If you’re craving a sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of apples and spices, these Baked Apple Fritters are about to become your new obsession. Picture golden, pillowy fritters studded with juicy apple chunks, drizzled with a vanilla glaze that clings to every nook and cranny—pure autumn comfort, baked not fried! Each bite strikes the perfect balance between a tender cake and a classic donut, making them irresistible. The best part? They come together quickly and easily, giving you bakery-quality Baked Apple Fritters at home with hardly any fuss.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how these everyday ingredients work together to deliver the warm, nostalgic flavors you love. Each one plays an important role in the taste, texture, or melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Baked Apple Fritters—so don’t skip a single thing!

All-purpose flour: The backbone of the batter, providing structure and keeping the fritters fluffy rather than dense.
Granulated sugar: Adds the right touch of sweetness and helps with the fritters’ golden exterior.
Baking powder: Gives rise and lightness, ensuring airy fritters instead of flat disks.
Baking soda: Works with the buttermilk for extra lift and tender texture.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies all the other flavors.
Ground cinnamon: Delivers that signature warm, spiced note that makes apple desserts so comforting.
Ground nutmeg: A tiny amount brings extra depth and a cozy, nutty warmth.
Eggs: Bind everything together for a cohesive, cake-like fritter.
Buttermilk: Adds tang and moisture, keeping the fritters tender inside.
Unsalted butter: Melted for rich flavor and a smooth, moist crumb.
Vanilla extract: Deepens and rounds out the flavors, especially in the glaze.
Peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith): Bright, tart, and juicy—these provide the fruity centerpiece in every bite.
Lemon juice: A quick toss with the apples prevents browning and adds a spark of freshness.
Powdered sugar: The essential base for a smooth, silky glaze.
Milk: Thins the glaze to the perfect drizzling consistency.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Gives the glaze irresistible aroma and flavor—don’t skip it!

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Equipment

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), so your fritters will rise and brown beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this keeps cleanup minimal and ensures your Baked Apple Fritters won’t stick, so you get picture-perfect, golden treats.

Step 2: Whisk Together Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Whisk thoroughly to evenly incorporate the rising agents and spices. This step is key for evenly flavored fritters and a tender crumb in every bite.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Mixing these until smooth ensures the fat and flavorings are properly distributed—this is the secret to consistent, bakery-worthy texture in your fritters.

Step 4: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients

Pour the wet mixture into your dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Avoid overmixing; a light hand here preserves the fritters’ delicate crumb. The batter should be thick, a little lumpy, and utterly irresistible.

Step 5: Prep the Apples and Fold In

Toss your diced apples with lemon juice for a zesty punch and to prevent browning. Gently fold them into the batter, ensuring every scoop will have sweet, tart apple in every bite. If you want to experiment, a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts would be fabulous at this stage.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape the Fritters

Using a 1/4 cup measuring cup (or an ice cream scoop), drop generous mounds of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them a few inches apart. Lightly flatten the tops with the back of your spoon—these fritters don’t spread much on their own, so a gentle nudge helps them bake up evenly.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Bake the fritters for 14 to 16 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. They’ll puff up and turn beautifully golden, filling your kitchen with that intoxicating apple-cinnamon fragrance!

Step 8: Whisk the Classic Glaze

While the Baked Apple Fritters are baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for that signature glossy glaze. It should be just thin enough to drizzle but thick enough to cling—add milk a tablespoon at a time to get the consistency just right.

Step 9: Glaze and Enjoy

Let your fritters cool for just a few minutes, then drizzle the warm glaze generously over the top. Allow it to set before serving—this locks in moisture and adds that deliciously sweet finish everyone loves in Baked Apple Fritters.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Garnishes

A dusting of powdered sugar right before serving is classic, but you can also sprinkle on extra cinnamon, drizzle with a touch of caramel sauce, or add chopped toasted nuts for crunch. Fresh apple slices or a little lemon zest make for a beautiful—and tasty—finishing touch.

Side Dishes

These Baked Apple Fritters shine alongside a cup of fresh-brewed coffee or spiced chai tea. If you’re serving a crowd for brunch, they’re wonderful beside a creamy vanilla yogurt, fresh fruit, or even a simple scoop of vanilla ice cream for an all-out dessert treat.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, stack the fritters like a rustic tower and drizzle glaze between each layer. Tuck a fritter into a lunchbox, slice it in half and sandwich with cream cheese or apple butter, or create a mini platter with a variety of dipping sauces for a fun and interactive dessert spread.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. The glaze helps lock in moisture, so they’ll stay soft and delicious, but keep them away from direct sunlight or heat to maintain their tender crumb.

Freezing

For longer storage, wrap cooled fritters individually in plastic wrap and freeze in an airtight bag for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze without the glaze, then add it fresh after reheating for that just-made taste and appearance.

Reheating

To reheat, pop the fritters into a 300°F oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until they’re just warmed through and the outside is a little crisp again. You can also microwave for 15-20 seconds in a pinch, though the oven method preserves their texture best. Always glaze after reheating for optimal flavor.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Dessert

Absolutely! While tart Granny Smith apples add lovely contrast, you can use Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or even a mix for a sweeter or slightly different flavor profile. Just be sure to dice them evenly for even baking.

Are these fritters healthy since they’re baked and not fried?

Baked Apple Fritters do have an edge over fried ones in that they use less fat and still deliver a wonderful texture. While they’re still a treat, you’ll definitely save on grease and can feel better enjoying them as a snack or dessert.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes! You can substitute an all-purpose gluten-free flour blend for the regular flour. Just make sure your mix has xanthan gum or another binder for best results. The texture might vary slightly, but the fritters will still be delicious.

What’s the best way to keep the fritters moist if I’m making them ahead?

If you plan to make Baked Apple Fritters ahead, store them in an airtight container with a slice of bread or half an apple. This helps maintain moisture without making the fritters soggy. Glaze them just before serving for optimal freshness.

Can I add extra flavors or mix-ins to the batter?

Definitely! Fold in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts, a sprinkle of chopped dried cranberries, or even substitute pear for apple to give your Baked Apple Fritters a unique twist. Feel free to get creative and make them your own.

Final Thoughts

If you love simple, cozy baking projects that deliver on flavor and nostalgia, you have to bake these Baked Apple Fritters. Every bite tastes like a hug on a plate—warm, spiced, and just the right amount of sweet. Make a batch, share with your favorite people, and watch them disappear!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 4 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make baked apple fritters that are perfect for a fall dessert. These fritters are light, fluffy, and bursting with sweet apple flavor, topped with a delightful vanilla glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, buttermilk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Combine wet and dry ingredients: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Add apples: Toss the diced apples with lemon juice, then gently fold them into the batter.
Bake: Scoop batter onto the baking sheet, flatten, and bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown.
Make glaze: While baking, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract for the glaze.
Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and let it set before serving.