Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Fluffy Baked Apple Fritters Recipe: A Sweet Morning Treat

Whipping up delectable baked apple fritters transports you to a cozy autumn kitchen with minimal effort.

Sweet aromas of cinnamon and fresh fruit drift through the room.

Crispy edges and soft, pillowy centers make these treats irresistible for weekend brunch or afternoon snacking.

Forget greasy deep-fried versions, this healthier approach delivers maximum flavor without extra calories.

Ripe apples provide natural sweetness while a light, golden batter ensures perfect texture every time.

Mixing ingredients takes just minutes, and baking makes cleanup a breeze.

You’ll want to share these delightful fritters with everyone at the table.

Baked Apple Fritters: A Cozy Autumn Favorite

  • Create Spooky Treats: Perfect for Halloween parties, these chocolate cookies transform ordinary baking into a festive celebration with colorful sprinkles and candy decorations.
  • Master Simple Baking: Beginner bakers can confidently tackle this recipe with basic ingredients and straightforward mixing steps that guarantee delicious results every time.
  • Family Baking Adventure: Engage kids in decorating cookies with Halloween-themed sprinkles, making it a fun bonding activity that sparks creativity and joy in the kitchen.
  • Quick Chocolate Indulgence: Satisfy chocolate cravings with a speedy recipe that delivers rich, soft cookies packed with chocolate chips and playful Halloween spirit.

What Goes Into Baked Apple Fritters Magic

For the Base Ingredients:
  • All-Purpose Flour: A key ingredient that provides structure and texture to the fritters.
  • Baking Powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fritters.
For the Spices:
  • Ground Cinnamon, Ground Nutmeg: Add warm, aromatic flavors that complement the apples perfectly.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Granulated Sugar: Sweetens the fritters and helps with browning.
  • Egg: Binds the ingredients together and adds richness.
  • Milk: Provides moisture and helps create a smooth batter.
  • Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps create a tender texture.
  • Vanilla Extract: Contributes a deep, sweet flavor to the fritters.
For the Fruit:
  • Apples: Fresh diced apples add natural sweetness and juicy texture to the fritters.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a sweet, smooth topping that adds extra indulgence to the baked fritters.

Baking Steps for Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare Baking Station

Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to a toasty 375°F, getting ready for some apple-packed goodness.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Whisk together in a mixing bowl:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Blend these ingredients until they’re perfectly combined and fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Granulated sugar
  • Large egg
  • Whole milk
  • Melted butter
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and well-incorporated.

Step 4: Create Fritter Batter

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Gently mix until just combined – don’t overmix!

The batter should look slightly lumpy but well-blended.

Step 5: Add Fresh Apples

Fold in freshly diced apples, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.

The apple chunks will add bursts of juicy flavor to each fritter.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, creating rustic mounds.

Bake for 12-15 minutes until the fritters turn a beautiful golden brown and look irresistibly puffy.

Step 7: Craft Irresistible Glaze

Whisk together:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the glaze becomes silky smooth and drizzle-ready.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

Once the fritters have cooled slightly, drizzle the glaze generously over the top. Serve warm and watch them disappear in moments!

Insider Hints for Baked Apple Fritters Perfection

  • Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor in your fritters.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the fritters light and tender, stopping when ingredients are just combined.
  • Let fritters cool completely before glazing to prevent the sugar from melting and becoming runny.
  • For a healthier version, substitute whole wheat flour and use less sugar in the glaze.
  • Enhance the spice profile by adding a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom to the dry ingredients for extra warmth.

Switching Things Up with Baked Apple Fritters

  • Gluten-Free Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond or coconut flour for a celiac-friendly version that maintains the delicious apple flavor.
  • Maple Pecan Fritters: Swap vanilla glaze with maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans on top for a rich, nutty autumn-inspired treat.
  • Spiced Pear Variation: Substitute apples with diced pears and add extra ginger and cardamom for a warm, fragrant alternative.
  • Low-Sugar Option: Use monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar and Greek yogurt in place of milk to create a lighter, less caloric fritter with reduced sweetness.

Favorite Ways to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

  • Sweet Breakfast Companion: Pair these baked apple fritters with a steaming mug of french roast coffee or creamy chai tea. The warm spices in the fritters will beautifully complement the rich beverage notes.
  • Weekend Brunch Star: Arrange fritters on a rustic wooden board surrounded by crispy bacon strips, scrambled eggs, and fresh berry compote. Create an inviting display that celebrates homemade comfort food.
  • Dessert Upgrade: Transform fritters into a decadent dessert by serving with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream and drizzling extra caramel sauce. Sprinkle chopped toasted pecans on top for delightful crunch and nutty flavor.

Save Baked Apple Fritters for Tomorrow’s Snack

  • Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel between layers to prevent sogginess and maintain their delightful texture.
  • Wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature for 30 minutes before enjoying.
  • Keep uncovered fritters at room temperature for 1-2 hours if serving the same day. Avoid leaving them out longer to prevent staleness or bacterial growth.
  • Add glaze just before serving to keep the fritters crisp and prevent them from becoming soggy during storage.

FAQs

  • Are baked apple fritters healthier than fried ones?

Yes, baking reduces oil content and calories compared to traditional deep-fried fritters, making them a lighter, more nutritious option.

  • Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great. Choose firm apples that hold their shape during baking and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

  • How do I prevent my fritters from becoming too dense?

Do not overmix the batter. Stir ingredients just until combined to keep the texture light and fluffy. Overmixing can develop gluten and create a tough texture.

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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe


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4.7 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Homemade baked apple fritters showcase classic American comfort dessert perfection with crisp exterior and tender apple-filled center. Cinnamon-spiced pastry delivers sweet nostalgia and warm bakery charm without deep-frying complications you will love.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 cups (192 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
  • 1/3 cup (67 g) granulated sugar
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 1/2 cups (192 g) diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring even surface coverage.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a mixing bowl, whisking thoroughly to distribute spices and leavening agents evenly.
  3. In a separate container, blend wet ingredients until smooth and well-incorporated, creating a uniform liquid mixture.
  4. Gently pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring minimally to prevent overmixing and maintain a tender texture.
  5. Carefully incorporate diced apples into the batter, distributing them evenly throughout the mixture.
  6. Using a scoop or spoon, drop batter portions onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter for expansion.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through to ensure consistent golden-brown coloration and even cooking.
  8. Allow fritters to cool completely on a wire rack, preventing moisture accumulation and maintaining crisp edges.
  9. Prepare the glaze by whisking powdered sugar with milk and vanilla until achieving a smooth, drizzling consistency.
  10. Generously drizzle glaze over cooled fritters, allowing it to set slightly before serving.

Notes

  • Opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to prevent excessive moisture and maintain fritter structure.
  • Dice apples into small, uniform pieces to ensure even distribution and consistent baking throughout the fritters.
  • Use room temperature ingredients to help create a smoother, more consistent batter that blends easily.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to prevent tough, dense fritters; stir until ingredients are just combined for a light, tender texture.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 193 kcal
  • Sugar: 11 g
  • Sodium: 134 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 31 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 37 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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