If you love warm, cozy desserts that make your kitchen smell like fall, these Baked Apple Fritters will steal your heart! Instead of deep-frying, this version bakes up beautifully golden and crisp on the outside, while staying soft and packed with juicy apple flavor inside. With cinnamon, nutmeg, and tender apple bits in every bite, they’re the perfect treat for breakfast, brunch, or dessert — without the mess of frying.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Frying Needed – Enjoy all the flavor and texture of classic fritters, but lighter and easier to make.
- Simple Ingredients – You probably already have everything in your pantry!
- Perfect for Fall – Each bite bursts with warm spices and sweet apple goodness.
- Quick and Family-Friendly – Ready in under 30 minutes, and everyone will love them.
- Beautifully Glazed – A sweet vanilla glaze adds that bakery-style finish.
Unlike typical fritters, these bake instead of fry — giving you all the nostalgia and comfort, minus the extra oil.
Ingredients Needed
For the Fritters
- 2 ¼ cups (270 g) all-purpose flour – spooned and leveled
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar – adds sweetness and helps with browning
- 2 tsp baking powder – for a light, fluffy texture
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon – the heart of that cozy apple spice flavor
- 1 tsp kosher salt – balances the sweetness
- ¼ tsp fresh nutmeg – adds a touch of warmth
- 6 Tbsp unsalted butter, cold and cubed – helps create tender, crumbly pockets
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped – tart apples hold their shape best
- 2 large eggs – room temperature works best for even mixing
- ½ cup heavy cream – gives richness and moisture
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract – enhances the flavor of the apples and spices
For the Glaze
- 1 cup confectioners’ sugar – for a smooth, sweet glaze
- 2–3 Tbsp milk – adjust for consistency
- Pinch of salt – keeps the glaze from tasting overly sweet
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and position racks in the upper and lower thirds. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg. This step evenly distributes the leavening and spices, ensuring each fritter has perfect flavor balance.
Step 3: Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the flour mixture. Use your fingertips or a pastry cutter to rub it in until you see small, pea-sized bits. Keeping the butter cold is key — it creates flaky layers and a tender texture when baked.
Step 4: Add the Apples
Fold in the finely chopped Granny Smith apples until they’re evenly coated with the flour mixture. This helps prevent the apples from sinking or releasing too much moisture while baking.
Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together the eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the flour mixture and stir just until combined. The dough should look a bit lumpy and sticky — that’s exactly what you want!
Step 6: Shape the Fritters
Using a ¼-cup scoop or large cookie scoop, drop portions of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 3 inches of space between each one. You should get around 14 fritters in total.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 12–15 minutes, rotating the sheets halfway through to ensure even baking. The fritters are done when the tops are golden and the edges are set. Let them cool on the pan for 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
Glaze
Step 1: Make the Glaze
In a medium bowl, whisk together confectioners’ sugar, milk, and a pinch of salt until smooth. The glaze should flow easily off your spoon — if it’s too thick, add milk a teaspoon at a time until it’s pourable.
Step 2: Dip and Set
While the fritters are still slightly warm, dip the tops into the glaze, then place them back on the rack. Let them sit for about 10 minutes, until the glaze sets and hardens beautifully.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Warm: These fritters taste best slightly warm, when the glaze is set but the inside is still soft.
- Pairing Ideas: Enjoy with a cup of coffee, apple cider, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Reheat: Warm them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes or in the microwave for 10–15 seconds.
Helpful Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Don’t overmix the dough — it keeps the fritters tender.
- Try variations: Add chopped pecans, raisins, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
- Make ahead tip: You can prepare the dough a few hours ahead and chill it until ready to bake.
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
Method
- Step 1: Preheat and Prepare – Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and position racks in the upper and lower thirds.
- Step 2: Combine Dry Ingredients – In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
- Step 3: Cut in the Butter – Add cold butter and use fingertips or a pastry cutter to blend until small pea-sized bits remain.
- Step 4: Add the Apples – Fold in chopped apples until evenly coated in flour mixture.
- Step 5: Mix Wet Ingredients – Whisk eggs, heavy cream, and vanilla in a bowl, then stir into flour mixture just until combined.
- Step 6: Shape the Fritters – Using a ¼-cup scoop, drop dough portions onto prepared sheets, spacing 3 inches apart (makes about 14 fritters).
- Step 7: Bake to Perfection – Bake for 12–15 minutes, rotating halfway through. Cool 5 minutes before transferring to a wire rack.
- Step 8: Make the Glaze – In a bowl, whisk confectioners’ sugar, milk, and salt until smooth. Adjust milk for pourable consistency.
- Step 9: Dip and Set – Dip warm fritters into glaze and let sit on rack 10 minutes until glaze hardens.
Notes
Conclusion
These Baked Apple Fritters bring all the warmth and nostalgia of a bakery-style treat right to your kitchen — no frying, no fuss. Each bite delivers the perfect mix of tender apple, cozy spice, and sweet glaze. Whether for a weekend brunch, a fall gathering, or just a sweet craving, they’re sure to impress!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating below — I’d love to hear what you think! And don’t forget to share your fritter creations on Pinterest or Facebook.
What’s your favorite way to enjoy apple desserts? Let me know below!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of apple?
Yes! Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady apples also work well — just avoid very soft varieties, as they can make the batter too wet.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the all-purpose flour with your favorite 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
Why are my fritters dense?
This usually happens if the dough is overmixed or the baking powder is old. Stir gently and use fresh leavening for the best texture.
Can I freeze baked apple fritters?
Yes! Once cooled, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes before glazing.
Can I skip the glaze?
Of course! They’re delicious plain or with a dusting of powdered sugar — but the glaze adds that extra bakery-style touch.