There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh apple fritters filling your kitchen with warm cinnamon and apple aromas. If you love apple fritters but want a healthier, baked version, this is the recipe for you! These baked apple fritters offer the same delicious flavors of their fried counterparts without all the extra oil. Whether you’re looking for a breakfast treat, a snack, or a dessert, this recipe will hit the spot. Read on for everything you need to know to create these delectable baked apple fritters, from ingredients to tips, tricks, and serving suggestions!

What are Baked Apple Fritters?
Apple fritters are a popular pastry made by frying a dough that’s mixed with apples and spices. Traditional apple fritters are typically fried in hot oil until golden and crispy, and then glazed with a sugary coating. However, in this baked version, we skip the deep frying and instead bake the fritters in the oven for a lighter, healthier alternative. The dough is packed with apple chunks, cinnamon, and nutmeg, giving it that classic apple pie flavor. And even though they’re baked, these fritters are still tender on the inside, crispy on the outside, and drizzled with a sweet glaze for the perfect finish. Keep reading to find out how to make these mouthwatering treats right at home.
Ingredients List for Baked Apple Fritters
Before diving into the recipe, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here's what you'll need for the fritter dough and the glaze:
For the Fritters:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour – the base for your dough, giving it structure.
- ¼ cup granulated sugar – for a touch of sweetness.
- ½ teaspoon salt – enhances the flavor of the other ingredients.
- 1 ½ teaspoon baking powder – helps the fritters rise and become fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – pairs perfectly with the apples.
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg – adds warmth and depth of flavor.
- 2 large apples (about 2 cups diced) – Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples work well for a sweet-tart flavor balance.
- 2 large eggs – helps bind the ingredients and give the fritters structure.
- ½ cup milk – keeps the dough moist and soft.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – enhances the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoon melted butter – adds richness to the dough.
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar – creates a sweet glaze that coats the fritters.
- 2-3 tablespoon milk – to thin the powdered sugar into a glaze consistency.
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract – for flavor in the glaze.
Substitutions and Variations
One of the joys of cooking is how customizable recipes can be, and baked apple fritters are no exception. Here are a few substitutions and variations you can try:
- Apples: While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples are recommended, you can substitute with any apple variety you prefer. Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady apples also work wonderfully, providing different levels of sweetness and tartness.
- Dairy-Free Option: For those who are lactose intolerant or following a dairy-free diet, you can swap the milk for almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. Use dairy-free butter substitutes like margarine or coconut oil in place of regular butter.
- Gluten-Free: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Spice Level: If you like a spicier fritter, add ¼ teaspoon of ground ginger or a pinch of cloves to the dry ingredients. For a milder fritter, reduce the amount of cinnamon or skip the nutmeg.
- Toppings: Want an extra touch? Add some chopped walnuts or pecans to the dough for added crunch. You can also sprinkle the fritters with a dusting of powdered sugar before serving, or drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Now that you have your ingredients ready and ideas for variations, let's go through the step-by-step process to make these amazing baked apple fritters.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent the fritters from sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. You want about 2 cups of diced apples. Set the apples aside for later.
Step 3: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg. These are your dry ingredients, which form the base of the dough.
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter. Once the wet ingredients are combined, fold in the diced apples.
Step 5: Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients
Slowly mix the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring until everything is just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the fritters tough.
Step 6: Form the Fritters
Using a spoon or cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart to allow room for spreading. Aim for around 8-10 fritters depending on size.
Step 7: Bake
Bake the fritters in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Make the Glaze
While the fritters are baking, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
Step 9: Glaze the Fritters
Once the fritters are done, remove them from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. While they’re still warm, drizzle the glaze over the tops of the fritters. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving.
How to Cook Baked Apple Fritters: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of the steps to bake perfect apple fritters:
- Preheat oven and prepare the baking sheet.
- Dice the apples and mix the dry ingredients.
- Combine the wet ingredients and fold in the apples.
- Mix the wet and dry ingredients together.
- Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden brown.
- Drizzle with glaze and let set before serving.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even with a straightforward recipe like this, there are a few common pitfalls you’ll want to avoid:
- Overmixing the dough: Stirring the dough too much can result in tough, dense fritters. Mix just until the ingredients are combined.
- Skipping the glaze: The glaze is what gives the fritters their signature sweetness. Don’t skip it, or your fritters may taste bland.
- Cutting the apples too large: Larger apple chunks may cause uneven baking. Dice the apples into small, uniform pieces for the best results.
- Undercooking the fritters: Make sure the fritters are fully baked before removing them from the oven. They should be golden and cooked through.
Serving and Presentation Tips
These baked apple fritters are best served warm, ideally fresh out of the oven. However, they can also be enjoyed at room temperature. To elevate your presentation, you can serve them with various sides and toppings. Here are some ideas:
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
- With a Cup of Coffee or Tea: These fritters make a delightful pairing with a hot cup of coffee, tea, or even apple cider.
- With Ice Cream: For a dessert twist, serve your fritters with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- With a Dusting of Cinnamon Sugar: For extra sweetness, dust the fritters with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar right before serving.
Presentation Ideas for Baked Apple Fritters
- Glazed and Stacked: Glaze the fritters and stack them on a serving plate for a visually appealing display.
- Individually Plated: Serve each fritter on a small dessert plate with a drizzle of glaze and a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
- On a Rustic Wooden Board: For a more rustic presentation, arrange the fritters on a wooden board, surrounded by fresh apple slices and cinnamon sticks.
Baked Apple Fritters Recipe Tips
Here are a few additional tips to ensure your baked apple fritters turn out perfectly:
- Use a Cookie Scoop: To get uniform fritters, use a cookie scoop to portion the dough onto the baking sheet.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the fritter dough ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to whip up a fresh batch whenever you like.
- Reheat Leftovers: If you have leftover fritters, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy texture.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make these fritters in advance?
A: Yes! You can prepare the dough a day ahead and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake.
Q: How do I store leftover fritters?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Q: Can I freeze apple fritters?
A: Absolutely. Freeze the baked fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, reheat in the oven until warmed through.
Q: Can I skip the glaze?
A: While you can skip the glaze, it’s recommended for that classic sweet finish. You can also substitute it with a dusting of powdered sugar if you prefer.
Conclusion
Baked apple fritters are a wonderful, healthier alternative to their fried counterparts, and they’re perfect for any time of day. From the sweet, spiced apple filling to the rich glaze drizzled over the top, every bite is bursting with flavor. By following this step-by-step guide and incorporating some of the tips and variations, you’ll have no trouble whipping up a batch of these delicious treats. Whether you’re serving them for breakfast, dessert, or just as a snack, these baked apple fritters are sure to impress!
PrintBaked Apple Fritters Recipe
Baked apple fritters offer a healthier version of traditional fried fritters, made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a sweet glaze. These fritters are perfect for a quick breakfast or dessert and are baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 2 tsp baking powder
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ⅔ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 2 tbsp milk (for glaze)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla.
- Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Fold in the chopped apples.
- Drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until golden brown.
- For the glaze, mix powdered sugar with 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Drizzle over the warm fritters before serving.
Notes
- For extra flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
- You can add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for more spice.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
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