Introduction
Few things capture the essence of comfort and nostalgia like the smell of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen. Baked Apple Fritters are one of those timeless treats that evoke cozy mornings, holiday gatherings, and leisurely afternoons with a cup of coffee or tea. Unlike traditional deep-fried fritters, these baked beauties offer a lighter alternative without sacrificing flavor or texture.
This easy recipe combines juicy apples, warm spices, and a tender, cake-like base, all topped with a simple, sweet glaze. The result is a crispy-on-the-outside, soft-on-the-inside delight that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, dessert, or even an indulgent snack.
Whether you’re an experienced home baker or just getting started, you’ll love how quickly these fritters come together. They’re also a fantastic way to use up apples from a fall harvest or your weekly market haul. Let’s get baking!
Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup peeled and diced apples (about 1 medium apple)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ cup powdered sugar (for glaze)
- 1 tablespoon milk (for glaze)
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Mix dry ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, ground cinnamon, salt, and granulated sugar. This creates a flavorful, spiced base for your fritters.
Step 3: Combine wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, and vanilla extract until well combined.
Step 4: Make the batter
Gradually pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients, stirring gently until everything is incorporated. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
Step 5: Fold in apples
Gently fold the diced apples into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed. The apples will release their juices as they bake, infusing the fritters with sweet, cinnamon-spiced flavor.
Step 6: Shape the fritters
Using a spoon or ice cream scoop, drop spoonfuls of the batter onto the prepared baking sheet. Space them about 2 inches apart, as they will spread slightly during baking.
Step 7: Bake
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Prepare the glaze
While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 1 tablespoon of milk until smooth. You can adjust the consistency by adding more milk (for a thinner glaze) or more powdered sugar (for a thicker glaze).
Step 9: Glaze and serve
Once the fritters are out of the oven, allow them to cool for a couple of minutes. Drizzle the glaze generously over the warm fritters. Serve immediately and enjoy every bite!
Serving Suggestions
Baked Apple Fritters are incredibly versatile. Here are a few ways to enjoy them:
- Pair with a steaming mug of coffee, chai tea, or hot apple cider for the perfect fall or winter snack.
- Serve as part of a brunch spread with other baked goods and fresh fruit.
- Enjoy warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
- Pack them in lunchboxes for a sweet surprise.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approximate values:
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 18 mins
Total Time: 28 mins
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: ~210 kcal (will vary based on glaze quantity)
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a comforting, homemade treat that’s both easy to prepare and utterly satisfying, these Baked Apple Fritters should be at the top of your list. They deliver all the goodness of a traditional fritter—crispy edges, soft centers, and plenty of cinnamon-spiced apple flavor—without the fuss of frying.
Another great thing about this recipe is its adaptability. Swap in different apples for subtle flavor changes (Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness), add nuts for crunch, or experiment with different glazes such as maple or caramel.
Perfect for fall but delicious any time of year, Baked Apple Fritters are a recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. They’re simple, versatile, and guaranteed to bring smiles to anyone who tries them.
Happy baking! 🍎✨