If you haven't made apple fritters from scratch, add these Baked Apple Fritters to your recipe list. They are easy to prepare, even if you don't bake much! The outside is nice and golden with a subtle crunch, while the center is soft and fluffy with tender pieces of apple. Finish it with the homemade glaze, and you will have a stunning treat to enjoy for yourself or to share.
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I love a good sweet breakfast item like a scone, donut, or even a fritter! There are few things better in life than a baked apple fritter and a fresh cup of coffee. It's one of the best ways to start the day. The cinnamon and apple flavors are homey and comforting, so it's no surprise that I make them so often.
If you like delicious fritter recipes, you will love air fryer banana fritters and crispy cheesy zucchini fritters.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- It's easy to make: This is a surprisingly easy recipe to make. It's a simple apple fritter recipe that anyone can prepare, even if you don't bake often.
- It's great any time: Apples are associated with fall, but you can get them at the grocery store all year. So, you can make these cinnamon apple fritters any time you want.
- It's not expensive: I love homemade treats, and the best ones typically are budget-friendly. Luckily, this one is no exception! It's not expensive to make it all, so you can enjoy it on repeat.
Ingredients
Essential ingredients for making this recipe are highlighted below. It's a basic soft, baked fritter with fresh apples and a sweet vanilla glaze.
- Apples: You will want a firm, tart apple for the best results. Granny Smith apples are the best apples for fritters and my favorite apple to bake with because they are less sweet and can handle the sugar.
- Lemon juice: Not only does the fresh lemon juice brighten the apples, but it also prevents them from browning.
- Flour: I use all-purpose flour, but feel free to use a gluten-free blend instead.
- Spices: I simply use cinnamon, nutmeg, and a little salt for balance. I keep it simple so the flavors of the cinnamon and nutmeg are noticeable.
- Milk: I find that milk adds fat and moisture to the fritter batter. I highly recommend whole or 2% milk for this recipe.
- Butter: I use melted unsalted butter, since I add a pinch of salt to the batter. It provides richness and helps the fritters brown nicely in the oven.
See the recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts, nutritional information, and detailed instructions.
Variations
- Apple cider. Replace some of the milk with apple cider for a deeper apple flavor.
- Cranberry. Fold in dried cranberries for tartness and a chewy texture.
- Maple glaze. Use maple extract instead of vanilla extract in the glaze for a warm, woody flavor.
- Try pears. This recipe is amazing with diced pears in place of apples.
Give these apple pie bites a shot if you're madly in love with apple recipes like this.
How to Make Oven-Baked Apple Fritters
Here is how to make this baked apple fritters recipe. Get your oven preheated to 375 degrees F, your baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and your apples coated in the lemon juice before you get started.
Step 1: Combine the dry ingredients. Mix the flour, sugar, baking powder, and spices in a mixing bowl until fully incorporated.
Step 2: Mix the wet ingredients. Next, combine milk, egg, butter, and vanilla in a separate larger bowl.
Step 3: Stir the batter. Stir the flour mixture into the egg mixture until the batter forms.
Step 4: Fold in the apples. Now you can fold in the diced apples.
Step 5: Scoop onto the pan and bake. Scoop 2-3-inch-sized fritters onto the prepared pan. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until golden.
Step 6: Let them cool. Allow the apple fritters to cool for about 5 minutes and then transfer them to a cooling rack.
Step 7: Prepare the glaze. Whisk the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla in a small bowl.
Step 8: Drizzle and serve. Once the fritters cool, drizzle the glaze on top, let it set, and enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Ensure they're baked through: Make sure the middle doesn't still feel soft and doughy. They must be baked fully and fluffy on the inside, or you will have raw batter.
- Don't overmix the batter: Be careful not to overwork the batter to prevent dense apple fritters.
- Cut the apples uniformly: Cut the apples into similar-sized pieces to ensure they all cook at the same rate, so the smaller pieces aren't mushy, and the large ones aren't too firm.
If you love oven-baked apple treats, you may also enjoy these apple pie cinnamon rolls and this apple cider cake.
Storage Directions
- Storing: Store the fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or on the counter for 1-2 days. You may freeze them without the glaze for up to 3 months.
- Make Ahead: If you choose to freeze the apple fritters, you may make them ahead, thaw them when you're ready to serve, and coat them in a fresh glaze.
