Sweet Baked Apple Fritters with apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla glaze. Cozy, easy to make, and perfect for any autumn day!
You know how some recipes just feel like a hug? That’s exactly what these baked apple fritters are for me. The first time I made them, it was one of those chilly mornings where you want something warm and comforting, but you’re not quite awake enough to tackle anything complicated. I had a few apples sitting on the counter, a craving for something sweet, and a memory of my grandma’s fried apple fritters from childhood.
The thing is, I don’t love frying. It’s messy, it’s fussy, and it makes my kitchen smell like a carnival for days. So, I decided to bake them instead. Would they still be as good? I wasn’t sure, but I had nothing to lose. And let me tell you, when that first tray came out of the oven—golden, fluffy, and smelling like a fall candle—I knew I was onto something.
Now, these fritters are my go-to for lazy weekends, family brunches, or whenever I just need a little bite of nostalgia without the grease. They’re not identical to grandma’s, but they have their own charm. And the vanilla glaze? That’s all me.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Apple Fritters Recipe?
- No Frying Fuss: All the deliciousness without the greasy cleanup.
- Full of Fall Flavors: Think cinnamon, nutmeg, and apples—basically autumn on a plate.
- Quick and Easy: You can whip these up in under 30 minutes, even if you’re half-asleep.
- Perfect for Sharing: They’re great for brunch, dessert, or just surprising your family with something warm and sweet.
Ingredient Notes:
Here’s what makes these fritters so special:
- Apples: Fresh apples bring natural sweetness and a little texture. I usually go for Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, but honestly, use whatever you’ve got.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a caramel-like richness that pairs perfectly with the apples.
- Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: These spices are the heart of that cozy fall flavor.
- Butter: Cold butter helps create a tender, biscuit-like dough.
- Vanilla Glaze: Sweet and glossy, it’s like the frosting on the cake—or fritter, in this case.
How To Make Baked Apple Fritters?
Step 1. Preheat and Prep
First things first: preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. And if you’re anything like me, this is when you realize you’ve left a random pan in the oven (every time).
Step 2. Mix the Dry Ingredients
Grab a big mixing bowl and whisk together the flours, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. It’s already smelling amazing, isn’t it?
Step 3. Cut in the Butter
Add the cold butter and work it into the dry mixture with a pastry cutter, fork, or your hands (if you don’t mind getting messy). You’re aiming for a crumbly texture—like wet sand.
Step 4. Combine the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and vanilla extract. Pour this into the dry mixture and gently stir until just combined. Overmixing is a no-go here—think fluffy, not dense.
Step 5. Add the Apples
Fold in the chopped apples. Be generous—they’re the star of the show, after all.
Step 6. Shape the Fritters
Using a ¼-cup measuring cup, drop portions of the batter onto your baking sheet. For smaller fritters, a heaping tablespoon works great. Don’t worry about perfection—rustic is the goal here.
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Step 7. Bake and Broil
Bake for 11–13 minutes, or until the bottoms are golden and the centers feel firm. Then switch to broil mode for 2–4 minutes to get those tops beautifully golden. Keep an eye on them—broiling goes from perfect to burnt real fast.
Step 8. Glaze While Warm
While the fritters are cooling slightly, whisk together the glaze ingredients. Brush a layer onto the warm fritters, let it set for a minute, then go in for a second round. Because more glaze is always a good idea.
Step 9. Serve and Enjoy
That’s it! Grab a fritter (or two), pour yourself a coffee, and enjoy a moment of pure fall bliss.
Storage Options:
These fritters are best when fresh, but here’s how to keep them if you’ve got extras:
- Room Temperature: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep them in the fridge for up to 5 days, but let them come to room temp or warm them slightly before eating.
- Freezer: Freeze unglazed fritters for up to 2 months. Glaze them after reheating for that freshly-made feel.
Variations and Substitutions:
Feel like switching things up? Here are some ideas:
- Try Different Fruits: Pears, peaches, or even cranberries would work beautifully.
- Add Zest: A little lemon or orange zest in the batter or glaze adds a bright, fresh twist.
- Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the butter with coconut oil and use almond milk instead of regular milk.
What to Serve with Baked Apple Fritters?
These fritters are great on their own, but if you want to get fancy:
- Hot Drinks: Coffee, tea, or apple cider is a must.
- Ice Cream: Vanilla or caramel ice cream turns these into an amazing dessert.
- Whipped Cream: Because why not?
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Bake them, skip the glaze, and store them. Glaze just before serving for the best results.
What kind of apples work best?
Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites, but any firm apple will work.
Why bake instead of fry?
It’s easier, less messy, and a little healthier. Plus, no standing over a pot of hot oil—win-win!
These Baked Apple Fritters are everything I love about fall in one cozy, sweet, slightly spiced bite. They’re perfect for a lazy weekend, a quick dessert, or just because you’re craving something delicious. What do you think? Ready to give them a try? Let me know how yours turn out—I’d love to hear all about it!
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<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Baked Apple Fritters
Ingredients
For the Fritters:
- 3/4 c. all-purpose flour
- 3/4 c. white whole wheat flour
- 1/2 c. brown sugar
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp. nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp. allspice
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 6 tbsp. butter cold and cut into pieces
- 1/2 c. milk the higher the fat content, the richer the flavor
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1 c. chopped apple
For the Glaze:
- 1 c. confectioner's sugar
- 2 tbsp. milk a higher percentage of fat works the best
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet, with a silicone baking mat (if it's suitable for broiling). Or use it without a mat for cleaning.
- In a bowl whisk together the all-purpose flour, white whole wheat flour, brown sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and salt. Add the butter diced into pieces and mix it into the mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- In a bowl whisk together the milk, egg and vanilla extract. Pour this mixture into the ingredients and stir until they are just combined. Carefully fold in the chopped apple.
- Using a measuring cup of 1/4 cup capacity drop portions of the batter onto the baking sheet. If you prefer smaller fritters use a heaping tablespoon of batter for each.
- Bake for 11 to 13 minutes until the bottoms turn brown and the centers become firm. If you're making smaller fritters start checking for doneness at 8 minutes. Remove them from the oven. Switch to broil mode.
- While waiting for the oven to heat up for broiling prepare the glaze by whisking together confectioners' sugar with milk and vanilla extract until you achieve consistency. Brush a layer of glaze, over each fritter.
- Put the fritters underneath the broiler. Let them cook for 2 to 4 minutes until the tops begin to take on a golden hue and the glaze starts to bubble.
- Take out the baking sheet from the oven carefully and move the fritters onto a wire rack. Brush the remaining glaze, onto the fritters while they are still warm.
- Allow some time for the glaze to solidify then they will be ready to be served. It is recommended to enjoy these apple fritters on the same day, for optimal satisfaction.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
One Response
These are so good didn’t have apple so used peaches next time going to try apples thanks for a great recipe do these need to be kept in refrigerator