BAKED APPLE FRITTERS Recipe

If you’re craving classic apple fritters, but want to keep things a bit lighter (and skip out on the deep-frying mess), you’re in for a treat with these BAKED APPLE FRITTERS. Golden, tender, and loaded with juicy apple pieces, they’re everything you adore about the original, just cozier and blissfully easy to pull together—no fancy equipment required! Each bite bursts with comforting spices and a dreamy vanilla glaze that guarantees these fritters will vanish fast, whether you serve them for brunch, snack time, or as a sweet ending to a family dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of pantry staples and a couple of fresh apples, you’ve got everything you need. Every ingredient brings its own magic to the mix, whether it’s depth of flavor, a tender crumb, or that irresistible finishing touch.

• All-purpose flour: Forms the hearty backbone of these fritters, giving them their satisfying bite and structure.
• Granulated sugar: Just the right amount of sweetness, playing perfectly off the apples’ natural tartness.
• Baking powder: Your key to light, fluffy fritters that rise beautifully in the oven.
• Salt: A pinch balances out all the sweetness and lets the flavors shine.
• Ground cinnamon: Adds cozy warmth and that classic apple spice aroma.
• Ground nutmeg: Just a hint for depth and an extra autumnal touch.
• Milk (2/3 cup): Brings moisture and helps everything blend into a smooth batter.
• Unsalted butter, melted: Infuses rich flavor and helps create a tender crumb.
• Eggs (2 large): Bind the batter and contribute fluffiness to every fritter.
• Peeled, cored, and diced apples (2 cups): The star of the show—pick crisp apples for the best texture.
• Powdered sugar: The base for a sweet, silky glaze that takes these from good to unforgettable.
• Milk (2-3 tablespoons): Used in the glaze, it creates a pourable consistency that coats the fritters.
• Vanilla extract: Lends a fragrant boost that makes the glaze sing.

How to Make BAKED APPLE FRITTERS

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). You’ll want to line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this prevents sticking and means you can lift your fritters right off when they’re golden and done.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Grab a large bowl and whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This not only mixes everything evenly, but also wakes up those spices for flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Blend the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the milk, melted butter, and eggs. Beat everything well until smooth and totally combined—this luscious mixture is what gives the fritters their tender, cakey texture.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Mixtures

Slowly add the wet ingredients to the bowl with the dry mixture, stirring gently until just combined. DON’T overmix—this is the secret to keeping your BAKED APPLE FRITTERS light, not dense.

Step 5: Fold in the Apples

Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure they’re evenly spread throughout the batter. The apples will soften and add juicy flavor as they bake, making every bite a little celebration.

Step 6: Shape Your Fritters

Using a large spoon (or even an ice cream scoop), drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave some space between each scoop, as the fritters will spread slightly during baking.

Step 7: Bake

Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. They should rise slightly and smell like a dream.

Step 8: Make the Glaze

While the fritters bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, 2–3 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until perfectly smooth. You’re aiming for a thick yet pourable glaze that’ll coat the fritters evenly.

Step 9: Cool Slightly

Once the fritters are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes right on the baking sheet. This helps them set and prevents the glaze from sliding right off.

Step 10: Glaze the Fritters

Dip each fritter into the glaze, swirling to coat every craggy, lovely corner. Set them back on the parchment so the glaze can firm up—if you can resist digging in for a few minutes!

How to Serve BAKED APPLE FRITTERS

Garnishes

These beauties are already gorgeous thanks to the sticky, glistening glaze, but for a little extra flair, dust with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a delicate shower of powdered sugar just before serving. A few thin apple slices or a dollop of softly whipped cream instantly add bakery-shop vibes.

Side Dishes

For a true brunch spread, serve your BAKED APPLE FRITTERS with creamy Greek yogurt, crisp bacon, or even a slice of sharp cheddar for that playful sweet-salty combo. A pot of hot coffee or a pitcher of spiced apple cider rounds everything out perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the fritters into a high tower on a pretty cake stand, or plate them individually for a sweet grab-and-go dessert. You can even tuck one into a little paper bag with a handwritten note for a heartwarming homemade gift.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any extra fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If you live somewhere especially humid, the fridge is your friend (but bring them to room temp before serving for the best texture).

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze BAKED APPLE FRITTERS! Arrange cooled, unglazed fritters on a tray and freeze until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and glaze fresh for that just-made taste.

Reheating

For the happiest leftovers, warm the fritters in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5–8 minutes. This perks them up and even makes the glaze a little melty again. A quick zap in the microwave works in a pinch, too.

FAQs

Can I use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose?

Absolutely! Whole wheat flour brings a wonderful nuttiness and extra fiber. Expect a slightly denser fritter, but the flavor pairs beautifully with apples and spice.

What apples work best for fritters?

Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are fantastic choices, thanks to their balance of sweetness and tartness, plus they hold their shape when baking. Really, any crisp eating apple will work well here.

How can I make these fritters dairy-free?

Just swap in your favorite non-dairy butter and plant-based milk, like almond or oat. The results will still be moist, tender, and just as tempting.

Can I double this recipe for a crowd?

Absolutely, this recipe easily doubles (or triples) if you’re baking for brunch guests or a potluck. Just make sure to use multiple baking sheets and rotate them if you’re stacking trays in the oven.

Do BAKED APPLE FRITTERS taste as good as fried ones?

Baked versions are slightly lighter but still deliver all the warmth, spice, and sweet apple bursts you love about classic fritters—plus, you get all the flavor without any of the oily fuss!

Final Thoughts

Give these BAKED APPLE FRITTERS a whirl and you’ll see why they’ve earned a cherished spot in my recipe rotation—they’re the kind of treat that brings smiles in every season. So gather a few apples, some pantry staples, and a little bit of kitchen joy, and treat yourself and your favorite people to a cozy homemade batch!

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