Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

On certain days, all I want is something warm and comforting that fills the kitchen without deep frying or extra cleanup.

As soon as the apples begin to soften with cinnamon, the pace of everything seems to slow in the best possible way.

Even before the batter is mixed, the scent alone feels soothing—sweet, familiar, and gently nostalgic. It’s the kind of smell that pulls you toward the oven and makes waiting feel part of the experience.

If you’re looking for an easy dessert that brings warmth into the kitchen, these baked fritters are a wonderful place to start.

Behind the Recipe

Traditional apple fritters are often fried, but baking them keeps things easier and less messy while still delivering that classic flavor.

A quick cook with butter and brown sugar helps the apples become sweeter and more concentrated before folding them into the batter.

The glaze is intentionally subtle so the apple flavor still shines through.

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

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Dice apples evenly for uniform baking.
• Don’t overmix the batter.
• Let cooked apples cool slightly before adding.
• Use parchment paper for easy removal.
• Drizzle glaze after fritters have cooled slightly.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

1. Mixing bowl
2. Whisk
3. Spatula
4. Baking sheet
5. Parchment paper
6. Measuring spoons
7. Measuring cups
8. Small skillet (for sautéing apples)

Ingredients in This Recipe

For the Apple Fritters

• 1 Cup All-Purpose Flour: Forms the structure of the fritters.
• ¼ Cup Sugar: Adds light sweetness.
• 1 Tsp Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise.
• ½ Tsp Cinnamon: Adds warmth.
• ¼ Tsp Nutmeg: Adds depth.
• Pinch of Salt: Balances sweetness.
• 1 Large Egg: Binds the batter.
• ½ Cup Milk: Keeps the batter smooth.
• 1 Tsp Vanilla Extract: Rounds out flavor.
• 2 Apples, Peeled and Diced: The heart of the fritters.
• 1 Tbsp Butter: Used to soften apples.
• 1 Tbsp Brown Sugar: Enhances apple sweetness.

For the Glaze

• ½ Cup Powdered Sugar: Creates a smooth glaze.
• 1–2 Tbsp Milk: Adjusts glaze consistency.
• ¼ Tsp Vanilla: Adds aroma and flavor.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Milk: Plant-based milk.
• Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
• Butter: Dairy-free butter.
• Brown sugar: Coconut sugar.

Ingredient Spotlight

Apples:
Cooking them briefly before baking ensures they’re soft, sweet, and evenly distributed.

Warm Spices:
Cinnamon and nutmeg give classic bakery-style flavor.

Instructions for Making This Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment.

Step 2: Sauté the diced apples with butter and brown sugar until soft and caramelized.

Step 3: In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 4: In another bowl, whisk the egg, milk, and vanilla until smooth.

Step 5: Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir gently until just combined.

Step 6: Fold the warm apples into the batter so every scoop has fruit.

Step 7: Drop small mounds of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving space between them.

Step 8: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the tops look golden and lightly crisp.

Step 9: 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

Texture & Flavor Secrets

• Apples stay tender, not mushy.
• Light glaze adds sweetness without heaviness.
• Baking keeps texture soft.
• Warm spices round out the flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

• Use firm apples for best texture.
• Space fritters slightly apart.
• Let glaze set briefly before serving.
• Serve warm for best flavor.

What to Avoid

1. Overmixing batter
2. Overbaking
3. Adding hot apples to batter
4. Thick glaze that won’t drizzle

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes

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

All of these keep the dessert light and comforting.

Creative Leftover Transformations

• Warm and serve with ice cream
• Slice and toast lightly
• Add extra glaze
• Serve with whipped cream
• Use as brunch pastries

Additional Tips

• Let apples cool before mixing.
• Adjust glaze thickness to taste.
• Use parchment for easy cleanup.
• Serve the same day for best texture.

Make It a Showstopper

Arrange the fritters on a plain platter and add the glaze just before serving, letting it gently settle along the edges.

Variations to Try

1. Cinnamon-Heavy Version
2. Apple Cinnamon Glazed Fritters
3. Dairy-Free Version
4. Mini Fritters
5. Extra Apple Version

FAQs

1. Are these fried?
   No, baked.
2. Can I use different apples?
   Yes.
3. Can I skip the glaze?
   Yes.
4. Are they sweet?
   Moderately.
5. Can I freeze them?
   Not recommended glazed.
6. Can I double the recipe?
   Yes.
7. Are they kid-friendly?
   Very.
8. Can I add nuts?
   Not in this version.
9. Do they reheat well?
   Yes, gently.
10. Best served warm?
    Yes.