Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Sweet Homemade Baked Apple Fritters Recipe: A Fall Treat

Crafting delectable baked apple fritters can turn an ordinary morning into a delightful culinary adventure.

Sweet apples nestled in a tender, golden batter create a mouthwatering treat that beckons you closer.

Crisp autumn afternoons deserve something special straight from your kitchen.

Cinnamon and nutmeg dance through the recipe, promising warmth and comfort in every bite.

Homemade goodness beats store-bought pastries every single time.

Seasonal ingredients combine to deliver a delightful experience that celebrates simple pleasures.

Dive right in and let these irresistible fritters become your new breakfast favorite.

Reasons Baked Apple Fritters Are a Crowd-Pleasing Snack

  • Bake with Ease: Skip the messy deep-frying and enjoy a healthier version of classic apple fritters that's simple to prepare with minimal kitchen cleanup.
  • Family Breakfast Champion: Packed with sweet diced apples and warm spices, these fritters become an instant hit for weekend mornings or special family gatherings.
  • Quick Dessert Solution: Perfect for last-minute sweet cravings, this recipe requires basic pantry ingredients and minimal preparation, making it a go-to treat for spontaneous baking moments.
  • No-Fuss Crowd Pleaser: Delivers restaurant-style deliciousness without complicated techniques, ensuring even novice bakers can create a impressive and delectable dessert that everyone will love.

Ingredients Needed to Make Crispy Baked Apple Fritters

For the Base:
  • Flour: The primary structure and body of the fritters.
  • Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps with browning.
  • Baking Powder: Provides lift and creates a light, airy texture.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile.
For the Spices:
  • Cinnamon, Nutmeg: Warm spices that complement the apple and create depth of flavor.
For the Wet Ingredients:
  • Eggs: Bind the batter and provide richness.
  • Milk: Helps create a smooth, consistent batter.
  • Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, sweet aromatic flavor.
  • Melted Butter: Contributes richness and moisture.
For the Fruit:
  • Apples: Fresh fruit that adds natural sweetness and texture to the fritters.
For the Glaze:
  • Powdered Sugar, Milk, Vanilla Extract: Creates a sweet, smooth topping that adds shine and extra sweetness.

How to Bake Delicious and Golden Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare Baking Setup

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or apply a light coating of grease to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Granulated sugar
  • Baking powder
  • Salt
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Ground nutmeg

Whisk these ingredients together until they’re evenly blended.

Step 3: Blend Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together:
  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract
  • Melted butter

Continue whisking until the mixture looks smooth and fully incorporated.

Step 4: Create Fritter Batter

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

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

Step 5: Bake Golden Fritters

Using a spoon, drop generous dollops of batter onto the prepared baking sheet.

Space the fritters about 2 inches apart. Slide the sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 14-16 minutes.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and test doneness by inserting a toothpick – it should come out clean.

Step 6: Whip Up Glaze

While fritters are cooling, create a quick glaze by whisking:
  • Powdered sugar
  • Milk
  • Vanilla extract

Stir until the mixture becomes silky smooth.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Drizzle or brush the glaze over warm fritters. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy these warm, sweet treats straight from the oven!

Tips to Achieve Perfectly Crispy Baked Apple Fritters

  • Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture in your fritters.
  • Avoid overmixing the batter to keep the fritters light and tender, stirring just until ingredients are combined.
  • Check doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean without any wet batter.
  • Make these fritters gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a reliable gluten-free flour blend.
  • Store leftover fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, reheating briefly in the oven to restore crispness.

Variations to Try on Traditional Baked Apple Fritters

  • Gluten-Free Apple Fritters: Replace wheat flour with almond or gluten-free blend flour for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Vegan Apple Fritters: Substitute eggs with mashed banana, use plant-based milk, and replace butter with coconut oil.
  • Low-Sugar Apple Fritters: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener instead of sugar, reduce overall sweetness while maintaining flavor.
  • Whole Wheat Apple Fritters: Swap half the all-purpose flour with whole wheat flour for added nutrition and hearty texture.

What to Serve Alongside Warm Apple Fritters

  • Pair with Cinnamon Coffee: Brew a strong coffee infused with ground cinnamon to complement the warm spices in the apple fritters, creating a harmonious flavor experience that enhances the dessert's sweetness.
  • Serve with Vanilla Bean Ice Cream: Scoop creamy vanilla bean ice cream alongside the warm fritters, allowing the cold, smooth texture to contrast beautifully with the crisp, spiced pastry and provide a delightful temperature contrast.
  • Match with Caramel Chai Latte: Prepare a rich chai latte with a caramel drizzle that echoes the apple and spice notes in the fritters, offering a comforting and indulgent beverage pairing that elevates the dessert's warm flavors.

How to Store Baked Apple Fritters to Maintain Freshness

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Place parchment paper between layers to prevent sticking.

Wrap individual fritters tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.

Warm refrigerated fritters for 15-20 seconds on medium power. Check to ensure they don’t become tough or dry.

Restore crispiness by placing fritters on a baking sheet at 350F for 5-7 minutes. This method helps maintain their original texture and warmth.

FAQs

  • What are the main ingredients needed for baked apple fritters?

The key ingredients include flour, sugar, baking powder, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, butter, fresh apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and powdered sugar for the glaze.

  • Are these fritters healthier than traditional fried fritters?

Yes, baking instead of deep-frying significantly reduces the oil content, making these fritters a lighter and healthier alternative with fewer calories and less fat.

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

Absolutely! Firm baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn work best because they hold their shape and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.

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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

Description

Sweet, golden Baked Apple Fritters bring homemade comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen with crisp apple chunks nestled in light, pillowy dough. Warm spices and caramelized edges promise a delightful treat you can’t resist savoring with morning coffee or afternoon tea.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Apples:

  • 1.5 cups diced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Dry Ingredients:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Wet Ingredients and Binding Agents:

  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup whole milk
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Glaze Ingredients:

  • 1 cup powdered sugar
  • 23 tablespoons milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 375F (190C) and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light grease coating.
  2. Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl, creating a uniform flour mixture with sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
  3. Whisk together eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter in a separate container until the liquid mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
  4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients, stirring gently until just incorporated. Carefully fold diced apples into the batter, ensuring even distribution.
  5. Drop generous spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, maintaining approximately 2 inches of space between each fritter.
  6. Bake for 14-16 minutes, monitoring until the fritters develop a golden-brown exterior and a toothpick inserted into the center emerges clean.
  7. Craft the glaze by whisking powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until achieving a smooth, pourable consistency.
  8. Once fritters have cooled slightly, generously drizzle or brush the glaze over the warm pastries.
  9. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes, creating a delicate, sweet coating before serving the fritters.

Notes

  • Achieve the perfect texture by avoiding overmixing the batter, which can lead to tough fritters.
  • Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best balance of flavor and texture.
  • Customize the recipe by adding chopped nuts or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon to enhance the apple fritters.
  • Make these fritters gluten-free by substituting all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 233 kcal
  • Sugar: 18 g
  • Sodium: 166 mg
  • Fat: 6 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 39 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 43 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

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