There’s something magical about the smell of warm apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, isn’t there? These Baked Apple Fritters are here to bring that magic to life without the hassle of deep frying or spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re a busy mom juggling a million things, a professional looking for a quick weekend treat, or just someone who loves a good dessert (who doesn’t?), this recipe is your new best friend.
Not only are these fritters baked (hello, healthier option!), but they’re also ridiculously easy to make. Plus, they’re perfect for sharing or not. No judgment if you keep them all to yourself.
Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters
Let’s be real: life is busy. Between work, family, and everything in between, finding time to whip up something delicious can feel like a luxury. That’s where these Baked Apple Fritters come in.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, these fritters are perfect for those “I need something sweet NOW” moments.
- Healthier Twist: Baked, not fried, so you can indulge without the guilt.
- Kid-Approved: Even the pickiest eaters will love these. Trust me, my kids devour them before they’ve even cooled.
- Versatile: Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a midday snack with coffee.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these delightful fritters:
- 2 cups flour
- ¼ cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- ½ tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla
- 2 cups diced apples
- 2 tbsp melted butter
For the Glaze:
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp vanilla
How to Make Baked Apple Fritters
1️⃣ Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step is key to ensuring your fritters don’t stick because no one wants to scrape their dessert off the pan.
2️⃣ Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This is where the magic starts cinnamon is basically the fairy dust of baking.
3️⃣ Add the Wet Ingredients: Stir in the milk, eggs, and vanilla until just combined. Don’t overmix this isn’t a workout!
4️⃣ Fold in the Apples and Butter: Gently fold in the diced apples and melted butter. The batter will be thick, but that’s exactly what you want.
5️⃣ Scoop and Bake: Drop spoonfuls of batter onto your prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each fritter. Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown.
6️⃣ Make the Glaze: While the fritters are baking, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth.
7️⃣ Drizzle and Enjoy: Once the fritters are out of the oven and slightly cooled, drizzle the glaze over the top. Pro tip: Be generous with the glaze it’s the best part!
Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters
- Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples work great for their tartness, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- Don’t Skip the Glaze: It’s what takes these fritters from good to oh-my-gosh amazing.
- Make Them Your Own: Add a pinch of nutmeg or swap the vanilla for almond extract for a fun twist.
A Little Story Behind the Recipe
I first made these Baked Apple Fritters on a rainy Sunday afternoon when my kids were begging for something sweet. I didn’t feel like dealing with the mess of frying, so I decided to bake them instead. The result? A warm, comforting treat that quickly became a family favorite. Now, they’re my go-to for everything from lazy weekend mornings to last-minute potlucks.
FAQs About Baked Apple Fritters
Can I substitute the apples?
Absolutely! Pears or even diced peaches would work beautifully in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
If you have any (unlikely!), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. You can also freeze them for up to a month just reheat in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour.
Ready to Bake?
These Baked Apple Fritters are more than just a recipe they’re a little slice of comfort, a moment of joy in a busy day. So grab your apron, preheat that oven, and let’s get baking!
Looking for more delicious treats? Check out our Healthy Banana Bread or these Easy Oatmeal Cookies for more inspiration.
For tips on how to make the perfect glaze, check out this helpful guide from Serious Eats.
Apple Cinnamon Fritters
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Mixing Bowls
- Whisk
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp cinnamon
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Filling
- 2 cups diced apples
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Glaze
- 1 cup powdered sugar
- 2-3 tbsp milk
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon.
- In a separate bowl, mix milk, eggs, and vanilla. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
- Gently fold in diced apples and melted butter.
- Drop spoonfuls of batter onto the baking sheet. Bake for 15-18 minutes, until golden brown.
- Whisk together powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla for the glaze. Drizzle over warm fritters. Enjoy! 😍