Soft, cinnamon-spiced baked apple fritters drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze! These easy, no-fry apple fritters are fluffy, golden, and packed with warm apple flavor—perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a cozy snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it delivers all the deliciousness of traditional apple fritters without the mess and extra calories of frying. The combination of tender baked dough and juicy apples, coated with a sweet vanilla glaze, makes these fritters irresistible. They are quick to prepare, require simple ingredients, and make a great breakfast or dessert. Plus, they fill my kitchen with the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Fritters:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
Fold in the diced apples, ensuring they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Using a spoon, drop mounds of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart.
Bake for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
While the fritters bake, prepare the glaze by whisking together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
Remove the fritters from the oven and let them cool for 5 minutes before drizzling with the glaze.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12 fritters
Calories per serving: 220 kcal
Variations
Add nuts – Chopped pecans or walnuts add a nice crunch to the fritters.
Use different apples – Try Fuji or Pink Lady for a sweeter fritter.
Make them spicier – Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a deeper flavor.
Caramel drizzle – Swap the glaze for a caramel drizzle for extra indulgence.
Gluten-free version – Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a gluten-free treat.
Storage and Reheating
Storage: Keep the fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheating: Warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 5 minutes to refresh their texture.
Freezing: Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and add the glaze before serving.
FAQs
How do I prevent my fritters from becoming too dense?
I make sure not to overmix the batter, as this can lead to a denser texture. Stirring until just combined keeps the fritters light and fluffy.
Can I use almond or oat milk instead of whole milk?
Yes, I can substitute whole milk with almond or oat milk, though the texture may be slightly different.
What’s the best way to chop the apples?
I like to dice them into small, even pieces so they cook through and blend well into the batter.
Can I make these fritters ahead of time?
Yes! I bake them in advance and store them without the glaze. I add the glaze right before serving for the best taste and texture.
Do I need to peel the apples?
I prefer peeling them for a softer texture, but if I want a more rustic fritter, I leave the skin on.
Conclusion
These baked apple fritters are a fantastic alternative to traditional fried fritters, offering all the flavor with less effort and oil. They’re easy to make, full of warm cinnamon-apple goodness, and perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert. I love how versatile they are, and they never last long in my kitchen.
Recipe:
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Baked Apple Fritters
Soft, cinnamon-spiced apple fritters baked to golden perfection and drizzled with a sweet vanilla glaze! These fritters are packed with warm apple flavor and have a light, fluffy texture without the need for deep frying.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
1/2 cup whole milk
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 1/2 cups apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
For the Glaze:
1 cup powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, milk, vanilla extract, and melted butter.
- Gradually add wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until just combined.
- Fold in diced apples, ensuring even distribution.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes until golden brown and firm to the touch.
- While baking, prepare the glaze by whisking together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Let fritters cool for 5 minutes, then drizzle with glaze.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
For a crunch, add chopped pecans or walnuts.
Try Fuji or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter flavor.
Enhance with nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
For a gluten-free option, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
Store in an airtight container at room temp for 2 days or refrigerate for 5 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12 fritters
- Calories: 220 kcal
