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

There’s real magic in how a handful of humble pantry staples can transform into bakery-style fritters. Each ingredient in this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe has a delicious purpose, from adding moistness to giving that classic, cozy spice.

All-purpose flour: The backbone of our fritter dough, providing structure and the perfect crumb.
Granulated sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with that gorgeous golden color.
Baking powder: Gives the fritters lift, so they’re light and airy instead of dense.
Baking soda: Boosts the rise and works with the acid in the apples for extra tenderness.
Salt: Balances all the sweet notes and enhances the apple and spice flavors.
Cinnamon: The must-have spice for warmth and that unbeatable apple-pie aroma.
Nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy spice that deepens the flavor profile.
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Chopped apples bring bursts of juicy texture and just the right tartness—don’t skimp here!
Eggs: Provide moisture and bind everything together so your fritters hold their shape.
Milk: Loosens the batter for a tender bite and creamy consistency.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds rich flavor and a hint of decadence in every mouthful.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out both the batter and the glaze with beautiful, bakery-style aroma.
Powdered sugar: The secret to that dreamy sweet glaze on top!
Milk (for glaze): Blends the powdered sugar into a smooth, pourable consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): A little more vanilla transforms the glaze into something you’ll want to eat by the spoonful.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes sure your fritters bake evenly and don’t stick—which means more golden fritters and less cleanup later!

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing these ingredients first helps distribute the spices evenly, so every bite of your Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is packed with flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk your eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until everything’s smooth. This creates a rich base, and the extra vanilla brings warmth to both the dough and the glaze.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the wet, and gently fold everything together until just combined. You don’t want to overmix or the fritters might turn tough. Next, fold in those diced apples so they’re evenly scattered throughout the batter.

Step 5: Shape & Bake

Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving some space so the fritters can puff and spread. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes—when they’re golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready. Try not to peek too many times while those heavenly smells fill your kitchen!

Step 6: Prepare the Glaze

While your fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and a little vanilla extract until silky and pourable. This sweet glaze is simple, but it chimes in perfectly with the cinnamon apples.

Step 7: Glaze & Serve

Let your fritters cool for a few minutes before drizzling with the glaze. The warmth helps it soak in just a touch, mingling with the tender dough for that melt-in-your-mouth moment.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Garnishes

For an extra-special finish, I love to sprinkle the glazed fritters with just a dusting of powdered sugar or some finely chopped toasted pecans. Even a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the top adds dramatic flair and even more cozy aroma.

Side Dishes

These Baked Apple Fritters are fantastic alongside a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or warm apple cider. For brunch, pair with scrambled eggs or a crisp green salad to balance out the sweetness.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack fritters on a rustic wooden board with small ramekins of caramel sauce, or set them atop scoops of vanilla ice cream for an apple fritter sundae! For a holiday breakfast, tuck a few into bakery-style bags as edible gifts your friends and neighbors will adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Baked Apple Fritters Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days. If you want to keep them ultra fresh, pop them in the fridge and enjoy within 4 days. A quick stint in the oven or microwave restores their irresistible softness.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the fritters before glazing. Wrap each one in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw at room temperature or gently reheat and glaze just before serving for a fresh-baked taste.

Reheating

If your fritters have been stored, preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C) and warm for about 5 minutes, or microwave for 15 seconds. This brings back the light, fluffy texture and revives the glaze beautifully.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple in this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe?

Definitely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are top choices for their balance of tartness and sweetness, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Gala, or even Pink Lady apples for a slightly different but equally delicious result.

What’s the best way to make the fritters gluten free?

Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1-to-1 gluten free baking blend. Make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure, and check that your other ingredients are certified gluten free to accommodate allergies.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Since the baking powder and baking soda start working as soon as they’re mixed, it’s best to bake the fritters shortly after combining the batter. However, you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately and mix right before baking for ease.

How do I keep the fritters moist?

The apples themselves help lock in moisture, but be careful not to overbake. Storing them well-sealed will keep them soft for longer, and a quick warm-up brings them back to just-baked tenderness.

Is the glaze necessary or can I skip it?

The classic glaze adds that iconic sweetness and shine, but if you prefer something simpler, dust the warm fritters with cinnamon sugar or enjoy them plain—the apples and spice shine through either way.

Final Thoughts

This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is pure comfort food made a little healthier and even more approachable. Give it a try, share with friends, and don’t be surprised if you crave another batch as soon as the last crumb disappears!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 10 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These baked apple fritters are a delightful treat that combines the sweet and tart flavors of apples with warm spices, all baked to golden perfection. Perfect for breakfast or as a sweet snack!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Make the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the diced apples.
Shape & Bake: Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze: While fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze & Serve: Let the fritters cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. Enjoy warm!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Category: Breakfast, Snack
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American