Baked Apple Fritters

Name: Baked Apple Fritters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour; 2 teaspoons baking powder; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon cinnamon; ¼ teaspoon nutmeg; ⅓ cup brown sugar; 1 large egg; ½ cup milk (or almond milk); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil); 1 ½ cups diced apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji); 1 cup powdered sugar (for glaze); 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for glaze); 2 tablespoons milk (for glaze)

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by: Julie

Published: March 19, 2025

Freshly baked apple fritters drizzled with vanilla glaze, served on a rustic wooden plate with apple slices and cinnamon.

You know that feeling when the air turns crisp, and suddenly, all you want is something warm, sweet, and packed with cinnamon flavor? That’s where Baked Apple Fritters come in. They’re everything you love about a classic apple fritter—soft, spiced, and bursting with juicy apple bits—but without the deep frying. That means less oil, less mess, and more golden-brown, bakery-style goodness.

But what makes these shine? The vanilla glaze drapes over the warm fritters, melting into every crevice. It’s simple—just powdered sugar, vanilla, and a splash of milk—but it adds the perfect touch of sweetness.

Let’s break down the magic ingredients:

Apples – Full of fiber, vitamin C, and natural sweetness. Go for Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg – Anti-inflammatory spices that bring out the rich, cozy flavors.
Flour & Baking Powder – The key to a light, fluffy texture.
Eggs & Milk – Adds moisture and protein, making the fritters soft but structured.
Brown Sugar & Maple Syrup – Natural sweetness with caramel-like depth.

And if you’re a fan of easy homemade treats, you might also love these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels—because, let’s be real, cinnamon makes everything better.

Now, let’s talk about why these fritters are about to be your new favorite fall (or anytime) treat.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

Let’s be real—there are plenty of apple fritter recipes out there. But Baked Apple Fritters? They hit that sweet spot between indulgent and just a little healthier. No deep frying, no waiting for the dough to rise, just simple ingredients baked into golden-brown perfection.

Here’s why you’ll love them:

1. No Deep Frying = Less Mess, More Flavor

No hot oil splattering all over your kitchen.
No greasy aftertaste—just crisp, fluffy fritters with caramelized apple bits.

2. Quick & Easy – No Fancy Steps

Just mix, scoop, and bake.
No waiting for the dough to rise (because patience is overrated when you want fritters now).

3. Made with Simple, Pantry-Friendly Ingredients

You probably already have flour, cinnamon, brown sugar, and eggs at home.
Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a little tartness for balance.

4. Perfect for Any Time of Day

Breakfast? Yes.
Dessert? Absolutely.
Midnight snack? Don’t even question it.

5. That Warm Vanilla Glaze

A simple mix of powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk.
Melts into the warm fritters, making them irresistible.

And if you’re in the mood for another cozy, homemade favorite, check out these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—they’re soft, buttery, and packed with a hint of tea flavor.

Ingredients for Baked Apple Fritters

Alright, let’s talk ingredients. These Baked Apple Fritters keep it simple—no weird stuff, just pantry staples, and fresh apples coming together to make the perfect fall treat.

The Dry Ingredients

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour – The base for that soft, fluffy texture.
2 teaspoons baking powder – Gives the fritters a nice lift.
½ teaspoon salt – Balances the sweetness.
1 teaspoon cinnamon – The must-have spice for that warm, cozy flavor.
¼ teaspoon nutmeg – Just a pinch adds depth and warmth.

The Wet Ingredients

⅓ cup brown sugar – Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness.
1 large egg – Helps bind everything together.
½ cup milk (or almond milk for dairy-free) – Keeps the batter smooth.
1 teaspoon vanilla extract – Enhances the overall flavor.
2 tablespoons melted butter (or coconut oil) – Adds richness and moisture.

The Star Ingredient: Apples

1 ½ cups diced apples – The heart of the recipe! Go for:
- Granny Smith for a tart contrast.
- Honeycrisp for extra sweetness.
- Fuji for a juicy middle ground.

Optional Add-Ins (Because Why Not?)

Chopped pecans or walnuts – For a little crunch.
A drizzle of maple syrup – For natural sweetness.

