Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
If you’re craving a cozy, sweet treat that feels like a hug from the inside, these Baked Apple Fritters are exactly what you need. They perfectly combine tender chunks of fresh apple with warm spices, all wrapped up in a light, golden batter. Unlike traditional deep-fried versions, these baked delights are just as flavorful but a bit lighter, making them an ideal snack or dessert any time of day. The glaze adds that perfect sugary finish that makes every bite utterly irresistible. Trust me, once you try these Baked Apple Fritters, they might just become your new favorite fall comfort food.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet essential to bring out the best in your Baked Apple Fritters. Each component has its job—flour and baking powder create a fluffy base, spices add depth, and fresh apples provide juicy bursts of flavor. Together, they create a harmonious dance of textures and tastes that make the fritters shine.
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced: The star of the show, adding natural sweetness and delightful texture.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: Forms the foundation of the batter, ensuring a tender crumb.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps the fritters rise and become light and fluffy.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Infuses the batter with warm, aromatic spice.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle nutty and sweet undertone that complements the cinnamon perfectly.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies flavors.
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the batter just right without overpowering the apples.
- 1/2 cup milk: Provides moisture, helping the batter come together smoothly.
- 1 large egg: Binds the ingredients and contributes to a tender texture.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a gentle sweetness and depth to the overall flavor.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted: Adds richness and keeps the fritters moist.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar, for glaze: Creates a sweet, smooth coating to finish off the fritters.
- 2 tablespoons milk, for glaze: Thins out the powdered sugar to a perfect drizzle consistency.
- Optional additional cinnamon for sprinkling: Gives a pretty, flavorful touch to the glaze.
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the fritters don’t stick and clean-up is effortless. This step sets the stage for perfectly baked, golden fritters.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar. Combining these first ensures that all your spices and leavening agents are evenly distributed, so every bite bursts with even flavor and height.
Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, mix the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until nicely blended. This mixture adds moisture, richness, and that lovely fragrant vanilla which gives the fritters their inviting aroma.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients and gently stir until just combined. It’s important not to overmix here; a tender fritter depends on keeping the batter a bit lumpy. Overworking the batter can lead to toughness.
Step 5: Fold in the Apples
Carefully fold the diced apples into the batter using a rubber spatula. This step ensures every fritter will have sweet apple chunks nestled inside without bruising the fruit or overmixing your batter.
Step 6: Scoop and Bake
Drop tablespoonfuls of the batter onto your parchment-lined baking sheet, spacing them apart so they have room to puff up and brown nicely. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
Step 7: Prepare the Glaze and Finish
While your fritters bake, whisk together powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the thickness by adding more milk for a thinner glaze or more powdered sugar for a thicker one. Once the fritters come out of the oven, let them cool slightly before drizzling the glaze generously over the top. If you like, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon for that classic cozy touch.
How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters
Garnishes
Adding garnish elevates these fritters from simple to spectacular. A sprinkle of cinnamon immediately adds aroma and a cozy look, while a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts bring fantastic crunch. Fresh mint leaves can also add a refreshing contrast if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
These fritters shine on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for dessert. For a breakfast twist, serve alongside a scoop of Greek yogurt or some crispy bacon for a balance of sweet and savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the fritters on a serving plate, layered with dollops of whipped cream and fresh apple slices in between, creating a stunning tower. You could also serve them on a platter dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon sugar for a rustic, inviting look that just begs to be shared.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll maintain their softness best if kept away from moisture but will still taste delightful as an afternoon treat.
Freezing
Baked Apple Fritters freeze wonderfully! Arrange cooled fritters on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, allowing you to enjoy a quick tasty treat anytime you want.
Reheating
To revive the magic, reheat frozen or refrigerated fritters in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes. This method keeps them crisp on the outside and warm and soft inside, just like fresh from the oven. Avoid microwaving if you want to preserve the texture.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the fritters?
Absolutely! Tart apples like Granny Smith offer a nice contrast to the sweet batter, while sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala will make the fritters naturally sweeter. Just choose apples that hold their shape well when baked.
Is there a way to make these gluten-free?
You can swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free baking blend in equal amounts. Make sure your blend contains xanthan gum or a similar binder to help with texture. The result will be just as delicious and safe for those avoiding gluten.
Can I make these fritters vegan?
Yes! Substitute the milk with any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, replace the egg with a flax egg or commercial egg replacer, and use vegan butter in place of unsalted butter. The texture will be slightly different but still very tasty.
How do I know when the fritters are done baking?
Look for a golden-brown color all over and a firm but tender texture. You can insert a toothpick in a fritter to check—if it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs, they are ready to come out of the oven.
Can I skip the glaze?
Definitely! While the glaze adds sweetness and a lovely finish, these fritters are flavorful enough on their own. You can also dust them lightly with powdered sugar or a cinnamon sugar blend instead for a subtler touch.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about homemade Baked Apple Fritters that just makes you want to smile with every bite. Their tender texture, warm spices, and sweet apple pieces come together to create a little moment of joy in your day. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the oven or as a cozy leftover snack, I encourage you to try making these at home—you won’t be disappointed!
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Baked Apple Fritters Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 fritters 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These baked apple fritters are a deliciously light and fluffy treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with diced apples and warm spices, then topped with a sweet vanilla glaze, they offer all the comforting flavors of traditional fritters without the need for frying. Enjoy their tender texture and aromatic cinnamon and nutmeg notes in every bite.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (or freshly grated)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
Main Ingredient
- 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced
Glaze
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Optional: additional cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and granulated sugar. Whisk them together until fully blended, ensuring even distribution of spices and leavening.
- Prepare Wet Ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, vanilla extract, and melted butter until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients and gently mix until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.
- Fold in Apples: Gently fold the diced apples into the batter using a rubber spatula, distributing them evenly without breaking them.
- Portion Batter: Drop tablespoon-sized spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them apart to allow room for rising.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the fritters turn golden brown and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Make the Glaze: While baking, whisk together the powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk or powdered sugar as needed.
- Glaze the Fritters: Remove the fritters from the oven and allow them to cool slightly before drizzling the glaze over the top of each warm fritter.
- Optional Finish: Sprinkle with additional cinnamon if desired for an extra touch of flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For best results, use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Do not overmix the batter to keep fritters light and fluffy.
- You can substitute milk with any plant-based milk for a dairy-free version.
- If you prefer a thicker glaze, add more powdered sugar gradually.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days; reheat gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fritter
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg
Keywords: baked apple fritters, apple dessert, baked fritters, cinnamon fritters, easy apple recipes, oven-baked fritters
