Oh, let me tell you about one of my ultimate comfort bakes—Baked Apple Fritters. Just the name brings back warm, cozy memories of crisp autumn mornings and the smell of cinnamon wafting through the kitchen. I remember making these for the first time on a chilly Sunday morning. I had a few apples that were just on the edge of too soft for snacking, and instead of letting them go to waste, I thought—why not turn them into something delicious? And so began my obsession with these golden, tender fritters.
What I love about this recipe is how simple yet satisfying it is. No deep-frying, no mess—just good, wholesome baking. The apples soften just enough in the oven to become melt-in-your-mouth perfect, and the cinnamon sugar coating makes every bite a sweet little hug. My kids always hover around the kitchen when I’m baking these, sneaking pieces off the tray as soon as they come out. Honestly, who can blame them?
These fritters are also incredibly versatile. I sometimes toss in chopped nuts for a bit of crunch or drizzle a simple glaze over the top when I’m feeling fancy. They work just as well as a breakfast treat, afternoon snack, or cozy dessert. You can even pair them with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a protein-packed combo.
What’s in Baked Apple Fritters?
Apples: I like using firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold their shape beautifully and balance the sweetness.
All-Purpose Flour: This gives the fritters structure and helps them bake up fluffy and soft.
Sugar: I use a mix of white and brown sugar. The brown sugar brings in that rich, caramel-like sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.
Eggs: These bind everything together and give the fritters a tender texture.
Baking Powder: Just a bit to help them rise and stay light.
Cinnamon & Nutmeg: These spices are the heart of the flavor—warm, comforting, and oh-so aromatic.
Vanilla Extract: A splash adds depth and brings all the flavors together.
Milk: This adds moisture and helps the batter mix smoothly.
Butter or Oil: Keeps the fritters soft and rich without needing to fry them.
Optional Add-Ins: Chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch, raisins for extra sweetness, or even a handful of oats for some texture.
Cinnamon Sugar Coating or Glaze: Once baked, these fritters can be rolled in cinnamon sugar or topped with a light glaze for that bakery-style finish.
Are Baked Apple Fritters Good for You?
Yes, especially compared to their fried counterparts. Since these are baked, you’re cutting down on a lot of unnecessary oil. Plus, with fresh apples and the option to adjust sweetness, they can easily fit into a balanced diet.
Apples: Rich in fiber and vitamin C, apples are great for digestion and immunity.
Eggs and Milk: Great sources of protein and essential nutrients like B12 and calcium.
Whole Ingredients: By baking at home, you know exactly what’s going in—no preservatives or fillers.
Customizable: You can reduce sugar, swap in whole wheat flour, or use plant-based milk depending on your dietary needs.
Portion-Friendly: These fritters can be made in mini sizes—great for controlling portions without missing out on the treat.
Ingredients – 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup white sugar
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon baking powder
– 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
– 1 large egg
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 2 tablespoons melted butter or oil
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts or raisins
– For coating: cinnamon sugar or simple glaze
Serves: 6–8 fritters (depending on size—you might not want to share!)
Ingredients + How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
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Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze and keeps the fritters from sticking.
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Prepare the apples by peeling and dicing them into small cubes. Set them aside for now; they’ll go into the batter later.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. This helps distribute the spices evenly so every bite has that warm flavor.
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In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter or oil. This wet mixture is what will bring our dry ingredients together.
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Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; the batter should be slightly lumpy.
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Fold in the diced apples (and any optional add-ins like chopped nuts or raisins). The batter will be thick—that’s exactly what we want.
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Scoop the batter onto the prepared baking sheet using a spoon or ice cream scoop. Try to keep the scoops uniform in size so they bake evenly. Leave a bit of space between each one.
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Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. The edges should be lightly crisped, and the tops slightly puffed.
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Optional but recommended: While the fritters are still warm, roll them gently in cinnamon sugar or drizzle with a simple glaze (just mix powdered sugar with a splash of milk or lemon juice).
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Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. These are best enjoyed warm, but they’ll stay soft and tasty even at room temperature.
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations
– Want extra crunch? Add 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter. They pair beautifully with apples and spices.
– Feeling fancy? Make a quick glaze by mixing 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons of milk or lemon juice, and drizzle over the cooled fritters for a bakery-style finish.
– Need a dairy-free version? Just use a plant-based milk and oil instead of butter. The result is just as delicious and soft.
– Looking for more texture? Toss in 1–2 tablespoons of oats. They add a rustic feel and a little fiber boost.
– Want mini bites? Use a mini muffin tin instead of a baking sheet. These make adorable snack-sized fritters perfect for parties or lunchboxes.
These baked apple fritters are a cozy, crowd-pleasing bake that’s quick enough for a weekday morning and special enough for guests. I hope you enjoy baking them as much as I do—let me know how yours turn out!
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters (Detailed Instructions & Tips)
Let’s get into the nitty-gritty of how I make these baked apple fritters turn out just right every time. When you follow these steps, you’ll end up with tender, fluffy, and warmly spiced fritters that feel like a hug in dessert form.
1. Preheat and Prepare I always start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, I line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step keeps everything from sticking and saves me from scrubbing later. If I’m making a big batch, I sometimes use two sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.
