These Baked Apple Fritters bring the warm, spiced flavors of fall to your kitchen without the fuss of frying. With a soft, fluffy interior and caramelized golden edges, these fritters are quick to make and impossible to resist. They come together in just 30 minutes, making them a perfect breakfast treat or afternoon snack.
Why You’ll Love Baked Apple Fritters
- No frying required – oven-baked with a crispy exterior.
- Perfect texture – tender and moist inside with crunchy edges.
- Simple ingredients – pantry staples with fresh apple goodness.
- Quick to prepare – 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Customizable glaze – vanilla or swap with maple for seasonal flair.
Ingredients
- For the Fritters
- 3/4 Cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 Cup white whole wheat flour**
- 1/2 Cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 6 Tablespoons butter, cold and cut into pieces
- 1/2 Cup milk (the higher the fat content, the richer the flavor)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 Cup chopped apple***
- For the Glaze
- 1 Cup confectioner’s sugar
- 2 Tablespoons milk (a higher percentage of fat works the best)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with a silicone baking mat (ensure it’s broiler-safe). If not using a mat, lightly grease the pan instead. - Mix Dry Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt until well combined. - Cut in Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mixture. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut it in until the texture resembles coarse crumbs. - Prepare Wet Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. - Combine Wet and Dry
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined—do not overmix. - Add Apples
Gently fold in the chopped apples. If your apples are very juicy and the batter seems thin, add 2–4 tablespoons of extra flour. The batter should hold its shape when scooped. - Scoop Batter
Use a 1/4 cup measuring cup or ice cream scoop to drop fritters onto the prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each one. (For smaller fritters, use a heaping tablespoon.) - Bake
Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the centers are just set. (Smaller fritters may be done in 8–10 minutes.) - Prepare for Broiling
Remove the tray and set fritters on a wire rack. Turn the oven to broil. - Make the Glaze
While oven heats to broil, whisk together the confectioner’s sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth. - First Glaze and Broil
Brush a thin layer of glaze over the tops of the fritters. Return to the oven and broil for 2–4 minutes, just until the glaze bubbles and the tops begin to turn golden. - Final Glaze
Carefully remove the tray from the oven. Brush the remaining glaze over the warm fritters. - Cool and Serve
Allow the glaze to set and harden before serving. Fritters are best enjoyed the same day.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Apple choice matters – Tart, firm apples give the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overmix – Treat the batter like muffin batter to keep fritters tender.
- Skip flattening – Batter may seem thick, but it spreads just right in the oven.
- Maple twist – Swap vanilla extract with maple extract in the glaze for fall vibes.
- Optional spice – Add a dash of ground ginger or clove for extra warmth.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with a hot mug of coffee or spiced apple cider.
- Serve warm for a gooey center, or let them cool slightly for more defined flavor.
- Dust with extra cinnamon sugar if skipping the glaze.
- Slice and stuff with cream cheese or whipped butter for a sweet breakfast sandwich.
Storage/Reheating
- Best served the day of baking.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- To reheat: warm in a toaster oven or low-temperature oven (300°F) for 5–7 minutes to maintain texture. Avoid microwaving to keep the outer crispness.
FAQs
Can I make these gluten-free?
A: Yes, with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend, though texture may vary slightly.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: It’s best baked fresh, but you can prep dry and wet ingredients separately in advance.
Can I freeze these?
A: These are best fresh, but you can freeze after baking and glazing. Reheat in oven until warm.
Conclusion
Baked Apple Fritters offer all the cozy joy of your favorite fall bakery treat—without the oil or mess of frying. Incredibly quick, perfectly spiced, and finished with a warm vanilla glaze, these fritters are a must-make for apple season. Treat yourself to a batch—you won’t regret it!