If you’re looking for another apple-packed treat, try these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels—because, let’s be honest, cinnamon makes everything better.

Essential Tools for Making Baked Apple Fritters

Good news—making Baked Apple Fritters doesn’t require any fancy kitchen gadgets. You probably have everything you need already. But if you want to make the process smoother (and less messy), here are the must-have tools:

1. Mixing Bowls

One for dry ingredients, one for wet—because no one likes clumpy batter.
A large bowl works best for mixing everything without spills.

2. Apple Peeler, Corer, & Knife

If you’re using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeling is optional, but coring is a must.
A good sharp knife makes chopping apples easy.

3. Baking Sheet & Parchment Paper

Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
If you don’t have parchment paper, lightly grease the baking sheet instead.

4. Cookie Scoop or Spoon

A cookie scoop helps shape uniform fritters (and keeps your hands clean).
If you don’t have one, a regular spoon works fine—just aim for even portions.

5. Cooling Rack

Helps the fritters cool evenly without getting soggy on the bottom.

6. Small Bowl for Glaze

A shallow bowl makes dipping the fritters in vanilla glaze super easy.

And if you love baking with simple tools, check out these Sourdough Discard Bagels Without Yeast—no fancy equipment needed, just pure homemade goodness.

Now that you’ve got your tools ready, let’s get baking!

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Now for the fun part—baking these beauties! No deep frying, no waiting for the for to rise, just quick mixing, scooping, and baking. Here’s how you’ll make Baked Apple Fritters in just a few easy steps.

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Peel (optional), core, and dice 1 ½ cups of apples into small chunks.
Toss them with a sprinkle of cinnamon and brown sugar for extra flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together:
- 1 ½ cups flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, mix:
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons melted butter

Step 4: Combine Everything

Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
Gently fold in the diced apples—don’t overmix!

Step 5: Scoop & Bake

Scoop the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet, leaving space between each fritter.
Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Let them cool slightly before glazing.

Step 6: Drizzle with Vanilla Glaze

Mix 1 cup powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla, and 2 tablespoons milk until smooth.
Drizzle over warm fritters and let it set.

And if you love quick, easy bakes, try these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—simple, buttery, and packed with flavor!

Swaps & Substitutions for Baked Apple Fritters

Want to tweak these Baked Apple Fritters to fit your taste or dietary needs? No problem! Here are some easy swaps that won’t sacrifice flavor.

1. Dairy-Free Option

Swap milk for almond, oat, or coconut milk—they all work great.
Replace butter with coconut oil or a neutral vegetable oil.

2. Egg-Free Alternative

Use ¼ cup applesauce per egg. Bonus: it adds even more apple flavor!
A flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) works too.

3. Want More Texture?

Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Toss in raisins or dried cranberries for a chewy bite.

4. No Brown Sugar?

Swap for maple syrup or coconut sugar—both add a deep, rich sweetness.
White sugar works in a pinch, but it won’t have the same caramel-like taste.

5. Gluten-Free Option

Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend—just make sure it contains xanthan gum for structure.

6. Love Caramel?

Drizzle the fritters with homemade caramel sauce instead of vanilla glaze.
Or go all out and serve them with vanilla ice cream + caramel drizzle.

And if you’re into creative baking swaps, you’ll love these Sourdough Discard Bagels Without Yeast—they’re a game-changer for homemade bagels!

What to Serve with Baked Apple Fritters

These Baked Apple Fritters are incredible on their own—warm, soft, and coated in a sweet vanilla glaze. But if you want to take things up a notch, here are some perfect pairings to make your fritter experience even better.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Baked Apple Fritters

1. A Hot Cup of Coffee or Tea

The cinnamon and apples in the fritters go perfectly with a strong black coffee or a smooth chai latte.
If you love a hint of sweetness in your tea, pair them with these Earl Grey Sugar Cookies—they’re buttery, crisp, and just the right amount of fancy.

2. A Drizzle of Caramel or Honey

Warm caramel sauce over apple fritters? A total win.
If you prefer something lighter, a little honey or maple syrup adds just the right touch.

