Description
Baked apple fritters are a healthier, oven-baked version of the beloved fried classic. They combine tender chunks of fresh apples with a cinnamon-spiced batter to create a warm, comforting treat that’s perfect for any occasion. The fritters are baked until golden brown, offering a soft, fluffy interior with just the right amount of sweetness.
Finished with a sweet vanilla glaze, these fritters deliver all the flavors of traditional apple fritters without the extra oil. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a delightful snack, they’re a versatile dish that’s easy to make and even easier to love. Whether served warm on a chilly morning or as a dessert topped with ice cream, these baked apple fritters are guaranteed to satisfy.
With straightforward instructions, minimal cleanup, and a family-friendly appeal, this recipe is a must-try for anyone who enjoys the cozy taste of apples and spices baked to perfection.
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples, peeled and cored)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
1. Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step ensures that the fritters bake evenly and come out with a golden, tender texture. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
This dry mixture forms the base of your fritter batter. The cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm, cozy flavor, while the baking powder helps the fritters rise during baking.
3. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the following until well combined:
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
The melted butter provides richness, while the vanilla enhances the flavor of the fritters. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
4. Mix the Batter
Gradually pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the ingredients together. Avoid overmixing the batter, as this can lead to dense fritters. The batter should be thick and slightly lumpy.
5. Fold in the Apples
Add 2 cups of diced apples to the batter. Carefully fold the apples into the mixture, ensuring they are evenly distributed. These apple chunks give the fritters their signature texture and flavor.
6. Shape the Fritters
Using a large spoon or an ice cream scoop, drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Each mound should be about 3–4 inches in diameter and spaced at least 2 inches apart to allow for spreading. Don’t worry about achieving perfect shapes—rustic edges add charm to the fritters.
7. Bake the Fritters
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the fritters for 15–18 minutes, or until they are golden brown. To ensure even baking, rotate the sheet halfway through. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of a fritter—if it comes out clean, they’re ready.
8. Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters cool slightly, prepare the glaze by whisking together:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2–3 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Adjust the glaze’s consistency by adding a little more milk if it’s too thick or more powdered sugar if it’s too thin. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the fritters but still pourable.
9. Glaze the Fritters
Using a spoon or a piping bag, drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm fritters. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. This step adds a glossy, sweet finish that perfectly complements the spiced apple flavor.
10. Serve and Enjoy
Your baked apple fritters are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm for the best flavor and texture.
Happy baking! 😊
Notes
- Choose the Right Apples:
Use apples that are firm and slightly tart, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape well during baking and balance the sweetness of the batter and glaze. - Don’t Overmix the Batter:
When combining wet and dry ingredients, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make the fritters dense rather than light and fluffy. - Size of Apple Pieces:
Dice the apples into small, uniform pieces (about 1/4 inch). This ensures they cook evenly and distribute nicely throughout the fritters. - Consistency of the Glaze:
The glaze should be thick enough to coat the fritters but still pourable. Adjust by adding milk or powdered sugar as needed. - Spacing on the Baking Sheet:
Leave at least 2 inches of space between each fritter to prevent them from spreading into each other during baking. - Rustic Shapes Are Perfect:
Don’t stress about shaping the fritters perfectly. Their uneven, rustic appearance adds to their charm and authenticity. - Reheating Tip:
To restore their texture, reheat leftover fritters in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes. This prevents them from becoming soggy. - Add a Pinch of Extra Flavor:
For a twist, try sprinkling a pinch of cinnamon sugar over the glaze before it sets.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll achieve delicious, bakery-quality baked apple fritters every time!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter (based on a yield of 12 fritters)
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg