If you’re craving autumn comfort in a single bite, you’ll fall in love with these Baked Apple Fritters. With each tender, cinnamon-laced morsel bursting with juicy apple flavor and crowned with a sweet vanilla glaze, they’re everything you want in a cozy treat—without any deep frying fuss. Whether paired with coffee or offered as a fun family dessert, these fritters bring bakery-style joy right out of your own oven.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in these Baked Apple Fritters serves a special purpose, coming together for a perfect balance of softness, moisture, and cozy spice. The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your kitchen!
- All-purpose flour: Provides the sturdy, yet tender structure for these fritters, ensuring every bite is fluffy without being dense.
- Granulated sugar: Adds just enough sweetness and helps the fritters caramelize to that gorgeous golden hue.
- Baking powder: Gives the fritters their essential lift and helps them puff up like little clouds.
- Salt: Balances out the sweetness and deepens the flavors throughout.
- Ground cinnamon: Infuses that classic apple-cinnamon warmth we all crave in fall treats.
- Ground nutmeg: Offers a subtle, aromatic spice that enhances the overall flavor.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together for a tender crumb and rich texture.
- Milk: Loosens up the batter, making each fritter supremely soft.
- Plain Greek yogurt or sour cream: Gives the batter wonderful moisture and a tangy depth that makes the apples sing.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla boosts the overall aroma and rounds out the sweetness.
- Unsalted butter (melted): Adds just the right touch of richness and moistness to each fritter.
- Peeled and diced apples (such as Granny Smith): The star of the show! Tart apples hold their shape and contribute juicy pockets throughout the fritters.
- Lemon juice: Prevents the apples from browning and adds a pop of bright acidity.
- Powdered sugar: The base for that irresistible, velvety glaze.
- Milk (for glaze): Blends with powdered sugar to create a perfectly pourable topping.
- Vanilla extract (for glaze): Infuses the glaze with extra depth and fragrance.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a muffin tin or line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This means minimal fuss when it’s time to remove your fritters—plus cleanup is a breeze!
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This step ensures all the leaveners and spices are evenly distributed, so every fritter bakes up consistently fluffy and flavorful.
Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), vanilla extract, and melted butter until smooth. This creamy mixture brings moisture and richness, setting the foundation for soft, irresistible fritters.
Step 4: Make the Batter
Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. A gentle hand is crucial here—overmixing will make your fritters tough rather than tender. Don’t worry if there are a few small streaks of flour left!
Step 5: Prepare the Apples
In a small bowl, toss your peeled and diced apples with lemon juice. This extra step keeps the apples nice and bright and gives your Baked Apple Fritters a pleasant, fresh punch in every bite.
Step 6: Fold in the Apples
Gently fold the lemony apples into the batter, making sure they’re evenly distributed. Each mound of batter should be generously studded with fruit—no bland bites here!
Step 7: Scoop and Bake
Use a spoon to scoop heaping mounds of batter onto the baking sheet or divide evenly among the cups of your muffin tin. Bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the fritters are golden and a toothpick poked into the center comes out clean.
Step 8: Glaze for Perfection
Whisk together the powdered sugar, a tablespoon or two of milk, and a splash of vanilla extract to make a dreamy glaze. Drizzle over the warm fritters and let the glaze set—it forms an inviting, glossy coat that makes these treats truly irresistible.
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
Garnishes
Lift your Baked Apple Fritters from everyday to extraordinary with simple garnishes—think a dusting of powdered sugar, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a few paper-thin apple slices for a polished finish. Even a tiny pinch of sea salt on top can make the glaze pop!
Side Dishes
For a comforting brunch, pair your fritters with thick Greek yogurt, warm apple butter, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert. Hot coffee or spiced chai makes a delightful match for these warmly spiced, tender fritters.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fritters in a rustic basket lined with a pretty towel, arranging them on a cake stand, or serving them as a deconstructed shortcake with whipped cream and extra apples. For gatherings, offer a DIY glaze station—kids and adults alike will love customizing their own!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Baked Apple Fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They continue to taste fresh and moist, especially if you add the glaze just before enjoying.
Freezing
To freeze, arrange cooled (unglazed) fritters on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or at room temperature when you’re ready for a quick fall-inspired treat.
Reheating
Give your fritters new life by warming them in the oven at 300°F for about 5–7 minutes or microwaving for 10–15 seconds. If reheating from frozen, pop them straight into the oven so they crisp up beautifully and add the glaze afterward.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Dessert
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths are classic for their tart bite, any firm apple (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) will hold up well and add sweet complexity to your Baked Apple Fritters.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeled apples make for a softer, smoother fritter, but if you love a bit more texture, feel free to leave the skins on—just give them a good scrub first.
How do I make these fritters gluten free?
Simply swap in your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for the all-purpose flour! The rest of the recipe will work beautifully, no major adjustments required.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Definitely! Stir in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or even raisins with the apples for extra crunch and bursts of sweetness. Baked Apple Fritters are super adaptable to your favorite add-ins.
What’s the best way to keep the glaze from soaking in?
Let your fritters cool for just a few minutes before glazing; if they’re too hot, the glaze melts right in. For that stunning, glossy finish, drizzle the glaze while the fritters are still slightly warm but not piping hot.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Baked Apple Fritters enough—each bite brings a taste of homemade joy, brimming with fresh apples and warm spices. Whether for a weekend treat or a sweet surprise for loved ones, they’re a celebration of comfort and coziness. Go ahead, preheat that oven, and let your kitchen fill with the most irresistible aroma of fall!
