Baked Apple Fritters are a lighter, oven-baked take on the classic bakery favorite—soft and tender on the inside, lightly crisp on the outside, and packed with warm cinnamon-spiced apples. Unlike deep-fried fritters, this version delivers all the cozy flavor you crave with less mess and a more approachable, everyday method. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, baked apple fritters are easy to make at home and ideal for fall baking or any time apples are in season.

This recipe is designed for home bakers who want bakery-style results without frying. It is naturally comforting, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

No deep frying required

Soft, fluffy texture with juicy apple pieces
Made with simple pantry ingredients
Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or dessert

Easy to glaze or enjoy plain
Freezer-friendly and great for make-ahead baking

Ingredients for Baked Apple Fritters

For the fritters:

Apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
All-purpose flour
Granulated sugar

Brown sugar
Baking powder
Ground cinnamon

Ground nutmeg (optional)
Salt
Eggs

Milk
Vanilla extract
Melted butter or neutral oil

Optional glaze:

Powdered sugar
Milk or cream

Vanilla extract

Best Apples for Apple Fritters

Choosing the right apple makes a significant difference. Firm, slightly tart apples hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the batter.

Best options include:

Granny Smith (tart and firm)
Honeycrisp (sweet-tart and juicy)
Braeburn

Pink Lady

Avoid very soft apples like Red Delicious, which tend to break down too much during baking.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and dice the apples into small, even pieces. Smaller pieces distribute more evenly throughout the batter and bake more consistently.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures even distribution of leavening and spices.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk eggs, sugars, milk, vanilla, and melted butter until smooth.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Apples

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the diced apples. Avoid overmixing to keep the fritters tender.

Step 5: Bake

Scoop the batter onto a lined baking sheet, shaping rustic mounds. Bake in a preheated oven until golden brown and set.

Step 6: Glaze (Optional)

Once slightly cooled, drizzle with a simple vanilla glaze for a classic bakery-style finish.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters

Dice apples small for even baking

Do not overmix the batter
Use parchment paper to prevent sticking
Allow fritters to cool slightly before glazing

For extra crispness, briefly broil at the end

Variations and Add-Ins

Cinnamon Sugar Finish: Toss warm fritters in cinnamon sugar instead of glazing
Maple Glaze: Replace milk with maple syrup in the glaze

Nutty Crunch: Add chopped walnuts or pecans
Spiced Version: Add ground cloves or allspice
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour

Serving Suggestions

Baked apple fritters are delicious served:

Warm with coffee or tea
As part of a brunch spread

With vanilla ice cream for dessert
Drizzled with caramel sauce

Storage and Freezing

To store: Keep fritters in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days.

To freeze: Freeze unglazed fritters in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before glazing.

Make-Ahead Instructions

The batter can be prepared a few hours ahead and refrigerated. Stir gently before baking. Glaze just before serving for best texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baked apple fritters healthier than fried?

Yes. Baking eliminates the need for deep frying, reducing oil and overall fat while still delivering great flavor.

Can I make these without glaze?

Absolutely. They are delicious plain or with a light dusting of powdered sugar.

Why are my fritters dense?

Overmixing the batter or using too much flour can lead to dense fritters. Mix gently and measure accurately.

Can I use apple pie filling?

Fresh apples are recommended for best texture and flavor, but finely chopped pie filling can work in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

Baked Apple Fritters are the perfect balance of comfort and convenience. With tender apples, warm spices, and a soft bakery-style crumb, they deliver everything you love about traditional fritters—without the fryer. Whether you’re baking for a weekend brunch, a holiday morning, or a cozy afternoon treat, this recipe is one you’ll return to again and again.

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to explore more easy baked breakfast and dessert ideas to keep your kitchen warm and welcoming year-round.

Baked Apple Fritters

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¾ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
• 1½ cups finely diced apples (peeled, about 2 medium—Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

For the glaze:
• ¾ cup powdered sugar
• 1–2 tbsp milk or apple cider
• ½ tsp vanilla extract
• Optional: pinch of cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

In another bowl, whisk milk, egg, melted butter, vanilla, and apples.
Pour wet ingredients into dry; stir until just combined (do not overmix—batter will be thick with apple chunks).
Drop heaping tablespoons of batter onto sheet, spacing 2″ apart (they’ll spread slightly). Flatten gently with wet fingers.

Bake 15–18 min until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Glaze: Whisk powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over warm fritters.
Serve warm or at room temperature. Best enjoyed the same day!