These Baked Apple Fritters are soft, tender, and filled with little bites of juicy apple and warm cinnamon. Instead of deep-frying, they bake in the oven for an easier treat with lightly golden edges and a soft, cake-like center.
A simple glaze drizzled over the warm fritters adds just the right amount of sweetness. They’re delicious for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a cozy fall dessert with a cup of coffee or tea.
Why I Like Making These Fritters?
- What I really love is getting all that apple-cinnamon flavor without dealing with hot oil or a messy cleanup.
- The oven handles most of the work, which keeps things simple and relaxed.
- The texture never disappoints, lightly crisp on the outside, soft and tender inside, with warm spices in every bite.
- It has that unmistakable fall feeling, yet it’s the kind of treat that feels just as right any time of year.
- The recipe is wonderfully forgiving, too. Even when the fritters aren’t perfectly shaped, they still bake up beautifully.
- And when I’m craving a quick dessert that feels comforting but not too heavy, these little fritters slide effortlessly into my day.
These baked apple fritters were amazing! Warm, soft inside with a little crisp on the outside—and that cinnamon-apple flavor was just perfect. Loved that they’re baked and not fried, but still taste totally indulgent. I’ll be making these on repeat all fall!
— Daniel Parker, Vermont
Ingredient Substitutions
- Milk: Plant-based milk.
- Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
- Butter: Dairy-free butter.
- Brown sugar: Coconut sugar.
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful twist on the classic deep-fried treat, offering warm spiced apples in a soft, golden pastry with a light glaze. Baked instead of fried, these fritters deliver comforting flavors of cinnamon, and nutmeg, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Small skillet (for sautéing apples)
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 apples peeled & diced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Glaze
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.
- Sauté the diced apples with butter and brown sugar until soft and caramelized.
- In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
- Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently until just combined.
- Fold the warm apples into the batter so every scoop has fruit.
- Drop small mounds of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
- Bake for 12–15 minutes until the tops look golden and lightly crisp.
- Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle glaze over the warm fritters and allow it to set slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts (Approx. per serving)
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 130kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 22g |
| Fibre | 1g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sugar | 14g |
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Store at room temperature up to 1 day.
- Refrigerate up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently before serving.
- Best enjoyed fresh.
What I Serve With Baked Apple Fritters
- Vanilla ice cream
- Caramel sauce
- Whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Hot tea or coffee
Variations to Try
- Cinnamon-Heavy Version
- Apple Cinnamon Glazed Fritters
- Dairy-Free Version
- Mini Fritters
- Extra Apple Version
FAQs
- Are these fried?
No, baked. - Can I use different apples?
Yes. - Can I skip the glaze?
Yes. - Are they sweet?
Moderately. - Can I freeze them?
Not recommended glazed. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes. - Are they kid-friendly?
Very. - Can I add nuts?
Not in this version. - Do they reheat well?
Yes, gently. - Best served warm?
Yes.
Hands down one of the best baked treats I’ve made in a while. The balance of sweetness, texture, and that apple-cinnamon goodness is just right. Tasted like fall in every bite. Thanks for sharing such an awesome recipe!
Tried these baked apple fritters yesterday and OMG… they came out so good! I’ve always loved the fried version, but this one is such a nice twist — crispy edges, soft inside, and that caramelized flavor is next level. Plus, I didn’t feel as guilty since they’re baked 😅. Definitely saving this recipe for fall baking days! 🍎🍂
These apple fritters are everything! Crispy, gooey, and full of flavor — and I love that they’re baked instead of fried. I made a batch for brunch and they disappeared in minutes. This recipe is a keeper!
Just made these with my daughter and we’re both obsessed! The caramelized outside is perfect and the apple flavor really comes through. Way easier than frying, and honestly… tastes even better. These are going into our weekend rotation for sure!