Serving Suggestions
- Have a heaping scoop of pumpkin ice cream or banana boat ice cream with your freshly baked apple fritters.
- A hot drink pairs wonderfully, too. Try cinnamon hot chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Latte or this McDonald's caramel mocha copycat.
- Need some dinner inspiration? try this Rotisserie Chicken Soup before dessert!
Recipe FAQs
Yes! Cook the cinnamon apple fritters at 375 degrees F for 6-8 minutes, flip them, and then cook them for an additional 4-5 minutes.
Sure. Heat a pot of oil to 350 degrees F and fry them for 2-3 minutes per side and drain the excess oil with a paper towel-lined plate.
If you overbake them, they can dry out pretty easily. Once they start to brown on the edges and are no longer wet in the middle, they are good to cool.
More Delicious Apple Recipes
Do you like apple recipes? Here are some recipes you may also like to try.
If you try this recipe and love it please leave a star rating in the recipe card below or even better, drop a review in the comment section. I always appreciate your feedback. Be sure to follow along with me on Facebook, Pinterest, and YouTube for more easy recipes!
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored, and diced (We love Honey Crisp for this recipe)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice to toss the apple in
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ cup milk
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 medium apple peeled, cored, and diced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice to toss the apple in
- Cooking spray or oil for crisping
For the Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 1 ½ tablespoons milk
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Thoroughly coat the diced apple in a small bowl with lemon juice to prevent browning. Set aside.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, melted butter, and vanilla extract until combined.
- Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients a little at a time and stir until just combined. The batter will be thick. Do not overmix!
- Gently fold in the diced apples.
- Spray the parchment paper on your prepared baking sheet lightly with a neutral cooking oil or cooking spray. Scoop the fritter batter using an ice cream scoop or large spoon and drop it onto the prepared baking sheet, shaping the fritters into rounds (about 2-3 inches wide). Lightly press them down for a more flattened shape.
- Lightly spray the tops of the fritters with cooking spray, or brush them with a little melted butter or oil. This will help create a golden, crispy exterior while baking.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the fritters are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Check after 20 minutes to ensure they don't get too dark.
- While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract in a small bowl until smooth. Adjust the consistency by adding more milk if needed.
- Once the fritters are done baking, remove them from the oven and let them cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes. Set a cooling rack over a baking sheet and transfer the fritters to the rack. Drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters and let it set slightly before serving.
Video
Notes
- You may store your baked apple fritters at room temperature for 1-2 days or in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Feel free to air fry or deep-fry the fritters instead of baking them.
- Stir the batter gently and just until the ingredients are combined, to prevent tough or dense apple fritters.
Nutrition
This post was originally published, 7/31/21. It's been updated with new content and images.
Semirar says
Very tasty receipe! First time trying these and I am delighted with how they turned out!
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad to hear it! This recipe is a personal favorite! All the best. Karin
Katelyn k says
I am not a baker so i thought these were not going to turn out well but thanks to your easy to follow recipe i think im getting the hang of it. I made them for my grandmothers birthday bc she loves apple fritters. I think she liked them even more then i did. It was great memory. Thank you so much! I will definitely be making these again ❤️
Karin and Ken says
I’m so glad you enjoyed them. They are definitely easier to make than you would think! Enjoy your day! Karin
Aaliyah says
These are the best apple fritters i have made ever. My grandmother used to make them when i was young and i could never get her recipe right. Thanks to you guys i have a masters ! Thank you KD
Karin and Ken says
As always you’re most welcome! We try our best! Take care. Karin
Kerry says
I was so scared to make these. But your recipe was a hit! Im kind of scared of baking so thank you for the confidence boost in the kitchen. They are so delicious and everyone wanted the recipe so i told them to come to you guys!
Karin and Ken says
Thank you for taking the time to comment. You just made my day. Karin
Garth says
Wow this is the best fritter recipe i have ever made. And it was super easy. Your glaze recipe is so yummy. I cant even imagine making them without that glaze. Will definitely make again
Karin and Ken says
We love them too. All the best. Karin
Crystal says
Awwe this reminds me of my nanas homemade. I never thought I could pull it off but it's easier than I thought. She is long gone but this makes me feel closer to her in some way. Thank you 🙏 RIP Nana!
Karin and Ken says
I’m so happy to hear it! So happy you enjoyed them. All the best. Karin