Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with caramelized apple goodness—these Baked Apple Fritters are a game-changer. Inspired by European pastry traditions and Southern fairground classics, this recipe gives you that deep-fried flavor without the mess.
The secret? A high-heat bake that locks in moisture while creating a golden crust. The result is a light, airy fritter with just the right amount of chew. Whether you’re a weekend baker or a weeknight dessert enthusiast, this one’s for you.
Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with caramelized apple goodness—these Baked Apple Fritters are a game-changer. Inspired by European pastry traditions and Southern fairground classics, this recipe gives you that deep-fried flavor without the mess.
Baked Apple Fritters are more than just a sweet treat—they double as a versatile side. Think of it as the ultimate fusion of comfort and convenience, equally suited for breakfast, dessert, or an unexpected savory contrast.
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- Fried Without the Fryer – Get all the crispy, caramelized edges of a classic fritter without the deep-frying mess. No oil splatter, no stress—just golden perfection straight from the oven.
- Apple Pie Meets Donut Hole – Think warm cinnamon, tender apples, and a soft, chewy crumb. It’s like an old-fashioned apple donut meets homemade apple pie—pure fall nostalgia in every bite.
- Unexpectedly Good with Savory Dishes – These fritters aren’t just for dessert! Try them alongside a rich stew or a creamy soup, and you’ll see why they’re a total game-changer.
- Perfect for Make-Ahead Mornings – Bake a batch on Sunday, and enjoy warm, fresh-tasting fritters all week. A quick reheat in the oven brings them right back to life—crisp edges and all.
- Lighter but Just as Indulgent – Less oil, same buttery, spiced, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Who says you can’t have it all?
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
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, nutmeg, and allspice, making them perfect for breakfast or a sweet snack.
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat (broiler-safe)
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped apple
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 tbsp butter old and cut into pieces
- ¼ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, ensuring it is broiler-safe.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
Step 3: Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
Step 4: In a separate small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract, then add this to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
Step 5: Gently fold in the chopped apple.
Step 6: Drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in ¼ cup portions or use a heaping tablespoon for smaller fritters.
Step 7: Bake for 11-13 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set; for smaller fritters, check at 8 minutes.
Step 8: Remove the fritters to a wire rack and turn the oven to broil.
Step 9: While the oven heats, prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Step 10: Brush a thin layer of glaze over the fritters, then broil for 2-4 minutes until the tops turn golden and the glaze bubbles.
Step 11: Carefully remove the baking sheet, transfer fritters to a wire rack, and brush with the remaining glaze.
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Silicone baking mat (broiler-safe)
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Wire rack
Ingredients
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup chopped apple
- ½ cup milk
- ¾ cup white whole wheat flour
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 6 tbsp butter old and cut into pieces
- ¼ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat, ensuring it is broiler-safe.
- In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt.
- Cut in butter until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and vanilla extract, then add this to the flour mixture and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped apple.
- Drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in ¼ cup portions or use a heaping tablespoon for smaller fritters.
- Bake for 11-13 minutes until the bottoms are golden brown and the centers are set; for smaller fritters, check at 8 minutes.
- Remove the fritters to a wire rack and turn the oven to broil.
- While the oven heats, prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Brush a thin layer of glaze over the fritters, then broil for 2-4 minutes until the tops turn golden and the glaze bubbles.
- Carefully remove the baking sheet, transfer fritters to a wire rack, and brush with the remaining glaze.
Notes
- Use a sweet-tart apple like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
- If your broiler runs hot, watch closely to avoid burning the glaze.
- For extra crunch, mix in chopped nuts or raisins with the apples.
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 286kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 46g |
| Fibre | 2g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Protein | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 48g |
Tips To Ease Your Job!
- Chill the Butter – Use cold butter and cut it into small cubes before mixing to achieve a flaky texture.
- Use an Ice Cream Scoop – This makes portioning the batter easier and ensures uniform-sized fritters.
- Prevent Sticky Hands – Lightly grease your hands with oil or butter when shaping the fritters
- Broil with Caution – Keep a close eye on the fritters under the broiler, as they can brown quickly.
- Speed Up the Glaze Hardening – Place the fritters in the fridge for a few minutes after glazing for quicker setting.
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!