If you’re craving comfort and warmth with a hit of nostalgia, these Baked Apple Fritters are exactly what you need. Not only do they carry the irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples, but they’re also baked instead of fried—making them lighter and so easy to whip up any time. There’s just something undeniably cozy about biting into a tender fritter filled with juicy apple bites and a hint of vanilla. They’re perfect for breakfast, snack, or dessert, and absolutely shine at fall gatherings or lazy weekends at home.

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Baked Apple Fritters is how simple ingredients can turn into something so special. Each element plays an important part, from the apples that bring natural sweetness and moisture, to the gentle warmth of cinnamon that fills every bite. Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential.

All-purpose flour: The base of your fritter, giving it structure and a tender crumb.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and balances the apples’ natural tartness for just the right bite.
Baking powder: Helps the fritters rise and stay fluffy, not dense.
Ground cinnamon: Adds classic warmth that turns apples into something magical.
Salt: Sharpens and enhances all the flavors, letting the sweetness and spice shine.
Whole milk: Brings the batter together with richness for a soft, moist interior.
Large eggs: Bind the ingredients and create a light, enjoyable texture.
Melted butter: Provides flavor while keeping the fritters tender and never dry.
Vanilla extract: Infuses subtle depth and aroma to accentuate the apples.
Peeled and diced apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith): The star! Choose apples that balance sweetness and tartness for perfect little juicy bursts.
Cooking spray or oil for greasing: Makes sure your fritters release perfectly from the pan and get that golden edge.

How to Make Baked Apple Fritters

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C); the right temperature helps the fritters bake up light and fluffy! Next, lightly grease a muffin tin or line it with paper liners—this keeps the fritters from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, and salt. Mixing your dry ingredients first ensures everything’s evenly distributed, so the fritters bake up beautiful and consistent every time.

Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients

In a separate bowl, combine the whole milk, eggs, melted butter, and vanilla extract. Whisk until the mixture is perfectly smooth; this step helps the eggs and butter blend effortlessly into the batter later.

Step 4: Combine and Fold in Apples

Pour the wet ingredients into your bowl of dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Don’t overmix—it’s okay if the batter is a little lumpy! Gently fold in the diced apples, making sure those sweet chunks are evenly distributed.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Tin

Use a spoon or scoop to divide the batter evenly among the prepared muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full. This gives your Baked Apple Fritters space to puff up while staying tender in the middle.

Step 6: Bake

Slide the muffin tin into your preheated oven and bake for 18–22 minutes. The tops should turn a lovely golden color, and a toothpick inserted in the center will come out clean—your kitchen will smell incredible at this point!

Step 7: Cool and Glaze (Optional)

Allow the fritters to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. If you’re feeling a little extra, drizzle a simple glaze (mix 1/2 cup powdered sugar with 1–2 teaspoons milk) over the cooled fritters for a sparkly, sweet finish.

How to Serve Baked Apple Fritters

Garnishes

Dressing up Baked Apple Fritters couldn’t be easier. Try dusting them with a light snowfall of powdered sugar, a drizzle of vanilla glaze, or even a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for that inviting café look right at home.

Side Dishes

Pair these fritters with a mug of hot coffee, spiced chai, or fresh apple cider for a cozy breakfast. They’re also fantastic alongside a fruit salad or a dollop of yogurt for a more rounded brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Baked Apple Fritters warm with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert. Or, arrange them in a pretty basket lined with a tea towel for brunch gatherings—they’ll disappear in minutes!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your Baked Apple Fritters fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. They’ll stay moist and delicious, especially if you resist glazing until just before serving.

Freezing

Baked Apple Fritters freeze beautifully! Cool completely, then wrap individually and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to three months. Thaw at room temperature or gently warm in the microwave for a treat anytime.

Reheating

If you prefer your fritters warm (and who doesn’t?), pop them in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds, or heat in a low oven (300°F) for five minutes. If glazed, wait to reapply the glaze until after reheating for best results.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Breakfast, Dessert

Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Granny Smith are favorites for their balance of sweet and tart, you can experiment with other firm apples like Fuji or Pink Lady. Avoid softer apples, as they can turn mushy while baking.

Do I have to peel the apples?

Peeling is preferred for the smoothest texture, but leaving the skin on adds a rustic look and a pop of color. Just be sure to dice them small for even distribution in your Baked Apple Fritters.

Can I make these dairy-free?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with any unsweetened non-dairy alternative, and replace the butter with melted coconut oil or a plant-based margarine. The flavor will change slightly, but the fritters will still be tasty and tender.

How do I know when the fritters are done?

Look for a golden top and a toothpick or cake tester that comes out clean when inserted into the center. If in doubt, a few extra minutes at a lower temperature can help prevent soggy centers.

What’s the best way to glaze Baked Apple Fritters?

Wait until the fritters are just barely warm before drizzling the glaze, so it sets without melting off. Use a spoon or fork for fun zigzag patterns, or dip the tops directly in the glaze for full coverage.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing like pulling a batch of Baked Apple Fritters out of the oven to make your kitchen feel a little more joyful. They’re simple, satisfying, and perfect for sharing. I hope you’ll bake a batch soon—because you truly deserve a treat this good!

Baked Apple Fritters Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 12 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Baked Apple Fritters are a delightful treat perfect for breakfast or dessert. Made with diced apples and warm spices, these fluffy fritters are easy to make and even easier to enjoy.

Ingredients

Scale

Dry Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt

Wet Ingredients:

2/3 cup whole milk
2 large eggs
2 tablespoons melted butter
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Additional Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups peeled and diced apples (such as Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
Cooking spray or oil for greasing

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a muffin tin or use paper liners.
Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, mix dry ingredients. In a separate bowl, whisk wet ingredients. Combine wet and dry ingredients, then fold in diced apples.
Bake: Scoop batter into muffin cups and bake for 18–22 minutes until golden and a toothpick comes out clean.
Cool and glaze: Let fritters cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool. Optional: drizzle with glaze.