The Best Baked Apple Fritter Recipe You’ll Make Again and Again

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Baked Apple Fritter Recipe

Oh, friend, let me tell you about these baked apple fritters! Growing up, my grandma used to make the most incredible fried apple fritters, the kind that filled the whole house with the warm, sweet scent of cinnamon and apples. I can still picture myself perched on a stool in her cozy kitchen, watching her expertly drop spoonfuls of batter into hot oil, the fritters puffing up into golden clouds.

The taste? Pure bliss – crispy edges, soft, apple-studded insides, and a sweet glaze that dripped down your fingers. But, as much as I adore those memories (and the taste!), I wanted to create a version that’s a little kinder to our waistlines without sacrificing any of that soul-satisfying flavor. That’s how this baked apple fritter recipe was born, and trust me, it’s a game-changer!

This recipe solves that craving for a comforting, nostalgic treat without the guilt of deep frying. Imagine biting into a warm, tender fritter bursting with juicy apples and cinnamon spice, all topped with a luscious glaze. It’s easier than you think, and honestly, just as delicious as the fried version. The aroma alone will transport you straight to autumn orchards and cozy mornings. Ready to make this at home? Let’s dive in!

Baked Apple Fritter Recipe Ingredients

Full Ingredient List

For the Fritters:

• 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 large eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups diced apples (about 2 medium apples, peeled and cored, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith recommended)

For the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

Easy Ingredient Swaps & Simple Substitutions

• Dairy-Free: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by using your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond, soy, or oat milk, in both the fritters and the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients for better texture.
• Egg-Free: While eggs provide structure, you can try using ¼ cup of mashed ripe banana or ¼ cup of flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes) as an egg substitute. The texture might be slightly denser.

Smart Shopping & Savvy Savings Tips

• Apple Deals: Apples are often cheaper when they are in season during the fall. Keep an eye out for sales at your local grocery store or farmers market during apple season.
• Bulk Baking Supplies: If you bake often, consider buying baking staples like flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices in bulk. It’s usually more cost-effective in the long run.
• Homemade Applesauce: Making your own applesauce is surprisingly easy and can be cheaper than store-bought. Plus, you can control the sweetness! Simply cook peeled and chopped apples with a little water and cinnamon until soft, then mash or blend.
• Storage Tip for Apples: Store apples in the refrigerator crisper drawer to keep them fresh for longer. They can last for several weeks this way!

The Essential Equipment for This Recipe

• Large Mixing Bowls: You’ll need at least two – one for the dry ingredients and one for the wet ingredients. Stainless steel bowls are my go-to for their durability and even mixing.
• Whisk: For combining the dry ingredients and whisking the wet ingredients separately. A good whisk ensures everything is evenly incorporated.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: For gently folding the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Avoid overmixing for tender fritters!
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key in baking, so make sure you have a good set of measuring cups and spoons.
• Baking Sheets: You’ll need at least two baking sheets to bake the fritters in batches.
• Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats: These prevent the fritters from sticking to the baking sheet and make cleanup a breeze. Parchment paper is readily available, and silicone mats are a reusable, eco-friendly option.
• Wire Rack: For cooling the baked fritters after they come out of the oven. This prevents the bottoms from getting soggy and allows air to circulate around them.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritter Recipe: Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20-25 minutes

Total time: 40-45 minutes

1. Get Started: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed, leading to a better rise.
3. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, applesauce, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
4. Mix Wet and Dry: Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
5. Fold in Apples: Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
6. Scoop onto Baking Sheets: Drop spoonfuls of batter (about ¼ cup per fritter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each fritter. They will spread slightly. You can use a cookie scoop for more uniform fritters, or just use a spoon.
7. Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
8. Cool: Let the baked fritters cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.
9. Make the Glaze: While the fritters are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.
10. Glaze and Enjoy: Once the fritters are completely cool, drizzle generously with the glaze. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature – they are delightful either way!

Expert Insights: Tips, Tricks, and Culinary Hacks for Success

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is my golden rule for tender baked goods! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough fritters. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, and a few streaks of flour are still visible.
• Dice Apples Evenly: Try to dice the apples into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly in the fritters. About ½ inch cubes are ideal.
• Use Cold Milk for Glaze: Using cold milk helps the glaze set up a bit faster and gives it a lovely glossy finish.
• Did you know? For extra flavor, try browning your butter for the glaze! Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before whisking it into the powdered sugar and vanilla. It adds a rich, caramel-like depth.
• Make Ahead Tip: You can bake the fritters ahead of time and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glaze them just before serving for the best texture.