2. Get Your Apples Ready I like to use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. They hold their shape during baking and bring a nice sweet-tart flavor. I peel and dice them into small cubes, about the size of a chickpea—small enough to spread evenly through the batter but big enough to give that satisfying bite.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, I whisk together:
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1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup white sugar
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1/4 cup light brown sugar
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
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1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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A pinch of salt
This blend gives the fritters their signature flavor and rise. The nutmeg really enhances the apple, so don’t skip it if you can help it.
4. Mix the Wet Ingredients In another bowl, I combine:
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1/2 cup milk (I often use almond milk, but dairy milk works too)
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1 large egg
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2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 tablespoons melted butter or neutral oil
I whisk these until smooth. The vanilla adds warmth, and the butter gives the fritters their soft crumb.
5. Combine and Fold I pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir. The key here is not to overmix—it’s okay if it’s still a bit lumpy. Then I fold in about 1 1/2 cups of diced apples. If I’m feeling a little extra, I’ll toss in 1/4 cup of chopped walnuts or a tablespoon of oats for texture.
6. Scoop and Shape Using a spoon or small ice cream scoop, I drop mounds of batter onto the baking sheet, leaving space in between. I don’t flatten them too much—they naturally spread a bit in the oven.
7. Bake and Check These bake for about 20 minutes, but I start checking at 18. When the tops are golden and a toothpick comes out clean, they’re ready. The kitchen smells heavenly at this point—cinnamon and apples wafting through the air.
8. Add the Final Touch When they’re fresh from the oven, I have two favorite finishing touches: – A cinnamon sugar coating: I gently roll each warm fritter in a mix of sugar and cinnamon. – A simple glaze: I stir together 1/2 cup powdered sugar with a little milk or lemon juice and drizzle it over the top once the fritters have cooled slightly.
9. Cool and Serve I transfer the fritters to a wire rack and let them cool just enough to eat without burning my tongue (which I’ve done before—worth it). They’re delicious warm, but even at room temp, they stay moist and tender.
Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way – Want a burst of freshness? Add a touch of lemon zest to the batter. – Making these for kids? Leave out the nuts and add a bit of extra cinnamon for a sweeter, softer version. – No parchment paper? A greased baking sheet works fine too, but parchment really helps with even baking and easy cleanup.
These fritters are one of those recipes that seem simple but always surprise people with how flavorful and satisfying they are. Whether I’m baking for a weekend brunch, a school treat, or just because it’s Tuesday, they’re always a hit.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make baked apple fritters ahead of time?
Absolutely! These fritters store wonderfully. I usually bake a batch in the evening, let them cool completely, and store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. If I need them to last longer, I pop them in the fridge and reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–7 minutes. That brings back the warmth and softness without drying them out.
2. Can I freeze baked apple fritters?
Yes, and I do this often. After baking and cooling the fritters, I place them in a single layer in a freezer-safe bag. I separate layers with parchment paper to keep them from sticking together. When I’m ready to enjoy one (or three), I reheat them directly from the freezer in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10–12 minutes. They taste nearly as fresh as the day I made them.
3. What kind of apples work best for this recipe?
I’ve experimented with several types, but my top picks are Granny Smith and Honeycrisp. Granny Smith adds a tangy contrast to the sweetness of the batter, while Honeycrisp brings a juicy crunch. Fuji or Braeburn also work well. I usually avoid softer apples like Red Delicious since they tend to get mushy during baking.
4. Can I make this recipe dairy-free or gluten-free?
Definitely! For a dairy-free version, I replace the milk with almond or oat milk and use dairy-free butter. It still comes out tender and flavorful. For gluten-free, I’ve had success using a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend. Just make sure the blend includes xanthan gum or add a bit separately to maintain the texture. Keep in mind, the final result may be slightly more delicate, but still very tasty.
Baked Apple Fritters
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 10–12 fritters 1x
Description
These Baked Apple Fritters are a warm, comforting treat that brings cozy fall vibes any time of year. Made with fresh apples, warm spices, and a light glaze, they’re perfect as a breakfast bite or an afternoon snack. Because they’re baked, not fried, you get all the flavor without the extra oil. Whether shared with friends or enjoyed with a cup of tea, these fritters are a delight in every bite.
Ingredients
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2 cups all-purpose flour
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2 teaspoons baking powder
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1/2 teaspoon baking soda
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1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
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1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
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1/4 teaspoon salt
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2 large eggs
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1/3 cup brown sugar
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1/4 cup granulated sugar
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1/2 cup milk (or almond/oat milk)
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1/4 cup melted butter (or dairy-free alternative)
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1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
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2 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 cup powdered sugar
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1–2 tablespoons milk for glaze
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
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In another bowl, beat the eggs, brown sugar, and granulated sugar until smooth.
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Stir in milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
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Add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture and stir just until combined.
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Toss the chopped apples with lemon juice and fold them into the batter.
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Scoop spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
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Bake for 18–20 minutes or until golden brown and firm to the touch.
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While the fritters cool, mix powdered sugar with milk to make the glaze.
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Drizzle glaze over the warm fritters and let set before serving.
Notes
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You can add chopped walnuts or pecans for a crunch.
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For more sweetness, dust with cinnamon sugar before serving.
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Store in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate up to 5 days.
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Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) to enjoy them warm again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes