If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the perfect balance of cinnamon and apple aroma, then this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is your new best friend. These golden, tender fritters are baked—not fried—which means you get all the delightful flavors and that classic fritter texture without the extra heaviness. Soft bites of apple wrapped in a fragrant, lightly spiced batter and finished with a sweet vanilla glaze make these fritters irresistible. Whether you want a comforting dessert or a sweet morning snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your home baking rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an essential role in creating the perfect texture, flavor, and color in your baked apple fritters. From the soft, tangy apples to the warm spices and creamy Greek yogurt, these simple staples come together to make magic happen.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Provides the structure and a tender crumb to the fritters.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds the sweet backbone and helps with browning.
- 2 teaspoons baking powder: Gives the fritters a lovely rise and fluffy texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances and balances the sweetness and spices.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm, aromatic spice that’s a classic pairing with apples.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle, earthy depth to the spice blend.
- 2 large eggs: Bind the ingredients and contribute to a rich, moist texture.
- 1/3 cup milk: Helps create a smooth, slightly loose batter for easy mixing and baking.
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Adds moisture and a slight tang to keep the fritters tender.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Elevates all the flavors with a sweet, fragrant note.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted): Inserts richness and helps achieve a golden crust.
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith): Packed with tart sweetness and pleasant texture inside each fritter.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar (for glaze): Creates a smooth, sweet topping that’s the perfect finishing touch.
- 1–2 tablespoons milk (for glaze): Adjusts glaze consistency for easy drizzling.
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with subtle, warm flavor.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Apples
First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this is crucial to prevent sticking and ensure beautiful, golden bottoms. Then, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice to keep their color vibrant and add just a hint of lively acidity against the sweet batter.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Ingredients
Whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a large bowl. This blend of dry ingredients forms the flavorful base for your batter, giving those warm, cozy notes that make Baked Apple Fritters Recipe so comforting and unforgettable.
Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt, vanilla extract, and melted butter until everything is smooth and well combined. This mixture adds moisture, richness, and a velvety texture that will make your fritters soft inside with a tender crumb.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Now, gently fold the wet ingredients into the dry mixture just until combined—no overmixing here! Folding in the diced apples last ensures they stay nicely distributed throughout each fritter, offering juicy, fruity bursts in every bite.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Scoop the batter into your prepared muffin tin or onto your baking sheet in small mounds, leaving some space for them to puff up. Bake for about 18 to 22 minutes until they turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The oven does its magic here, turning simple batter and fresh apples into these delightful baked treats.
Step 6: Prepare and Drizzle the Glaze
While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, milk (start with 1 tablespoon and add more if needed), and vanilla extract until smooth. Drizzle this luscious glaze over the warm fritters — it adds a beautiful shine and extra sweetness that perfectly complements the apples and spices.
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
Garnishes
Feel free to sprinkle some extra cinnamon or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top to add a charming rustic look. Fresh mint or even thin apple slices on the side can brighten the presentation and add a pop of color that’s as inviting as the fritters themselves.
Side Dishes
These baked apple fritters are traditionally a delightful dessert but also pair wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a warm cup of coffee or spiced tea to make your morning extra special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking a few fritters on a pretty plate and drizzle the glaze in a zigzag pattern for a casual but elegant touch. You could also serve them in small paper cups for grab-and-go gatherings or stack the fritters with layers of Greek yogurt and honey for a beautiful parfait-style twist on the classic.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once completely cooled, store any leftover baked apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. This keeps them moist and fresh enough to enjoy without losing their tender texture.
Freezing
If you want to keep fritters longer, freezing is a great option. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They freeze well for up to one month, perfect for whipping up a quick treat any time you want.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until warm and slightly crisp again. The microwave works too if you’re in a hurry, but the oven method helps keep that lovely texture intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of apple for this Baked Apple Fritters Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples give a nice tart contrast, you can use sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji if you prefer a naturally sweeter fritter. Just be sure to dice them uniformly for even baking.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free baking blend that includes xanthan gum for structure. The fritters will still be delicious, but the texture might be a little different—still totally worth trying!
Why bake instead of fry the apple fritters?
Baking makes these fritters lighter and less greasy without sacrificing flavor or texture. It’s a healthier alternative that still gives you that warm, comforting dessert experience, perfect for a cozy night in.
Can I add nuts or raisins to the batter?
Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make great additions to sprinkle into the batter. They add extra texture and flavor, making each bite even more exciting.
How do I adjust the glaze if I want it thicker or thinner?
For a thicker glaze, use less milk or add a bit more powdered sugar. For a thinner glaze, simply add a little more milk, a teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for easy drizzling.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe is truly a little slice of happiness. It’s an easy, comforting way to enjoy seasonal apples with warm spices, all baked to golden perfection and finished with a dreamy glaze. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find it as delightful and cozy as I do—there’s something so special about sharing these homemade treats with friends and family. Happy baking!
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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 fritters
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delight in these Baked Apple Fritters, a healthier twist on the classic fried treat. Featuring tender bites of cinnamon and nutmeg-spiced apples baked to golden perfection and topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, this easy dessert is perfect for cozy fall gatherings or anytime you crave a comforting apple cinnamon treat.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Fruit
- 1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 1–2 tablespoons milk
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg until evenly combined.
- Combine wet ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla extract, and melted unsalted butter until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Form batter: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until combined. Avoid over-mixing to keep the fritters tender.
- Prepare apples: In a small bowl, toss the peeled and diced apples with lemon juice to prevent browning and add a bright flavor. Fold the apple pieces carefully into the batter.
- Shape fritters: Using a spoon, scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet in small mounds or divide it evenly among the muffin tin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet or muffin tin in the preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Prepare glaze: While the fritters cool slightly, whisk together powdered sugar, 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk, and vanilla extract until smooth to create a sweet glaze.
- Glaze and serve: Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and allow it to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy them fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Best enjoyed the same day but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheat briefly in the oven or microwave before serving to restore warmth and softness.
- For an extra boost of warm spice flavor, try substituting apple pie spice for the cinnamon and nutmeg.