Recipe Swaps & Variations for Baked Apple Fritter Recipe

• Spiced Apple Fritters: Boost the spice level by adding ¼ teaspoon of ground cloves or allspice to the dry ingredients.
• Caramel Apple Fritters: Drizzle the cooled fritters with caramel sauce in addition to or instead of the vanilla glaze.
• Maple Glaze: For a maple twist, substitute maple syrup for the vanilla extract in the glaze and add a pinch of cinnamon.
• Nutty Fritters: Add ½ cup of chopped walnuts or pecans to the batter along with the apples for a nutty crunch.
• Vegan Apple Fritters: Use non-dairy milk, flax eggs (as mentioned in substitutions), and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly (some refined sugars are processed with bone char).

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Baked Apple Fritter Recipe

These baked apple fritters are wonderful on their own, but here are some perfect pairings to elevate your experience:

• Drinks:
  • Coffee or Tea: A classic pairing! The warmth of coffee or tea complements the sweet and spiced fritters beautifully.
  • Apple Cider: For an extra dose of apple flavor, serve with warm or chilled apple cider, especially during fall.
  • Milk or Non-Dairy Milk: A simple glass of cold milk is always a comforting choice with fritters.
• Sides/Complements:
  • Vanilla Ice Cream: Warm fritters with a scoop of cold vanilla ice cream – a delightful dessert combination!
  • Cinnamon Yogurt Dip: For a lighter accompaniment, mix plain Greek yogurt with a touch of honey and cinnamon for a creamy dip.
  • Fruit Salad: A fresh fruit salad with berries and grapes provides a nice contrast to the richness of the fritters.
• Occasions:
  • Brunch: Perfect for a weekend brunch spread. Serve alongside other breakfast favorites like scrambled eggs and bacon.
  • Dessert: A comforting and satisfying dessert after any meal.
  • Holiday Treat: Ideal for fall and winter holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, bringing that cozy, homemade feel.
• Plating Tip: Dust the glazed fritters with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of elegance. Arrange them on a pretty plate and garnish with a few apple slices for a visually appealing presentation.

Storing Your Baked Apple Fritter Recipe

Storing: Store leftover baked apple fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For best texture, they are best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing: While not ideal (glaze can become a bit watery upon thawing), you can freeze unglazed fritters. Wrap them individually in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat gently in a low oven or microwave before glazing.

Reheating: To reheat, warm them gently in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5-10 minutes, or microwave on low power for short intervals until just warmed through. Be careful not to overheat, or they can become dry.

Food Safety: Ensure fritters are cooled completely before storing to prevent condensation in the container, which can lead to sogginess and faster spoilage.

Leftover Idea: Crumble leftover fritters and use them as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or ice cream! It’s a delicious way to repurpose them. Or, try slicing a fritter in half and toasting it lightly in a skillet with butter for a crispy, caramelized treat.

Printable Recipe Card

Baked Apple Fritter Recipe

Craving a comforting, nostalgic treat without the guilt? This baked apple fritter recipe delivers all the deliciousness of traditional fried fritters, but baked to golden perfection! Imagine warm, tender fritters bursting with juicy apples and cinnamon spice, topped with a luscious glaze. Easy to make and just as satisfying, these baked apple fritters are perfect for brunch, dessert, or a cozy snack. Get ready for some serious finger-licking goodness!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Brunch, Dessert, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 12 fritters

Calories 220 kcal

Equipment

• 2 Large Mixing Bowls For dry and wet ingredients
• 1 Whisk For mixing dry and wet ingredients
• 1 Spatula or Wooden Spoon For folding batter
• 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate measurements
• 2 Baking Sheets For baking fritters
• 1 Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mats To prevent sticking
• 1 Wire Rack For cooling fritters

Ingredients

  

• 1 ½ cups All-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons Baking powder
• ½ teaspoon Baking soda
• ½ teaspoon Ground cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon Ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon Salt
• ½ cup Granulated sugar
• ½ cup Unsweetened applesauce
• ¼ cup Milk dairy or non-dairy
• 2 large Eggs
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract
• 2 cups Diced apples about 2 medium, peeled and cored
• 1 cup Powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons Milk dairy or non-dairy
• ½ teaspoon Vanilla extract

