Baked Apple Fritters
Baked Apple Fritters capture everything we love about classic apple fritters—warm spice, tender apples, and sweet glaze—without the heaviness of deep frying.
These oven-baked fritters are soft and cake-like on the inside, lightly golden on the outside, and filled with cozy cinnamon-nutmeg flavor in every bite.
Finished with a simple vanilla glaze, they deliver that nostalgic bakery comfort in a lighter, home-friendly way that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dessert.
Why People Will Love Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
All the comfort of a classic fritter—without frying: Baking delivers the familiar apple fritter flavor and texture in a lighter, less greasy way.
Warm, cozy spice profile: Cinnamon and nutmeg create that unmistakable bakery aroma and comforting taste in every bite.
Tender apple-filled texture: Juicy apples soften as they bake, adding natural sweetness and moisture throughout the fritters.
Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients: No specialty items required—everything is easy to find and budget-friendly.
Quick and approachable: Straightforward steps make this recipe perfect for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Perfectly balanced sweetness: The fritters are gently sweet on their own, with the glaze adding just the right finishing touch.
Versatile for any time of day: Ideal for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or an afternoon treat with coffee or tea.
Key Ingredients:
Fresh apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples provide the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness, softening beautifully as they bake and adding moisture to every bite.
All-purpose flour: Forms the tender, cake-like structure that gives baked fritters their soft interior.
Ground cinnamon and nutmeg: Classic warm spices that create a cozy aroma and unmistakable apple-fritter flavor.
Light brown sugar: Enhances the apples with subtle caramel notes and adds depth beyond simple sweetness.
Whole milk and eggs: Work together to create a rich, smooth batter that bakes up light yet satisfying.
Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and enhances both the fritters and the glaze with gentle warmth.
Powdered sugar glaze: A simple finish that adds sweetness and that familiar bakery-style touch without overpowering the apples.
Expert Tips:
Choose the right apples: Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape and provide a balanced sweetness that prevents the fritters from becoming mushy.
Chop apples evenly: Uniform pieces ensure even baking and a consistent apple-to-batter ratio in every fritter.
Avoid overmixing the batter: Stir just until combined—overmixing develops gluten and can make the fritters dense instead of tender.
Flatten slightly before baking: Gently pressing the batter mounds helps the fritters bake evenly and prevents undercooked centers.
Watch for golden edges: The fritters are ready when lightly browned and set—overbaking can dry them out.
Glaze while warm: Drizzling the glaze over warm fritters allows it to melt slightly and settle into the surface for better flavor.
Adjust glaze consistency: Add milk gradually to achieve a smooth drizzle that coats without running off completely.
Serve fresh: These fritters are best enjoyed the day they’re baked, when texture and aroma are at their peak.
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For the Apple Fritters
All-purpose flour – 2 cups
Granulated sugar – ⅓ cup
Baking powder – 2 teaspoons
Salt – ½ teaspoon
Ground cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
Ground nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon
Whole milk – ½ cup
Large eggs – 2
Pure vanilla extract – 1 teaspoon
Unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons, melted
Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) – 2 cups, peeled and chopped
Light brown sugar – ¼ cup, packed
For the Glaze
Powdered (confectioners’) sugar – 1 cup
Milk – 2 to 3 tablespoons
Pure vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Pan
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg until evenly combined.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth and fully blended.
Step 4: Combine the Batter
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir gently just until combined.
Be careful not to overmix—the batter should be thick but tender.
Step 5: Add Apples and Brown Sugar
Gently fold in the chopped apples and brown sugar, distributing them evenly throughout the batter.
Step 6: Shape the Fritters
Using a spoon or small cookie scoop, drop heaping portions of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Lightly flatten each mound with the back of the spoon.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the Glaze
While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a medium bowl until smooth and drizzle-ready.
Step 9: Glaze and Serve
Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters using a spoon.
Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.
Enjoy warm for the best flavor and texture.
