Introduction

Baked Apple Fritters deliver everything people love about classic apple fritters—tender dough, warm cinnamon spice, and sweet apple chunks—without deep frying. By baking instead of frying, these fritters become lighter, less greasy, and easier to make at home, while still offering a soft interior and golden exterior.

What Are Baked Apple Fritters?

Baked Apple Fritters are a twist on the traditional fried doughnut-style fritter. They are made from a thick batter or soft dough mixed with diced apples and warm spices, shaped into rustic mounds, and baked until golden. A simple glaze is often added for sweetness and shine.

Unlike fried fritters, baked versions rely on proper moisture balance and leavening to create tenderness rather than oil absorption.

Why You’ll Love These Baked Apple Fritters

No deep frying required
Soft, tender texture with crisp edges
Warm cinnamon-apple flavor

Lower in fat than traditional fritters
Perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks

These fritters are easy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing.

Key Ingredients and Their Purpose

Apples

Provide sweetness, moisture, and texture.

Flour

Gives structure while keeping fritters tender.

Sugar

Sweetens and encourages browning.

Baking Powder

Creates lift and lightness.

Milk

Adds moisture and softness.

Eggs

Bind ingredients and add richness.

Butter

Enhances flavor and tenderness.

Spices

Cinnamon and nutmeg provide warmth.

Best Apples for Baked Apple Fritters

Granny Smith (tart and firm)

Honeycrisp (sweet-tart balance)
Braeburn or Fuji (hold shape when baked)

Avoid very soft apples that break down too much.

The Science Behind Baking Apple Fritters

Because there is no frying oil to create crispness, baked fritters rely on oven heat, sugar caramelization, and proper hydration. Baking powder creates air pockets, while apples release moisture slowly as they bake.

A brief broil at the end can enhance color before glazing.

Equipment You’ll Need

Mixing bowls

Whisk
Rubber spatula
Baking sheet

Parchment paper
Cooling rack

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

Ingredients (Makes 10–12 Fritters)

2 cups all-purpose flour

½ cup granulated sugar
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tsp baking powder

1½ tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
½ tsp salt

⅔ cup milk
2 large eggs
¼ cup melted butter

2 tsp vanilla extract
2 cups peeled, diced apples

Optional Glaze

1 cup powdered sugar
2–3 tbsp milk
½ tsp vanilla

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients

In a bowl, whisk together flour, sugars, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.

Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients

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

Step 4: Combine Batter

Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix gently until just combined. Fold in diced apples.

Step 5: Shape the Fritters

Scoop batter into rustic mounds on prepared baking sheet.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 18–22 minutes until set and lightly golden.

Step 7: Optional Broil

Broil for 1–2 minutes to enhance color, watching carefully.

Step 8: Glaze

Drizzle glaze over warm fritters and let set.

Tips for Perfect Baked Apple Fritters

Do not overmix batter

Dice apples evenly
Use parchment to prevent sticking
Glaze while warm for best finish

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overbaking (causes dryness)
Using watery apples
Overloading with apples

Skipping parchment paper

Variations and Flavor Twists

Cinnamon Roll Apple Fritters

Add cream cheese glaze instead of vanilla glaze.

Maple Apple Fritters

Use maple syrup in the glaze.

Whole Wheat Fritters

Replace half the flour with whole wheat flour.

Vegan Apple Fritters

Use plant milk and flax eggs.

Serving Suggestions

Breakfast or brunch

Dessert with vanilla ice cream
Afternoon coffee snack
Holiday pastry platter

Storage and Reheating

Store at room temperature for 1 day
Refrigerate up to 3 days
Reheat briefly in oven to refresh texture

Nutritional Information (Approximate per Fritter)

Calories: 210
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 7 g

Protein: 4 g

Frequently Asked Questions

Are baked apple fritters healthy?

They are lighter than fried versions but still a treat.

Can I freeze baked apple fritters?

Yes, unglazed fritters freeze well up to 2 months.

Why are my fritters dense?

Overmixing or too much flour can cause density.

Why Baked Apple Fritters Are Worth Making

These fritters deliver classic apple fritter flavor with less mess and oil. They are easy to make, adaptable, and perfect for home bakers.

Final Thoughts

Baked Apple Fritters prove that comfort baking does not require deep frying. With warm spices, tender apples, and a sweet glaze, they offer bakery-style satisfaction straight from your oven.

Once you try them, they are sure to become a seasonal favorite.

Baked Apple Fritters (Soft, Spiced & Oven-Baked)

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 1½ cups (190g) all-purpose flour
• ½ cup (100g) granulated sugar
• 1½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
• ¼ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• ⅓ cup (80ml) milk (dairy or unsweetened almond)
• ¼ cup (60ml) melted butter or coconut oil
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1½ cups (225g) peeled & finely diced apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
• Topping: 2 tbsp melted butter + ¼ cup (50g) sugar + 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment.
In a bowl, whisk flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, 1½ tsp cinnamon, and salt.
In another bowl, beat egg, milk, melted butter, and vanilla. Stir into dry ingredients until just combined. Fold in apples.

Scoop ¼-cup mounds onto sheet, spacing 2″ apart. Flatten slightly into 2½”-wide rounds.
Bake 14–16 min until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
While warm, brush tops with melted butter, then dip or sprinkle generously with cinnamon-sugar mix.

Cool 5 min—best served same day while tender and fragrant!