Baked Apple Fritters are a wholesome twist on the classic deep-fried treat—bringing all the warm, cinnamon-spiced goodness of traditional fritters without the mess or heaviness of frying. These fritters are soft, slightly chewy, and packed with tender apple chunks that caramelize beautifully in the oven. The batter comes together quickly with pantry staples, and the baking process makes them lighter, cleaner, and perfect for everyday indulgence.
Each fritter is a golden mound of apple-studded dough, lightly crisped on the edges and moist in the center. A drizzle of glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar adds just the right touch of sweetness. Whether served for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, these baked fritters deliver comfort and flavor in every bite—with minimal effort and maximum satisfaction.
INGREDIENTS:
For the Fritters:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1½ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 large egg
- ⅓ cup milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or oil
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (any sweet variety like Gala or Fuji)
Optional Glaze:
- ½ cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- ¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
INSTRUCTION:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients In a separate bowl, beat the egg. Add milk, vanilla, and melted butter. Stir until smooth.
Step 4: Make the Batter Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined—do not overmix. Fold in the diced apples.
Step 5: Shape and Bake Scoop heaping tablespoons of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. You should get 8–10 fritters.
Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until golden brown and firm to the touch. The edges should be lightly crisped, and the centers cooked through.
Step 6: Glaze or Dust While the fritters cool slightly, mix powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla to make a glaze. Drizzle over warm fritters or dust with powdered sugar for a simpler finish.
SERVINGS:
Makes 8–10 fritters, enough for 4–5 servings. Perfect for sharing or storing for later.
NOTE:
- Apple Choice: Use firm, sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Peel and dice into small cubes for even baking.
- Texture Tips: For extra moisture, add a tablespoon of applesauce to the batter. For crunch, stir in chopped walnuts or pecans.
- Flavor Variations:
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for warmth
- Mix in raisins or dried cranberries
- Use brown sugar instead of white for a deeper flavor
- Glaze Options:
- Add maple syrup or cinnamon to the glaze
- Use lemon juice instead of milk for a tangy twist
- Skip glaze and serve with yogurt or whipped cream
- Storage: Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Reheat in a toaster oven for best texture.
- Freezing: Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8–10 minutes.
- Serving Ideas:
- Serve with coffee or chai
- Pair with scrambled eggs for a sweet-savory breakfast
- Add to brunch platters with fruit and cheese
- Kid-Friendly Version: Use mild apples and skip glaze. Add mini chocolate chips for fun.
- Elegant Twist: Shape into mini rounds and serve with caramel drizzle and toasted nuts.
- Batch Scaling: Double the recipe for gatherings. Use two trays and rotate halfway through baking.
- Mindful Eating: These fritters are baked, not fried—making them lighter and easier to digest. Enjoy slowly and pair with fresh fruit or herbal tea.
- Serving Temperature: Best served warm. If holding for guests, keep in a low oven (180°F or 80°C) covered loosely with foil.