Baked Apple Fritters

Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier take on the classic fried treat, featuring tender chunks of apple nestled in a soft, cinnamon-spiced dough and finished with a sweet glaze. These fritters are easy to make, full of fall flavor, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• All the flavor of traditional fritters with less oil and mess.
• Baked, not fried—healthier without sacrificing taste.
• Made with real apples and warm spices.
• Great for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat.
• Simple ingredients and easy preparation.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• All-purpose flour
• Baking powder
• Ground cinnamon
• Salt
• Eggs
• Granulated sugar
• Milk
• Vanilla extract
• Apples (peeled, cored, and diced)
• Melted butter
• Powdered sugar
• Milk or cream (for the glaze)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and sugar until light and fluffy. Add milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
4. Combine wet and dry ingredients, stirring until just mixed.
5. Fold in the diced apples.
6. Scoop heaping spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden and set.
8. While the fritters bake, mix powdered sugar and milk to create a glaze.
9. Drizzle the warm fritters with glaze and let set before serving.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 10-12 fritters
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Add Nuts: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
• Caramel Apple: Drizzle with caramel sauce instead of glaze.
• Spiced Up: Add nutmeg or allspice for a deeper fall flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 15-20 seconds or in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.
• Freezing: Freeze baked (unglazed) fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw and glaze before serving.

FAQs

Are baked apple fritters healthier than fried ones?

Yes, baking significantly reduces the amount of oil and calories.

What apples are best for fritters?

Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold up well when baked.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best to bake immediately after mixing, but you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately in advance.

Why did my fritters turn out dry?

Overbaking or too much flour can lead to dryness. Be careful with measurements and bake time.

Can I use applesauce instead of diced apples?

Diced apples provide better texture, but a small amount of applesauce can be mixed in for extra moisture.

Can I skip the glaze?

Yes, they’re still delicious without it, or you can dust with powdered sugar instead.

Can I make these vegan?

Use plant-based milk, egg replacer, and vegan butter to make them vegan-friendly.

What size should I make each fritter?

Each fritter should be about 2 heaping tablespoons of batter.

Do they spread while baking?

They may spread slightly, so space them about 2 inches apart on the baking sheet.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

Use less milk or add more powdered sugar to adjust the consistency.

Conclusion

Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful, better-for-you treat that doesn’t skimp on flavor. With warm cinnamon, sweet apples, and a light glaze, they’re the perfect cozy snack for any time of year—especially fall. Easy to whip up and even easier to enjoy, these fritters are sure to become a family favorite!

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