Name: Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 13 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour; 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour; 1/2 Cup brown sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg; 1/4 teaspoon allspice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 6 Tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces; 1/2 Cup milk (higher fat content recommended); 1 egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring; 1 Cup chopped apple; 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar; 2 Tablespoons milk (higher fat content recommended); 1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 2 reviews

If you have a soft spot for cozy, homemade treats that bring all the warm flavors of fall together, then this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is about to become your new favorite. These baked delights combine tender, spiced apples folded into a tender dough, finished with a sweet glaze that sets just perfectly under the broiler. The best part? They’re baked instead of fried, making them lighter but still irresistibly delicious. Trust me, once you try this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe, you’ll be reaching for seconds and sharing it with everyone you love.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A white bowl filled with a thick, creamy light beige batter mixed with small, pale yellow apple pieces scattered evenly throughout. A metal spatula with a grey silicone head rests inside the bowl, partially covered in the batter. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, adding a clean and bright background to the image. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Gathering simple ingredients is the key to making the most heartwarming Baked Apple Fritters Recipe. Each one plays a vital role, from the gentle sweetness of brown sugar to the comforting spices that make these fritters sing with flavor.

3/4 Cup all-purpose flour: Provides the perfect structure for a tender fritter that’s just right.
3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour: Adds wholesome texture and a subtle nutty flavor.
1/2 Cup brown sugar: Gives a deep sweetness that complements the apple beautifully.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Helps the fritters rise and stay light.
1 teaspoon cinnamon: Infuses that classic cozy spice we can’t get enough of.
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Adds warmth and depth to the spice profile.
1/4 teaspoon allspice: A pinch creates a subtle complexity.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances all the flavors perfectly.
6 Tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces: Ensures a flaky texture with rich buttery notes.
1/2 Cup milk (higher fat preferred): Makes the batter rich and tender.
1 egg: Binds everything together with a slight lift.
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring: Adds a delicate sweetness and aroma.
1 Cup chopped apple: The star ingredient – fresh, crisp bites that burst with flavor.
1 Cup confectioner’s sugar: For the luscious, sweet glaze that finishes the fritters.
2 Tablespoons milk (higher fat preferred): Creates the perfect smooth glaze texture.
1 teaspoon vanilla flavoring: A touch more vanilla for that irresistible glaze.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lining a baking sheet with a silicone mat if you have one that can handle the broiler. If not, you can skip the mat, just know your pan might need extra cleaning later. This prep step sets the stage for perfectly baked fritters that won’t stick and will develop a golden crust.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together both flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. This blend of powders and spices is where the base flavor builds, ensuring your fritters have that signature fragrant, sweet-spicy essence that everyone loves.

Step 3: Cut in the Butter

Cut cold butter into the dry ingredients until the mixture looks like coarse crumbs. This step creates a light, flaky texture in the fritters by distributing tiny pieces of butter that melt during baking, giving you tender pockets of richness.

Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla. This mixture adds moisture and flavor that binds your fritters together perfectly.

Step 5: Mix Batter and Fold in Apples

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and stir just until combined, then gently fold in the chopped apples. Don’t overmix here—keeping the batter a little lumpy ensures your fritters will be light and tender with juicy apple bits throughout.

Step 6: Bake the Fritters

Drop generous spoonfuls (about 1/4 cup each) of batter onto your prepared baking sheet. Bake for 11 to 13 minutes, until the bottoms turn golden brown and the centers are set. If you made smaller fritters, check for doneness sooner around 8 minutes to avoid overbaking.

Step 7: Prepare Glaze

While the fritters bake, whisk together confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. This sweet glaze is the crowning touch that makes these fritters so special.

Step 8: Broil with Glaze

Once baked, turn your oven to broil. Lightly brush a thin layer of glaze over each warm fritter, then place them under the broiler for 2 to 4 minutes. Watch closely—the glaze will bubble and the tops will turn a gorgeous golden color, giving the fritters a shiny, irresistible finish.

Step 9: Final Glaze Layer and Cool

Remove the baking sheet from the oven and brush the remaining glaze generously over the hot fritters. Let them cool enough for the glaze to harden slightly before serving to keep them beautifully shiny and sticky-sweet.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

A single round cookie with a rough, bumpy texture sits in the center of a small white plate. The cookie is light brown with darker brown spots and is covered in a thick layer of white icing that looks slightly glossy and irregularly spread, giving it a creamy and sticky appearance. In the background, there is a white cup filled with black coffee, and some more cookies can be seen blurred on a baking tray. The whole setting is on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple is often best here. A light dusting of cinnamon sugar or a few extra thin apple slices placed on top can add a lovely finishing touch that matches both taste and presentation beautifully.

Side Dishes

Serve these baked apple fritters alongside a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for an indulgent snack or dessert. They also pair perfectly with a hot cup of coffee or spiced tea for a cozy afternoon treat.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking the fritters in a rustic pile and drizzle warm caramel sauce over the top for a visually stunning and utterly delicious presentation perfect for sharing at brunch or a special gathering.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any fritters left (rare but possible), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to one day. This keeps them soft and fresh without drying out.

Freezing

You can freeze baked apple fritters by placing them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freezing until solid, then transferring to a sealed freezer bag. They freeze well for up to one month and make a quick snack when you need a sweet pick-me-up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm your fritters in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for about 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back their tender, gooey texture without sacrificing that wonderful glaze on top.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for the Baked Apple Fritters Recipe?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully for balancing sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples to vary the flavor and texture slightly.

Is it possible to make these fritters gluten-free?

Yes, by substituting the flours for a gluten-free all-purpose blend and making sure your baking powder is gluten-free, you can adapt this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe without too much trouble.

Why bake instead of fry the apple fritters?

Baking creates a lighter, less greasy version without sacrificing any of the flavor. It’s an easier clean-up and lets the natural apple and spice flavors shine through beautifully.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

While you can prepare the dry ingredients in advance, it’s best to add the wet ingredients and apples just before baking to keep the fritters fresh and avoid soggy batter.

How sweet are these fritters? Do I need to add extra sugar?

These fritters have a balanced sweetness from the brown sugar, apples, and glaze. You likely won’t need extra sugar, but feel free to adjust the glaze to your taste for more or less sweetness.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe enough if you want a treat that’s bursting with warm spices, fresh apples, and a sweet glaze that feels like a hug in pastry form. Whether you’re baking for your family or surprising friends, these fritters will spread joy and cozy vibes every time. Grab those apples and bake up a batch—you’ll be so glad you did!