Introduction
If you love the taste of traditional apple fritters but want a lighter, less greasy option, these Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect solution. Bursting with the sweetness of fresh apples, a touch of cinnamon, and a soft, pillowy texture, this recipe delivers all the flavor of classic fried fritters — without the mess or extra calories from deep frying.
These fritters are simple to prepare and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even as a sweet snack. And since they’re baked rather than fried, you can indulge guilt-free! With a delicious glaze drizzled over the top, these apple fritters are sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the fritters from sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Toss the apple chunks in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning while you prepare the batter. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. The butter should be melted but not too hot, to avoid scrambling the eggs. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Form the Fritters
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds, about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter. Make sure to space the fritters about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly as they bake. You can gently flatten the tops of the mounds for more even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Fritters
Place the fritters in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, the fritters are ready. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the fritters are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time.
Step 9: Glaze the Fritters
Once the fritters have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of each fritter. You can use a spoon to drizzle or dip the tops of the fritters directly into the glaze for a more uniform coating. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Your Baked Apple Fritters are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm or at room temperature, either on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea.
Cooking Note:
- Apple variety: Granny Smith apples add a tart contrast to the sweetness of the fritters, but you can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter flavor.
- Storage: Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
Serving Suggestions:
These baked apple fritters are delicious on their own, but here are a few serving ideas to elevate your snack or dessert:
- Vanilla ice cream: Serve the fritters warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat.
- Cinnamon sugar: If you prefer, you can dust the fritters with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar instead of glazing them.
- Caramel sauce: Drizzle with warm caramel sauce for a rich, decadent twist.
Tips:
- Batter texture: The batter should be thick but still spoonable. If it’s too thick, add a tablespoon or two of milk to loosen it slightly.
- Spice it up: Add nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth and depth of flavor in the fritter batter.
- Gluten-free option: You can make these fritters gluten-free by substituting the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Baking Time:
- 15-18 minutes
Total Time:
- 30-35 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Protein: 4g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 7g
Conclusion:
These Baked Apple Fritters are a lighter, easier alternative to the traditional fried version, without sacrificing flavor or texture. Soft on the inside with a slightly crispy exterior, they’re packed with sweet apple goodness and warm cinnamon spice. The sweet glaze on top gives them the perfect finishing touch. Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, they’re sure to be a hit!
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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 large apples, peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the fritters from sticking.
Step 2: Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small pieces. Toss the apple chunks in 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent them from browning while you prepare the batter. Set aside.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon until evenly combined. The cinnamon adds a warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with the apples.
Step 4: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter. The butter should be melted but not too hot, to avoid scrambling the eggs. Mix until everything is smooth and well combined.
Step 5: Make the Batter
Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. Be careful not to overmix — the batter should be thick and slightly lumpy. Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 6: Form the Fritters
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds, about 1/4 cup of batter per fritter. Make sure to space the fritters about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly as they bake. You can gently flatten the tops of the mounds for more even baking.
Step 7: Bake the Fritters
Place the fritters in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can test for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center — if it comes out clean, the fritters are ready. Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly on a wire rack.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the fritters are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable. If it’s too thick, add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time.
Step 9: Glaze the Fritters
Once the fritters have cooled slightly but are still warm, drizzle the glaze generously over the top of each fritter. You can use a spoon to drizzle or dip the tops of the fritters directly into the glaze for a more uniform coating. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
Your Baked Apple Fritters are now ready to enjoy! Serve them warm or at room temperature, either on their own or with a cup of coffee or tea.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 230 kcal
- Sodium: 180mg
- Protein: 4g