Baked Apple Fritters offer all the warm, spiced goodness of traditional apple fritters but with a lighter, healthier twist. Instead of deep frying, these fritters are baked to golden perfection, creating a tender, cake-like texture with sweet, juicy apple pieces in every bite. Finished with a simple glaze, they make a delightful breakfast, snack, or dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lighter & Healthier – Baked instead of fried, making them a guilt-free treat.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and no deep frying required.
- Warm & Comforting – Filled with soft apples and warm cinnamon flavor.
- Perfect for Any Time of Day – Enjoy as breakfast, a snack, or a sweet dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Fritter Batter
- Preheat the Oven – Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Mix Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- Combine Wet Ingredients – In a separate bowl, whisk the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Mix the Batter – Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined. Fold in the diced apples.
Shape & Bake the Fritters
- Scoop the Batter – Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Bake – Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Prepare the Glaze
- Mix the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle Over Fritters – Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze over the tops.
Serve & Enjoy
- Let the Glaze Set – Allow the glaze to firm up for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Yield – About 8 fritters
- Preparation Time – 10 minutes
- Cooking Time – 12-15 minutes
Variations
- Spiced Version – Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth.
- Caramel Drizzle – Swap the glaze for a caramel drizzle for a richer flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour substitute.
- Nutty Crunch – Stir in chopped walnuts or pecans for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing – Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.
- Reheating – Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for a few minutes or microwave for 10-15 seconds.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work well.
How do I prevent my fritters from being dry?
Don’t overmix the batter, and make sure not to overbake them.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, but for the best texture, glaze them just before serving.
What’s the best way to glaze them without making a mess?
Place them on a wire rack over parchment paper to catch drips.
Can I use almond or oat milk instead of regular milk?
Yes, any milk alternative will work in this recipe.
Can I add raisins or cranberries?
Absolutely! Stir in 1/4 cup of dried fruit for extra sweetness.
How do I make the glaze thicker?
Use less milk or add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
Can I skip the glaze?
Yes! You can dust the fritters with powdered sugar instead for a lighter topping.
Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, checking for doneness.
Are these fritters similar to donuts?
Yes, they have a soft, cake-like texture but are baked instead of fried.
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Fritters bring all the delicious flavors of a classic apple fritter in a lighter, oven-baked version. With warm cinnamon, juicy apples, and a sweet glaze, they make a perfect treat any time of day. Try them today for an easy, comforting homemade delight
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Baked Apple Fritters: A Lighter Take on a Classic Treat
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 8-10 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Baked Apple Fritters deliver all the warm, spiced flavors of traditional fritters—without the deep frying! Soft, cinnamon-spiced dough packed with fresh apples is baked to golden perfection, then topped with a light glaze. A guilt-free way to enjoy a classic treat!
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 apples, peeled and diced
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1/4 cup powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
-
Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in the diced apples.
-
Shape the Fritters:
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
- Flatten slightly to form small mounds.
-
Bake the Fritters:
- Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
- Let them cool slightly before glazing.
-
Prepare the Glaze & Finish:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and milk until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and allow it to set.
-
Serve & Enjoy!
- Best enjoyed fresh with a cup of coffee or tea!
Notes
- For extra sweetness, toss the fritters in cinnamon sugar before glazing.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven for a crisp texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