Important Notes When Making Baked Apple Fritters:
These are cake-style fritters: Unlike fried versions, baked fritters are softer and lighter, with a tender crumb rather than a crisp shell.
Moisture from apples matters: Juicy apples release liquid as they bake; avoid using overly ripe fruit to prevent soggy fritters.
Spacing is important: Leaving room between fritters allows heat to circulate and ensures even browning.
Glaze timing affects texture: Glazing while warm creates a softer finish; glazing after cooling results in a firmer, more defined coating.
Bake times may vary: Oven temperatures differ—check doneness by color and a clean toothpick, not time alone.
Best enjoyed fresh: Texture is optimal within the first few hours; leftovers will soften as they sit.
Easy to customize: Add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth, but keep spices balanced so apples remain the star.
Not ideal for long storage: These fritters are meant for immediate enjoyment rather than freezing or extended storage.
How to Enjoy Baked Apple Fritters After Baking
Let them rest briefly:
Allow the fritters to cool for about 5–10 minutes after glazing. This helps the glaze set slightly while keeping the fritters warm and tender inside.
Serve warm for best flavor:
Baked apple fritters are at their most aromatic and comforting when enjoyed warm, with the apples soft and the spices fully pronounced.
Pair thoughtfully:
Enjoy with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or warm apple cider. The subtle spice pairs beautifully with simple, cozy drinks.
Add a finishing touch (optional):
For extra indulgence, add a light dusting of powdered sugar or a second drizzle of glaze just before serving.
Enjoy slowly:
Take time with each bite—the contrast of tender cake, soft apples, and sweet glaze is best appreciated unhurried.
Serve as part of a spread:
These fritters fit perfectly on a brunch table alongside eggs, yogurt, or fresh fruit.
Reheat gently if needed:
Warm leftovers briefly in the oven or microwave until just heated through—avoid overheating, which can dry them out.
Share the comfort:
These fritters are made for sharing, whether at breakfast, brunch, or as a simple dessert that feels like a bakery treat at home.
Nutrition Information (per fritter)
(Approximate values; may vary based on fritter size, apple variety, and amount of glaze used)
Calories: 180–210 kcal | Total Fat: 6–8 g | Saturated Fat: 3–4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2–3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.8–1.2 g | Cholesterol: 35–45 mg | Sodium: 180–230 mg (depending on added salt and baking powder) | Total Carbohydrates: 28–32 g | Dietary Fiber: 1.5–2.2 g | Sugars: 14–18 g | Protein: 3–4 g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make baked apple fritters ahead of time?
Yes. They’re best the day they’re baked, but you can prepare them a few hours in advance and rewarm gently in the oven. Add the glaze just before serving for the best texture.
What type of apples work best for this recipe?
Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape while baking and provide balanced sweetness.
Why are my fritters spreading too much?
Overmixing the batter or using very juicy apples can cause spreading. Stir just until combined and avoid overly ripe fruit.
Can I skip the glaze or replace it?
Absolutely. The fritters are delicious on their own, or you can dust them with powdered sugar or drizzle with a light honey glaze instead.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day or refrigerate for up to two days. Reheat gently before serving.
How do I keep the fritters tender instead of dense?
Mix the batter just until the ingredients come together. Overmixing develops gluten, which can make the fritters heavy rather than light and cake-like.
Should the apples be raw or pre-cooked before adding?
Use raw apples. They soften naturally during baking and release just enough moisture to keep the fritters tender without becoming mushy.
Why do my fritters sometimes bake unevenly?
Uneven apple pieces or batter mounds can cause inconsistent baking. Chop apples evenly and lightly flatten each fritter before baking for uniform results.
How can I tell when the fritters are fully baked?
Look for golden-brown tops and edges, and test the center with a toothpick—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs.
What’s the best way to glaze without making them soggy?
Let the fritters cool slightly before glazing. Drizzling while they’re warm—but not hot—allows the glaze to set gently without soaking too deeply into the fritters.