BAKED APPLE FRITTERS

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Apple fritters are usually deep-fried, which makes them golden and delicious but also heavy. This baked version gives you the same warm apple-spice goodness with a tender inside and a slightly crisp outside—without standing over hot oil. Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or even a cozy afternoon snack with coffee.

📝 Ingredients

For the Dough

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
• ½ tsp salt
• 2 large eggs
• ¾ cup whole milk (or buttermilk for tang)
• 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted and cooled

For the Apple Filling

• 2 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
• 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 Tbsp brown sugar
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp lemon juice

For the Glaze

• 1 ½ cups powdered sugar
• 2–3 Tbsp milk (adjust for thickness)
• ½ tsp vanilla extract

🍏 Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Apples

1. Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks.
2. In a skillet, melt 1 Tbsp butter over medium heat.
3. Add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
4. Sauté for 4–5 minutes until apples are softened but not mushy. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
2. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, milk, vanilla, and melted butter.
3. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined (do not overmix).
4. Fold in the cooled apple mixture. The batter should be thick.

Step 3: Shape and Bake

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Scoop heaping spoonfuls of batter (about ¼ cup each) onto the sheet, spacing them 2 inches apart.
3. Flatten slightly with the back of a spoon.
4. Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (toothpick should come out clean).

Step 4: Glaze the Fritters

1. In a bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk until smooth.
2. While fritters are still warm, dip or drizzle them with glaze.
3. Place on a wire rack to let the glaze set before serving.

⭐ Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters

• Apples: A mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp) gives the best flavor balance.
• Glaze Options: Add maple syrup, caramel drizzle, or even a dusting of powdered sugar instead of glaze.
• Texture: For extra crispness, brush fritters lightly with melted butter before baking.
• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temp for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 4 days. Reheat in a warm oven.

🍂 Variations

• Apple Cider Fritters: Replace half the milk with apple cider for a deeper fall flavor.
• Glazed Cinnamon Sugar: Skip the glaze and instead brush with butter and toss in cinnamon sugar.
• Healthy Twist: Swap half the flour with whole wheat flour and reduce sugar slightly.

🍴 Serving Suggestions

• Pair with hot coffee, spiced chai, or warm apple cider.
• Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a dessert-style treat.
• Add a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra indulgent version.