If you’re searching for a classic fall treat that doesn’t require deep frying, look no further than this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe. Crispy on the outside, soft and pillowy within, and packed with chunks of juicy apple, these fritters are the ultimate comfort food. This recipe delivers those signature bakery-style flavors you love, minus the heavy oil, making them perfect for sharing with family over brunch or as a cozy afternoon snack paired with coffee. Simple ingredients and easy steps mean you can have a sweet, spiced treat on your table in under 30 minutes!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The best part about this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is how it transforms everyday kitchen staples into something truly special. Each ingredient plays a star role, adding sweetness, moisture, richness, or a fragrant boost of spice. Here’s what you’ll need—and why:

All-purpose flour: The structural backbone, giving these fritters the perfect soft crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter and helps with browning for that golden finish.
Baking powder: Lifts the dough, making the fritters light and fluffy.
Baking soda: Extra leavening for a tender texture.
Salt: Just a small amount to balance out the sweetness and heighten flavors.
Cinnamon: Brings a warm, comforting aroma that pairs beautifully with apples.
Nutmeg: Adds a hint of complexity with a subtle underlying spice.
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): The starring ingredient! Choose a crisp, tart variety for the best texture and flavor contrast.
Eggs: Bind the mixture while adding rich flavor and color.
Milk: Moisturizes the batter, making it perfectly scoopable.
Unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and that irresistible bakery softness.
Vanilla extract: Enhances all the sweet, spiced notes throughout the fritters and glaze.
Powdered sugar: The base for the dreamy glaze that brings everything together.
Milk (for glaze): Thins out the glaze so it’s drizzle-worthy.
Vanilla extract (for glaze): Even more delicious flavor in every bite.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Start by setting your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is crucial—the right oven temp ensures your Baked Apple Fritters Recipe bake up with a beautifully golden crust instead of getting too dry or overly brown on the bottom. The parchment helps for easy cleanup and no sticking!

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mixing the dry ingredients first means the leaveners and spices distribute evenly, so every bite bursts with perfect texture and autumnal flavor.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This step ensures your batter comes together evenly, with no streaks of butter or egg for a reliably fluffy fritter.

Step 4: Make the Batter

Add the dry ingredients to the bowl of wet ingredients. With a spatula or wooden spoon, gently fold the two together until just combined—overmixing can make the fritters tough. Finally, stir in those lovely diced apples. The batter will be thick and chunky, just right for scooping.

Step 5: Shape and Bake

Using a large spoon or ice cream scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. The Baked Apple Fritters Recipe handles a rustic shape, so embrace any nooks and crannies—that’s where the glaze will drizzle inside! Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the fritters are golden-brown and a toothpick comes out clean.

Step 6: Make the Glaze

While your fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl until smooth and pourable. This simple glaze adds a sweet sheen that’s downright irresistible (and lets you sneak another dash of vanilla into the mix).

Step 7: Glaze and Serve

Allow the fritters to cool for a few minutes on a wire rack—this helps the glaze set rather than soaking in and disappearing. Then, drizzle the glaze all over the tops while they’re still slightly warm. Grab one while the glaze is silky and fresh, or let it set for a few minutes if you can wait!

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Garnishes

You can keep things classic by dusting a little extra powdered sugar on top, or go the extra mile with a sprinkle of cinnamon or finely chopped toasted pecans. For special occasions, a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream transforms your Baked Apple Fritters Recipe into a truly decadent dessert!

Side Dishes

Because these fritters are sweet and spiced, they pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, breakfast sausages, or a custardy baked egg casserole. For a simple brunch, serve them alongside a big mug of coffee or black tea—your guests will be delighted!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try stacking a couple of fritters on a plate with a swirl of glaze between the layers for a bakery-style “tower.” Or, serve miniature fritters in cupcake liners for a party platter. The Baked Apple Fritters Recipe also makes a charming gift—nestle a few in a parchment-lined box for neighbors or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftovers (good luck!), store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Keeping them covered prevents them from drying out while maintaining their soft texture.

Freezing

To freeze, let the fritters cool completely, then lay them in a single layer on a tray in the freezer. Once solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. For best results, freeze without glaze and add it after reheating. Your Baked Apple Fritters Recipe can be enjoyed up to two months this way.

Reheating

For that fresh-baked taste, pop your fritters into a 325°F (160°C) oven for about 5–7 minutes, or until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow an extra couple of minutes. Microwaving is speedy, but a quick oven reheat restores the delightful exterior crunch.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are classics for this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe due to their crispness and tartness, you can try Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala apples for a sweeter or more mellow flavor profile.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeled apples give a tender bite and seamless texture, but if you prefer a slight bit of chew or want to keep extra nutrients, you can leave the skins on—just be sure to wash them well!

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend. Just check that your blend includes xanthan gum for a similar texture and hold.

How do I know when the fritters are fully baked?

Your kitchen will begin to smell like a cozy bakery, but the real test is color and feel: the fritters should be lightly golden on top, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

What’s the best way to glaze the fritters?

Drizzle with a spoon or a fork for a rustic look, or dip the tops right into the glaze for a thicker, more even coating. Either way, glaze while the fritters are slightly warm to help it set beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Once you take a bite, you’ll see why this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is such a favorite in my home. It’s easy, quick, and so satisfying, with that perfect mix of sweet apples, warm spices, and a shiny vanilla glaze. Treat yourself and your favorite people—you deserve a batch of these golden goodies!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 26 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: Makes about 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat that combines the sweetness of apples with warm spices, all baked to perfection. Easy to make and perfect for breakfast or dessert!

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Make the Batter: Gently fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients until just combined. Stir in the diced apples.
Shape & Bake: Drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter. Bake for 15–18 minutes until golden brown.
Prepare the Glaze: While fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
Glaze & Serve: Let the fritters cool slightly before drizzling with glaze. Enjoy warm!

Notes

For a variation, add chopped nuts or raisins to the batter.
These fritters are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American