3. Ice Cream for the Ultimate Dessert

A scoop of vanilla bean ice cream melts perfectly into the warm fritters.
For an extra treat, try it with a salted caramel ice cream—trust me, it’s worth it.

4. A Savory Breakfast Combo

Serve your fritters next to crispy bacon or sausage for a sweet-savory contrast.
A side of scrambled eggs makes it a full-on breakfast plate.

5. A Tall Glass of Milk or Apple Cider

Cold milk balances out the warm, sugary glaze.
For a fall-inspired combo, try them with a glass of hot apple cider—you won’t regret it.

And if you’re looking for another comfort-food classic, these Mongolian Ground Beef Noodles make a quick, hearty dinner before dessert.

If you made this recipe, please leave a rating at the bottom of the page! Your feedback is valuable to me and other readers. For more delicious homemade recipes, subscribe to my Newsletter and join me on Pinterest, Facebook, and X!

FAQs About Baked Apple Fritters

1. Can You Bake Apple Fritters?

Absolutely! Traditional apple fritters are deep-fried, but Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier and easier alternative. Baking them still gives you a golden-brown crust and soft, cinnamon-spiced apples inside—without the mess of hot oil. Just mix the batter, scoop onto a baking sheet, and bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy.

2. How to Make Apple Crumble?

Apple Crumble is another cozy fall favorite! It’s super simple:

Toss sliced apples with cinnamon, sugar, and a little lemon juice.
Make the crumble topping with flour, brown sugar, butter, and oats.
Sprinkle it over the apples and bake until golden and bubbly.
If you love warm, cinnamon-packed desserts, try these Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels—they’ve got that same cozy crunch!

3. What Are the Best Apples for Apple Butter?

The best apples for apple butter are soft, sweet varieties that break down easily:

Fuji – Naturally sweet and smooth.
Honeycrisp – A perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Granny Smith – Adds a little tang for depth of flavor.
For another way to use apples, these Sourdough Discard Bagels Without Yeast pair amazingly with homemade apple butter!

4. What Is in an Apple Fritter?

A classic apple fritter includes:

Flour, eggs, and baking powder (or yeast for a traditional version).
Apples – Diced or shredded for juicy bites in every piece.
Cinnamon, nutmeg, and brown sugar – Essential for that warm, spiced flavor.
A simple vanilla glaze – Made with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla.

5. Are Apple Fritters Made with Yeast?

It depends! Traditional apple fritters are yeast-based, giving them a light, airy texture. However, Baked Apple Fritters use baking powder instead—no waiting for the dough to rise, just mix and bake!

6. How to Make Batter for Apple Fritters?

Apple fritter batter is a simple thick, pancake-like batter made with:

Flour, baking powder, cinnamon, and nutmeg (for structure and flavor).
Eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter (for moisture).
Chopped apples folded in at the end.
If you love easy batters, you’ll enjoy these Matcha Pancakes—they’re fluffy and flavorful, and have a fun twist on classic pancakes!

Your New Favorite Apple Treat

So there you have it—Baked Apple Fritters that are golden, soft, and packed with warm apple-cinnamon goodness. Whether you’re making them for breakfast, dessert, or just because you need something sweet ASAP, they’re a no-fuss, no-fry treat that delivers big on flavor.

Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to This Recipe:

✔ Easy to make—just mix, scoop, and bake.
✔ No deep frying—less mess, same delicious taste.
✔ customizable—swap ingredients to fit your diet.
✔ Perfect with coffee, ice cream, or a caramel drizzle.

Seriously, once you bite into a warm, glazed fritter, you’ll wonder why you ever bought them from a bakery. And if you’re in the mood for more baked goodness, try this Chocolate Guinness Cake—it’s rich, moist, and ridiculously good.

Now It’s Your Turn!

If you make these Baked Apple Fritters, let me know in the comments! Did you go classic, add nuts, or maybe drizzle on some caramel? Either way, I promise—these will be a hit.

Bake ‘em, eat ‘em, and enjoy every single bite. (And if you “accidentally” eat the whole batch… I won’t judge.