Easy and Delicious Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Ella
Ella
Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by...
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Craving something warm, sweet, and comforting? This baked apple fritters recipe delivers all the delicious flavor of the classic treat—without the deep frying! With tender apples, cozy cinnamon, and a perfectly golden crust, this guilt-free twist will have you reaching for seconds. Ready to discover your new favorite fall dessert? Keep reading!

This cozy breakfast recipe brings American nostalgia to your oven with a healthier twist.
Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Serving Size: 1 fritter

Description

Warm from the oven and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, these baked apple fritters are like a cozy autumn morning wrapped in a golden pastry hug. Bursting with tender apple chunks and rich cinnamon spice, each bite melts softly on your tongue, offering just the right balance of sweet fruit and soft dough. Unlike their deep-fried cousins, these fritters come out lighter but still offer the nostalgia of those orchard-fresh fair treats we all grew up loving.

Imagine biting into something that tastes like homemade apple pie collided with a doughnut. That’s exactly what these baked apple fritters deliver. The apple pieces caramelize slightly as they bake, blending with brown sugar to create a comforting, fragrant bite. A thin vanilla glaze finishes each one with a glossy sweetness, sealing in the warmth and making them perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack with coffee on a chilly day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This baked version of apple fritters skips the deep fryer without sacrificing any flavor. They are oven-baked to golden perfection, meaning less mess, less oil, and a bit of a healthier twist for those wanting to indulge more mindfully. Perfect for anyone looking to enjoy fall flavors without all the grease.

You can also customize these fritters with your favorite apple varieties or add-ins like toasted pecans or raisins. The simple batter comes together easily and bakes up quickly, making it a great go-to recipe for last-minute brunches or dessert cravings.

Serving and Storage Tips

These baked apple fritters are best enjoyed warm the day they are made but will keep well at room temperature for up to 2 days in an airtight container. If refrigerated, warm them in the microwave for 10 to 15 seconds or in a 300-degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 minutes to refresh their texture.

To freeze, let the fritters cool completely and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving. You can prepare the batter ahead of time, store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours, and bake fresh fritters as needed.

Course, Cuisine, Keywords

Breakfast, American, baked apple fritters, apple fritter recipe, baked doughnuts

Servings, Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Serving Size

Servings: 12
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 38 minutes
Serving Size: 1 fritter

Ingredients

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 half teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 half cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1 half teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Cooling rack
  • Spoon or cookie scoop

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. This dry mix creates the fragrant, slightly spiced base for the fritters.
  3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, vanilla, milk, and melted butter until smooth. Be sure the butter is fully melted and slightly cooled so it does not scramble the eggs.
  4. Step 4: Pour the wet mixture into the dry mix and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix or your fritters might turn out dense.
  5. Step 5: Fold the diced apples into the batter. Make sure they are evenly distributed for that apple-in-every-bite experience.
  6. Step 6: Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 2 to 3 tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between for spreading.
  7. Step 7: Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and spring back lightly when touched.
  8. Step 8: While they bake, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a bowl until smooth and slightly pourable. This glaze adds that sweet, glossy finish.
  9. Step 9: Let the fritters cool slightly on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps the glaze sit nicely instead of soaking in.
  10. Step 10: Drizzle the glaze generously over warm fritters. Let it set for a few minutes and enjoy.

Nutrition per serving

Calories 180
Protein 3 grams
Carbohydrates 32 grams
Fat 5 grams
Sugar 18 grams
Fiber 2 grams
Sodium 170 milligrams

Try using a firm apple variety like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance. If you like a nutty crunch, fold in a half cup of chopped toasted pecans with the apples. For a variation, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries. The glaze can be replaced with a dusting of powdered sugar if you want to reduce sweetness.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of flour like whole wheat?

Yes, you can substitute half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour. It will make the fritters a bit heartier with a slightly nutty flavor.

What if I do not have parchment paper?

You can lightly grease your baking sheet with butter or nonstick spray as an alternative, but parchment paper gives the best non-stick results and even baking.

Can I make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes, use a cup-for-cup gluten-free blend in place of the flour. I recommend one with xanthan gum included to help hold the texture together.

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Baked Apple Fritters

Warm from the oven and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze, these baked apple fritters are a cozy treat bursting with tender apple chunks and cinnamon spice. They’re lighter than the classic fried version and perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a comforting snack any time.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 38 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 12 fritters
Calories 180 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 2 cups peeled and diced apples
  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, granulated sugar, and brown sugar until combined.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, vanilla extract, milk, and melted butter.
  • Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Avoid overmixing.
  • Gently fold in the diced apples.
  • Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop 2 to 3 tablespoon-sized mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
  • Bake for 16 to 18 minutes or until the fritters are golden brown and lightly firm to the touch.
  • While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.
  • Remove fritters from the oven and allow them to cool on a wire rack for 5 to 10 minutes.
  • Drizzle the glaze over the slightly warm fritters and let it set for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 180kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSodium: 170mgFiber: 2gSugar: 18g
Keyword baked apple fritters, apple fritter recipe, baked doughnuts, breakfast pastry, apple breakfast, easy baking
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Hi, I'm Ella- the voice and heart behind YummyHorizon. I believe that every dish tells a story, and through this blog, I share recipes inspired by home, travel, and the joy of simple ingredients. From cozy comfort food to bold global flavors, YummyHorizon is your place to explore, taste, and create. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just getting started, I'm here to guide you through flavorful journeys- one delicious recipe at a time. Welcome to my kitchen, where every meal opens a new horizon.