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.
• In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Whisking ensures the baking powder and soda are evenly distributed, leading to a better rise.
• In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the sugar, applesauce, milk, eggs, and vanilla extract until well combined and smooth.
• Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing gently with a spatula or wooden spoon until just combined. Be careful not to overmix – a few streaks of flour are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough fritters.
• Gently fold in the diced apples until they are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
• Drop spoonfuls of batter (about ¼ cup per fritter) onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving some space between each fritter. They will spread slightly. You can use a cookie scoop for more uniform fritters, or just use a spoon.
• Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through baking to ensure even browning.
• Let the baked fritters cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. Cooling on a wire rack prevents the bottoms from getting soggy.
• While the fritters are cooling, prepare the glaze. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. Add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, if needed to reach desired drizzling consistency.
• Once the fritters are completely cool, drizzle generously with the glaze. Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy these warm or at room temperature – they are delightful either way!

Notes

Easy Ingredient Swaps & Simple Substitutions:

• Dairy-Free: Easily make this recipe dairy-free by using your favorite non-dairy milk, like almond, soy, or oat milk, in both the fritters and the glaze.
• Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose baking flour blend. Make sure it’s a blend that includes xanthan gum or add ½ teaspoon of xanthan gum to the dry ingredients for better texture.
• Egg-Free: While eggs provide structure, you can try using ¼ cup of mashed ripe banana or ¼ cup of flax egg (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 3 tablespoons of water, let it sit for 5 minutes) as an egg substitute. The texture might be slightly denser.

Expert Insights: Tips, Tricks, and Culinary Hacks for Success:

• Don’t Overmix the Batter: This is my golden rule for tender baked goods! Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour, which can result in tough fritters. Mix just until the wet and dry ingredients are combined, and a few streaks of flour are still visible.
• Dice Apples Evenly: Try to dice the apples into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly in the fritters. About ½ inch cubes are ideal.
• Use Cold Milk for Glaze: Using cold milk helps the glaze set up a bit faster and gives it a lovely glossy finish.
• Did you know? For extra flavor, try browning your butter for the glaze! Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and cook until it turns golden brown and smells nutty. Let it cool slightly before whisking it into the powdered sugar and vanilla. It adds a rich, caramel-like depth.
• Make Ahead Tip: You can bake the fritters ahead of time and store them at room temperature for up to 2 days. Glaze them just before serving for the best texture.

Keyword apple fritters, apple recipe, baked apple fritter recipe, baked dessert, cinnamon apple, easy dessert, fall dessert

Nutrition Breakdown: Calories, Protein, Fats & More

(per fritter, glaze included, estimated values)

• Calories: 220 kcal
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 6g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
  • Sugar: 20g
• Sodium: 150mg

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.

Recipe FAQ

• Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are my favorites for their flavor and texture, but you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. A mix of different apples can also add complexity.
• Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can bake the fritters ahead of time and store them at room temperature for a couple of days. I recommend glazing them just before serving for the best texture.
• My fritters are a bit dry, what did I do wrong? Overbaking or using too much flour can lead to dry fritters. Make sure to measure your flour correctly (spoon and level method) and don’t overbake. Also, ensure you used applesauce in the batter, as it adds moisture.
• Can I fry these instead of baking? While this recipe is specifically for baked fritters, you could adapt it for frying. However, you’d need to adjust the batter consistency and frying time, and it would no longer be a “healthier” baked version.
• How do I get the glaze just right? Start with 2 tablespoons of milk for the glaze and add more, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a smooth, drizzling consistency. You want it thick enough to coat the fritters but thin enough to drizzle easily.
• Can I add other spices? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other warm spices like ginger, cardamom, or allspice to customize the flavor to your liking.

Happy Cooking & Share Your Results!

There you have it – my cherished baked apple fritter recipe, ready for you to bring to life in your own kitchen! I truly believe you’re going to adore these – they’re the perfect blend of cozy comfort and delicious flavor, without any of the frying fuss. The aroma alone will make your kitchen feel like grandma’s on a crisp autumn day. Get ready for some serious finger-licking goodness!

Now, I’d absolutely love to see your fritter creations! Did you try a variation? Did you serve them with something special? Please, please tell me all about it! Leave a comment below and let me know how they turned out. And be sure to snap a picture of your beautiful baked apple fritters and share it on social media – tag me on Instagram and Pinterest so I can see your amazing work! Happy baking, my friends! What other baked treats are you craving lately?