Introduction

Craving a cozy, homemade treat without the mess of frying? These are the Best Baked Apple Fritters in 30 Minutes (Easy Recipe!). They deliver all the warm, cinnamon-spiced flavor of the classic in a lighter, oven-baked form. For another simple baked dessert, try these Perfect Baked Sweet Potatoes Recipe or the zesty Lemon Custard Cake Recipe.

Ingredients

These Baked Apple Fritters fill your kitchen with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and baked apples. Gather these simple ingredients for a treat that’s crisp on the outside and tender within.

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• ½ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp allspice
• ¼ tsp salt
• 6 tbsp cold butter, cut into pieces
• ½ cup whole milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 cup Honeycrisp apple, peeled and finely diced

For the Glaze

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp whole milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	15 minutes
Total Time	30 minutes

Context: This streamlined process makes these Baked Apple Fritters about 20% faster than similar deep-fried recipes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prepare the Apples

Peel and core 2–3 medium apples, then dice them into ½-inch pieces. Toss the apple pieces with a tablespoon of lemon juice to prevent browning and a teaspoon of cinnamon for flavor. This ensures every bite of your Baked Apple Fritters is packed with spiced apple goodness.

Step 2 — Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, ⅓ cup of granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Aerating the flour with a whisk helps create a lighter texture in the final baked fritters.

Step 3 — Combine Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk 2 large eggs, ¾ cup of milk, ¼ cup of melted (and slightly cooled) butter or oil, and 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients and stir with a spatula until just combined; a few lumps are fine.

Step 4 — Fold in the Apples

Gently fold the prepared diced apples into the batter. Be careful not to overmix, as this can lead to tough fritters. The batter will be thick and chunky, which is perfect for holding its shape on the baking sheet.

Step 5 — Portion and Bake

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Use a large cookie scoop or two spoons to drop ¼-cup mounds of batter onto the sheet, spacing them about 2 inches apart. Bake for 15–18 minutes.

The Baked Apple Fritters are done when they are puffed, golden brown on top and bottom, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Step 6 — Make the Glaze (Optional)

While the fritters bake, whisk together 1 cup of powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons of milk or apple cider and ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract until smooth. The glaze should be thick but pourable.

Step 7 — Glaze and Serve

Let the baked fritters cool on the pan for 5 minutes, then dip the top of each warm fritter into the glaze or drizzle it over with a spoon. Allow the glaze to set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these Baked Apple Fritters warm for the best texture and flavor.

Nutritional Information

Calories	~210 kcal
Protein	~4g
Carbohydrates	~38g
Fat	~6g
Fiber	~2g
Sodium	~180mg

Note: These values are estimates for one Baked Apple Fritter, based on typical ingredients and serving size. Actual nutrition can vary depending on specific brands and measurements used.

Healthier Alternatives

These simple ingredient swaps can help tailor your Baked Apple Fritters to various dietary needs without sacrificing that classic, comforting flavor.

• Protein Powder for Flour — Replace up to ¼ cup of the all-purpose flour with unflavored whey or plant-based protein powder for a higher-protein version that keeps the texture light.
• Almond or Coconut Flour — Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, or a mix of almond and coconut flour, for a lower-carb, gluten-free alternative with a nutty, rich taste.
• Unsweetened Applesauce for Oil — Swap half the oil or melted butter with unsweetened applesauce to reduce fat while adding extra apple flavor and moisture.
• Maple Syrup or Monk Fruit — Use pure maple syrup or a monk fruit sweetener blend in place of granulated sugar for a more natural sweetness with a lower glycemic impact.
• Oat or Nut Milk — Substitute any dairy milk with unsweetened almond, oat, or cashew milk for a creamy, dairy-free result.
• Chia or Flax “Egg” — Mix 1 tablespoon of chia or ground flax seeds with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg to create a vegan binding agent that adds fiber.
• Reduce or Omit Salt — For a low-sodium version, simply cut the added salt in half or omit it entirely, relying on the spices and apple for flavor.
• Greek Yogurt Glaze — Top your Baked Apple Fritters with a glaze made from Greek yogurt and a touch of honey instead of a powdered sugar glaze for added protein and tang.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair warm Baked Apple Fritters with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for a classic dessert.
• Serve them for a cozy weekend brunch alongside a hot cup of coffee or a chai latte.
• Create an elegant fall dessert plate by drizzling the fritters with salted caramel sauce and a dusting of powdered sugar.
• Pack cooled fritters in a lunchbox for a sweet, satisfying treat that travels well.
• For a festive touch, arrange them on a platter and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar immediately after baking.
• Offer a dipping station with sides like warm cinnamon glaze, apple butter, or maple yogurt for a fun, interactive snack.

These baked apple fritters are wonderfully versatile. Enjoy them fresh from the oven when they are at their most tender, or let them cool for a firmer, cake-like texture perfect for on-the-go.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using the wrong apple variety, leading to a mushy or bland fritter. Fix: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape and flavor during baking.
• Mistake: Overmixing the batter, which develops gluten and creates a tough, dense texture. Fix: Gently fold the wet and dry ingredients together until just combined; a few lumps are perfectly fine.
• Mistake: Skipping the step of draining excess liquid from the grated apples. Fix: Wring the shredded apples in a clean kitchen towel to prevent a soggy, wet batter that won’t bake properly.
• Mistake: Not preheating the oven or using the wrong rack position. Fix: Always fully preheat your oven and bake on the center rack for even heat circulation and proper rise.
• Mistake: Overcrowding the baking sheet, which steams the fritters instead of baking them. Fix: Leave ample space between each portion on the parchment-lined sheet to allow for air flow and browning.
• Mistake: Underbaking, resulting in a gummy, doughy center. Fix: Bake until deeply golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean; don’t rely on time alone.
• Mistake: Applying glaze to hot fritters, causing it to melt off and become absorbed. Fix: Let your baked apple fritters cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes before drizzling with glaze for perfect setting.
• Mistake: Using baking powder that’s past its prime, leading to flat fritters. Fix: Test your leavener by adding a pinch to hot water; if it doesn’t fizz vigorously, replace it.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store cooled Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze fritters on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven or toaster oven until heated through, about 5-8 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F for food safety.

For best texture, reheat directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Conclusion

These Baked Apple Fritters are a healthier, easier take on a classic treat. We hope you love this cozy recipe as much as we do! Give it a try and let us know how it turned out in the comments. For more delicious ideas, check out our Crispy Potato Onion Fritters or explore our 10 Depression-Era Recipes That Still Taste Amazing Today.

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FAQs

Can I make these Baked Apple Fritters ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and chop the apples a few hours in advance. For the best texture, bake the fritters just before serving. You can also freeze the baked and cooled fritters for up to a month.

What type of apple is best for this recipe?

Use a firm, tart apple like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best Baked Apple Fritters. These varieties hold their shape during baking and provide a nice contrast to the sweet batter and glaze.

How do I store leftover Baked Apple Fritters?

Store cooled fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. Reheat them briefly in a toaster oven or air fryer to restore their crisp exterior. This method keeps your Baked Apple Fritters tasting fresh.