If you’re searching for the perfect sweet treat to satisfy a cozy craving, these Baked Apple Fritters are your answer. With their pillowy-soft texture, crisp pops of tart apple, and a perfect drizzle of vanilla glaze, this recipe delivers all the nostalgia of a classic fairground favorite—only lighter, healthier, and entirely oven-baked! Whether you’re serving them warm for brunch or with coffee for an afternoon pick-me-up, Baked Apple Fritters will quickly become a beloved staple in your home baking repertoire.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Baked Apple Fritters happily require just a handful of pantry staples and a few fresh apples, but every single ingredient pulls its weight in delivering flavor, moisture, and that signature, crave-worthy crumb. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters:

All-purpose flour: Provides the tender structure and lightness of each fritter.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps create golden edges.
Baking powder: Gives these fritters their delightful rise and airiness.
Ground cinnamon: Infuses a warm spice that complements the apples beautifully.
Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Eggs: Binds the batter and adds richness for that soft, cakey texture.
Whole milk: Moistens the batter and ensures every bite stays soft.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavor and adds aromatic depth to both the batter and glaze.
Unsalted butter (melted): Gives a hint of buttery flavor and soft crumb.
Peeled and diced apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect—their tartness and firm texture stand up well to baking.
Lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds a touch of brightness to the fruit.
Powdered sugar (for the glaze): Delivers that classic, irresistible finish.
Milk (for the glaze): Thins the glaze to the right consistency for drizzling or dipping.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This little bit of prep ensures your fritters won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. If you don’t have parchment, a silicone baking mat works great, too!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a roomy mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. This step not only combines everything evenly but also fluffs up the flour, helping your Baked Apple Fritters come out tender and light every time.

Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients

Grab another bowl and whisk up the eggs, whole milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter until well mixed. Make sure the butter isn’t too hot, so you don’t accidentally scramble your eggs! This mixture will bring your batter together and add delicious richness.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir gently and stop once no streaks of flour remain. Overmixing can make the fritters tough instead of tender, so just a light hand is all you need for a perfect result.

Step 5: Prep the Apples and Fold In

In a small bowl, toss your diced apples with the lemon juice to keep them bright and flavorful. Gently fold the apples into your batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed for sweet, juicy bites all through your fritters.

Step 6: Scoop and Shape

Scoop heaping spoonfuls of your batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each mound. Flatten them a bit with the back of your spoon to encourage even baking and achieve that classic fritter look.

Step 7: Bake and Cool

Slide your tray into the preheated oven and bake for 18 to 22 minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when they’re beautifully golden, and a toothpick comes out clean from the center. Let them cool for 5 minutes on the tray; they’ll firm up just enough while staying soft inside.

Step 8: Glaze for Perfection

While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract to create a smooth glaze. Drizzle generously or dip each fritter for a satisfying, sweet finish. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before digging in.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Garnishes

For maximum visual appeal and a little extra flavor, try a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or even a handful of chopped toasted nuts right on top of your freshly glazed Baked Apple Fritters. For a festive touch during the holidays, a twist of orange zest really makes them pop!

Side Dishes

Pair a warm batch of Baked Apple Fritters with a mug of strong coffee or spicy chai for a classic breakfast. For dessert, they’re irresistible alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. Even a little bowl of tangy Greek yogurt on the side keeps things light and balances the sweetness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re sharing these fritters at a brunch or bake sale, try stacking them on a decorative cake stand or arranging them in pretty parchment-lined baskets. You could even serve Baked Apple Fritters with mini pitchers of glaze, so everyone can drizzle to their heart’s content. For a kid-friendly spin, add colorful sprinkles atop the glaze for instant smiles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra Baked Apple Fritters (lucky you!), simply store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay moist and appealing, especially if you add a little sheet of wax or parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Freezing

Baked Apple Fritters freeze surprisingly well! Pop the cooled, unglazed fritters in a freezer-safe bag, and they’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw at room temperature, then apply glaze just before serving for that fresh-baked feel.

Reheating

To bring your fritters back to their soft, slightly crisped glory, warm them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 to 7 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, a short burst in the microwave works, but the oven method really preserves the texture. Glaze after reheating if they’ve been stored unglazed.

FAQs

Can I use apples other than Granny Smith or Honeycrisp?

Absolutely! Any firm, tart apple like Fuji or Braeburn works well. The key is choosing varieties that hold their shape and don’t turn mushy during baking.

Is it possible to make Baked Apple Fritters gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend. You might need an extra tablespoon of milk since gluten-free flours sometimes absorb more moisture.

Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?

Of course! Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or even plump raisins just before baking for extra flavor and texture. It’s a fun way to customize the classic Baked Apple Fritters.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeled apples give the fritters a tender bite and consistent texture, but if you love the pop of color and extra fiber, you can leave the skins on. Just dice them small for best results!

Can I make the fritters smaller or larger?

Definitely! Use a tablespoon for mini bite-sized treats, or a quarter-cup for bakery-style jumbo fritters. Just keep an eye on the baking time—smaller fritters need less time, larger ones a touch more.

Final Thoughts

Few things comfort the soul like a batch of warm, homemade Baked Apple Fritters. Whether you’re baking for a special breakfast or just to make an ordinary day sweeter, I hope you’ll fall in love with this simple, joyful recipe. Give it a try and let the aroma of baked apples and cinnamon fill your home—you may just find a new family tradition!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 28 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 10–12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Delicious and easy-to-make Baked Apple Fritters that are perfect for breakfast or dessert. These fritters are filled with diced apples and warm spices, then topped with a sweet glaze.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2 large eggs
1/3 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Additional Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1/2 teaspoon lemon juice
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Add to dry ingredients and stir to combine.
Add Apples: Toss diced apples with lemon juice, then fold into batter. Spoon batter onto baking sheet.
Bake: Bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and cooked through. Let cool.
Prepare Glaze: Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Drizzle over fritters.