Name: Best Baked Apple Fritters Recipe (Soft & Glazed)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: PT-486890H50M35S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¾ cup all-purpose flour; ¾ cup white whole wheat flour (or extra all-purpose); ½ cup brown sugar; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp cinnamon; ½ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp allspice; ¼ tsp salt; 6 Tbsp cold butter, cut into pieces; ½ cup milk (whole milk yields richer flavor); 1 large egg; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 1 cup chopped firm apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 cup confectioners’ sugar; 2 Tbsp milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract

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I fell in love with these baked apple fritters because they deliver the cozy, warm flavors of traditional fried fritters without the greasy mess. They’re soft and tender on the inside, golden on the outside, and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze that adds just the right touch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like how fast and simple this recipe is—ready in just about 30 minutes. The blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tart apple creates that classic fall bakery flavor I crave. Since they're baked, I don’t need to deal with hot oil or deep frying. And brushing them with glaze and broiling for a few minutes gives them a shiny, slightly crisp top that’s completely irresistible.

ingredients

(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the fritters:

¾ cup all-purpose flour
¾ cup white whole wheat flour (or use all-purpose flour)
½ cup brown sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
¼ teaspoon allspice
¼ teaspoon salt
6 tablespoons cold butter, cut into small cubes
½ cup milk
1 large egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cup chopped firm apple (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

For the glaze:

1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
I cut in the cold butter using a pastry cutter or fork until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
In another bowl, I whisk the milk, egg, and vanilla extract together. Then I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined.
I gently fold in the chopped apples.
Using a ¼-cup scoop or large spoon, I drop portions of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out a bit.
I bake the fritters for 11–13 minutes until the bottoms are golden and the centers are set.
While they bake, I mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl.
When the fritters come out of the oven, I switch the oven to broil. I brush a thin layer of glaze over each fritter and place them back in the oven for 2–4 minutes until the tops bubble and become slightly golden.
Once they’re out, I brush them again with the remaining glaze and let them sit for a few minutes so the glaze sets.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 large fritters or 16 mini fritters.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 11–13 minutes
Broil and glaze time: 4–6 minutes
Total time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

I sometimes use all all-purpose flour if I don’t have white whole wheat on hand.
For a deeper fall flavor, I like to add a splash of maple extract to the glaze.
If I want extra apple texture, I’ll mix in some grated apple along with the chopped pieces.
These can be made dairy-free by using plant-based milk and vegan butter.
I’ve also made a version with a touch of lemon zest in the batter—it adds a bright twist.

storage/reheating

I store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When I want to reheat them, I pop them in a 350°F oven for 5–10 minutes to crisp them back up. For longer storage, I freeze the unglazed fritters in a freezer bag. When ready to serve, I reheat them in the oven and glaze them fresh.

FAQs

What type of apples work best?

I use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold up well while baking and give a nice tart-sweet contrast.

Can I make the fritters ahead of time?

Yes, I bake the fritters and skip the glaze. I store them in the fridge and glaze/broil them right before serving for the best texture.

Do I need to use a broiler?

The broiler step gives the glaze a caramelized finish, but if I skip it, the fritters are still delicious—just a bit softer on top.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I swap in a good 1:1 gluten-free baking flour blend. I check that it includes xanthan gum for structure.

How can I serve these?

I love them warm with a cup of coffee or tea. They also make a great fall dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Conclusion

These baked apple fritters are one of my favorite fall treats. They’re easy to make, full of cozy spices, and just sweet enough. I enjoy how the apples stay juicy and the glaze adds that extra finish. Whether I make them for brunch, dessert, or a quick snack, they always hit the spot.

Best Baked Apple Fritters Recipe (Soft & Glazed)

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 8 large fritters or 16 mini fritters
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These baked apple fritters offer the cozy flavors of traditional fritters without the mess of frying. Soft and fluffy inside, slightly crisp outside, and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they make a perfect fall-inspired treat.

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400 °F and line a baking sheet with a silicone mat or parchment.
Whisk the dry ingredients—flours, brown sugar, baking powder, spices, salt. Cut in the cold butter until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs.
Whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla; add to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Fold in the chopped apples.
Drop batter by ¼‑cup scoops onto the baking sheet. For smaller fritters, use tablespoons.
Bake 11–13 minutes (start checking at 8 minutes for small fritters), until bottoms are golden and centers set.
Switch oven to broil. Whisk glaze together and brush a thin layer over fritters. Broil 2–4 minutes until tops sparkle and glaze bubbles.
Remove and brush on the rest of the glaze while fritters are warm. Let glaze set before serving.

Notes

Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best flavor and texture.
To make ahead, bake and refrigerate unglazed fritters, then broil with glaze before serving.
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
Reheat in a 350 °F oven for 5–10 minutes to regain texture.
Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months and glaze after reheating.