Name: Baked Apple Fritters
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485706H23M38S
Total time: PT-485706H23M38S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 large eggs; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 cups apples, peeled and diced; 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted; 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 2–3 tbsp milk or cream (for glaze); 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (for glaze)

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Baked apple fritters are a cozy and comforting treat that bring together the sweet-tartness of fresh apples with a soft, doughy interior and a perfectly sweet glaze. Unlike traditional deep-fried fritters, these are baked, making them a slightly healthier but equally indulgent option. They’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or a dessert that feels like a warm hug.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these baked apple fritters deliver all the nostalgic flavors of a classic apple pastry, but without the mess or extra calories from frying. The apples stay juicy and flavorful, and the glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, the kitchen smells incredible while they’re baking. Whether I'm whipping them up for a weekend treat or bringing them to a gathering, they’re always a hit.

ingredients

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

All-purpose flour
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon
Salt
Granulated sugar
Eggs
Whole milk
Vanilla extract
Apples (peeled and diced)
Unsalted butter (melted)
Powdered sugar
Milk or cream (for the glaze)
Vanilla extract (for the glaze)

directions

I preheat my oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, I whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, I beat the eggs, then stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
I add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
I fold in the diced apples and melted butter, mixing gently to incorporate everything evenly.
Using a spoon or scoop, I drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each.
I bake them for 14-16 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
While the fritters cool slightly, I mix powdered sugar, a splash of milk or cream, and a little vanilla to make the glaze.
Once the fritters are warm but not hot, I drizzle or dip them in the glaze, letting it set before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 8 to 10 fritters, depending on the size I scoop. From start to finish, the whole process takes around 30 to 35 minutes—15 minutes of prep and about 15–16 minutes of baking.

Variations

Sometimes I add a touch of nutmeg or allspice to the batter for extra warmth. If I want a richer flavor, I use brown sugar instead of white sugar. Swapping in pears or a mix of apples and pears also works wonderfully. For a more indulgent twist, I’ve added a handful of chopped pecans or walnuts into the batter, which gives a lovely crunch.

storage/reheating

I store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I pop them in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 5-7 minutes, or microwave for 15-20 seconds if I’m in a hurry. I like to refresh the glaze after reheating if needed.

FAQs

How do I keep baked apple fritters from becoming soggy?

I make sure to drain any excess juice from the apples before folding them into the batter. Also, baking them on parchment helps avoid sogginess from moisture buildup.

Can I use any type of apple?

Yes, I like using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp because they hold their shape and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

I don’t recommend making the batter too far in advance, as the leavening agents start reacting immediately. However, I sometimes dice the apples and measure dry ingredients ahead of time.

Can these be made gluten-free?

Yes, I’ve made them with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend with good results. I always check that the blend contains xanthan gum for proper texture.

Can I freeze baked apple fritters?

Yes, once cooled and unglazed, I wrap and freeze them for up to 2 months. When ready, I reheat and glaze fresh before serving.

Conclusion

These baked apple fritters are a warm, satisfying treat that’s easy to make and even easier to enjoy. I love how the flavors come together, how the texture feels soft yet hearty, and how baking them makes cleanup a breeze. Whether I’m making them for a cozy morning or a sweet evening snack, they always bring a little extra joy to the table.

Baked Apple Fritters

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Author: Sue
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15-16 minutes
Total Time: 30-35 minutes
Yield: 8-10 fritters
Category: Breakfast, Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Baked apple fritters offer the nostalgic flavor of classic apple pastries with a healthier twist. These soft, sweet treats are filled with juicy apples and finished with a vanilla glaze, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and sugar.
In another bowl, beat the eggs and stir in the milk and vanilla extract.
Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples and melted butter gently until well incorporated.
Drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake for 14-16 minutes until golden brown and set.
While fritters cool slightly, mix powdered sugar, milk or cream, and vanilla extract to make glaze.
Drizzle or dip warm fritters in glaze and let it set before serving.