If you’re craving the warm, comforting flavors of a traditional apple fritter but want something lighter and easier to make at home, you’re going to fall in love with these Baked Apple Fritters. They’re soft, fluffy, filled with juicy apple chunks, and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze that melts into every crevice. Plus, no frying means less mess and fewer calories—without sacrificing any of the cozy, nostalgic flavor.

Perfect for weekend brunch, afternoon snacks, or as a quick dessert, this baked version delivers everything you love about the classic fritter in a more approachable, oven-friendly format.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

• 🍎 Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.

• 🧁 Baked, not fried: Healthier and simpler than traditional fritters.

• ✨ No special tools or ingredients needed: You probably have everything on hand already.

• 👩‍🍳 Kid-friendly and great for sharing: A perfect family treat or potluck contribution.

• 🍏 Delicious with any apple variety: From Granny Smith to Honeycrisp.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Fritters:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar

• 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 1/3 cup milk

• 1 large egg

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1 1/2 cups chopped, peeled apples (about 1–2 medium apples)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar

• 2–3 tablespoons milk

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.

Add the milk, egg, and vanilla extract, and stir just until combined. Be careful not to overmix—it should be thick but spoonable.

Gently fold in the chopped apples until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake

Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop heaping spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them a couple inches apart.

Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the fritters are puffed and golden brown on the edges. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Step 4: Glaze and Serve

While the fritters bake, prepare the glaze: mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth.

Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Mixing bowls

• Whisk

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Baking sheet

• Parchment paper

• Spoon or cookie scoop

• Small bowl for glaze

Best Apples for This Recipe

You can use any apple variety, but here are a few top picks:

• Granny Smith: Tart and firm, great contrast to the sweet glaze

• Honeycrisp: Juicy and naturally sweet

• Fuji or Gala: Mild, soft texture when baked

• Braeburn: Balanced sweet-tart flavor

Tip: Always peel the apples to avoid chewy skins in your fritters.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters

• Chop apples small: Aim for about 1/4-inch pieces for even distribution and soft bites.

• Don’t overmix the batter: This keeps the fritters light and fluffy.

• Use parchment paper: Prevents sticking and helps achieve golden bottoms.

• Drizzle glaze while warm: So it melts into the fritters and creates that perfect sweet coating.

• Add-ins? A sprinkle of chopped walnuts or a dash of nutmeg would be lovely.

Storing and Reheating

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for 1–2 days, or refrigerate for up to 4 days.

• To Reheat: Warm in the microwave for 10–15 seconds or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.

• Freezing: These fritters can be frozen without glaze. Reheat and glaze just before serving for best results.

Pairings and Serving Suggestions

• ☕ Hot coffee or a chai latte make the perfect companion.

• 🧈 Serve with a side of cinnamon butter or warm applesauce.

• 🍨 Turn them into dessert by serving with vanilla ice cream and extra glaze.

These little treats are versatile—ideal for breakfast, snack time, or a light dessert.

Variations to Try

• Add nuts: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg, clove, or allspice for deeper flavor.

• Apple-cinnamon combo: Add 1 tablespoon of cinnamon sugar to the batter for an extra burst of spice.

• Maple glaze: Swap out milk in the glaze for maple syrup.

FAQ – Baked Apple Fritters

Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute your favorite 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.

Can I make these vegan?
Try using a plant-based milk, a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and vegan butter or oil in the glaze.

Do I have to peel the apples?
It’s recommended for a smoother bite, but if you like a little texture, you can leave the skins on.

Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. This recipe doubles well and can be easily scaled up for a larger crowd.

Final Thoughts + Call to Action

These Baked Apple Fritters are everything you want in a fall-inspired (or anytime) treat—warm, fluffy, sweet, and packed with real apple flavor. They’re a healthier, easier alternative to the fried classic, and your kitchen will smell like a cozy bakery as they bake.

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Bake it, love it, and don’t forget to drizzle! 🍎✨